Carnival UK is in search of a Senior Manager, Head of Test and Quality Assurance, who is crucial in supporting our technological direction and nurturing a high-performing team. Your responsibilities will include:
- Lead the Test and Quality Assurance practice, managing testing resources across DTO and building a strong, inclusive community of quality professionals.
- Own the enterprise test strategy, standards and tooling framework, including test automation, environments and data management.
- Provide independent quality assurance across delivery domains, overseeing release sign-off and escalating risks where required.
- Own defect management and reporting, using quality trends, testing evidence and production insight to drive continuous improvement.
Positioned within our internal structure from CUK15 (entry level) to CUK1 (Brand President), this role is classified as a CUK06, offered as a full-time position, on a permanent basis. We offer hybrid work including up to two days from home.
Requirements: Your Expertise and Leadership
To thrive as a Senior Manager, Head of Test and Quality Assurance, we're looking for:
- Significant experience leading testing and quality assurance functions within a complex organisation.
- Proven experience defining enterprise test strategies, quality standards and assurance processes across in-house and third-party technology delivery.
- Strong knowledge of modern quality engineering, test automation, release governance and defect management.
- Professional certification in software testing, quality assurance, Agile delivery or quality engineering practices, such as ISTQB or Agile Testing, is desirable.
About You: A Catalyst for Change
We believe that diversity enriches our team. We're interested in candidates who:
- Build capable and inclusive teams through clear expectations, coaching, career development and succession planning.
- Make evidence-led decisions that balance delivery pace, quality, guest value, cost and risk.
- Communicate quality concerns with clarity and confidence while remaining sensitive to delivery priorities.
- Collaborate effectively across Engineering, Product, Delivery, Operations and strategic supplier teams to embed shared ownership of quality.
Why Join Us?
Working with us is about more than a job. It's about creating unforgettable holiday happiness for our guests and a fulfilling career for you. Our benefits package reflects our commitment to your wellbeing:
- Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
- Annual bonus
- A friendly welcome with help settling in
- Regular office events including live entertainment, lifestyle events and charity partner fundraisers
- Extensive learning and development opportunities
- Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading scheme
- Employee-led networks
- Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programmes
- Recognition scheme with prizes and awards
- Contributory Defined Contribution Pension scheme
- Company paid private medical and dental insurance and health assessment
- In-house Occupational Health help and access to digital GP
- Life Assurance
- Parental and adoption leave
- Employee Shares Plan
- Electric Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Onsite restaurant offering range of healthy cooked and grab and go meals
- Discounted retail and leisure via discounts portal
Ready to Lead?
If guiding a technology team to new heights excites you, we're eager to hear from you. Apply now to start your journey with us, where your performance-led leadership will make a difference in our shared success.
Recruitment Journey
For more information on your recruitment journey, please visit our Candidate Journey Map.
Any offer of employment for this role will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a Basic DBS check. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment; any information disclosed will be considered fairly and proportionately in light of the responsibilities of the role.
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Skills Required
- Significant experience leading testing and quality assurance functions within a complex organisation
- Experience defining enterprise test strategies, quality standards, and assurance processes across in-house and third-party technology delivery
- Strong knowledge of modern quality engineering, test automation, release governance, and defect management
- Professional certification in software testing, quality assurance, Agile delivery, or quality engineering, such as ISTQB or Agile Testing
What We Do
Holland America Group is a cruise operator serving brands including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and P&O Australia. Its flagship, Holland America Line, has been a leader in cruising for over 150 years, providing more than 500 annual sailings across seven continents. The group is committed to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences through excellence in service and exploration of exotic destinations worldwide.
