Senior / Lead Automation Tester

We are looking for a highly skilled Senior / Lead Automation Tester to join our Johannesburg-based consulting team on an initial 6?month contract. This role requires an experienced professional who is both technically hands-on and capable of leading, coordinating, and mentoring a team of junior testers.

The successful person will take full ownership of their deliverables as well as the team’s output, ensuring a high standard of quality across all testing initiatives. While the role is heavily automation-focused, the candidate must also be willing and able to perform manual and functional testing when required.

What you'll do:

• Lead and mentor a team of junior and intermediate automation testers.
• Coordinate testing activities and ensure alignment with project timelines and quality standards.
• Design, build, and maintain robust automation frameworks.
• Drive high-quality test automation practices across the team.
• Work hands?on with automation tools and frameworks (primarily Java and Selenium).
• Perform manual and functional testing as needed to support project deliverables.
• Own the end-to-end automation strategy, including planning, execution, and reporting.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including developers, BAs, and project managers.
• Conduct Proof of Concepts (POCs) where required.
• Ensure effective API testing strategy and maintain automation for APIs.
• Support mobile automation initiatives and frameworks.
• Contribute to the potential future adoption of AI-driven testing strategies.

Your Expertise:

• 7+ years experience
• Strong automation experience using Selenium.
• Advanced Java programming skills.
• API automation experience (essential).
• Experience leading or mentoring technical teams.
• Ability to take ownership and operate autonomously.
• Willingness and capability to perform manual and functional testing when needed.
• Experience with SmartBear tools (e.g., SoapUI, ReadyAPI).
• POC development experience.
• Mobile automation experience (e.g., Appium).
• Exposure to or interest in AI-driven testing.
• Insurance industry experience (advantageous).

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Problem-solving mindset with proactive ownership.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within technical teams and business stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and quality-driven approach.