Test Lead - Operational Technology (PowerOn ADMS)

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients.  We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications.  We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals. 

About the Role:

As a Test Lead, you’ll play a central role in assuring the quality, reliability and readiness of changes delivered into critical operational systems. Working across OT and IT boundaries, you will validate that enhancements, integrations and workflows within PowerOn ADMS perform exactly as intended and support the safe and efficient operation of the network.

You will work closely with analysts, architects, SMEs and operational teams to define a structured and repeatable testing approach, ensuring full traceability from requirements through to operational acceptance. This role is ideal for someone who is confident leading testing in complex, safety-critical environments, bringing rigour, clarity and independence to the validation process.

As the Test Lead, you will:

• Define and maintain the test strategy for PowerOn ADMS changes and related OT systems.
• Develop detailed test plans, scripts and scenarios based on functional, non-functional and regulatory requirements.
• Validate system workflows, data flows and integrations across PowerOn ADMS and connected OT/IT systems.
• Execute or oversee execution of functional, non-functional, regression and performance testing.
• Work closely with operational SMEs to align scenarios with real-world use cases and network operations.
• Lead defect management, triage and reporting, ensuring clear communication through to resolution.
• Provide test execution reporting, readiness assessments and governance documentation.
• Support operational acceptance and go-live decision making, ensuring risks are clearly understood and mitigated.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the testing process, frameworks and documentation.

• Proven experience as a Test Lead or Senior Test Analyst within OT, ADMS, SCADA or safety-critical systems.
• Experience with PowerOn ADMS or similar OT/SCADA/ADMS systems is highly desirable
• Experience developing comprehensive test coverage in complex multi-system environments.
• Familiarity with testing interfaces, data flows and end-to-end operational processes.
• Ability to interpret business and operational requirements and translate them into testable scenarios.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Clear communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence leading discussions across technical and operational teams.
• Experience in regulated sectors such as energy, utilities, or critical national infrastructure is advantageous.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life.  In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package: 

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth. 
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance.  We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can. 
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more…. 

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. 

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.

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