Automation Architect AVP

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Automation Architect to join our dynamic Automation CoE team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality assurance methodologies, testing automation frameworks, and a thorough understanding of financial systems and processes. The successful candidate will work on extending our existing in-house Java based automation framework that leverages Playwright and RestAssured to deliver QA automation capability within the bank. 

Business Area

IT

Long Description

The candidate will be required to lead automation testing initiatives including:

• Design and architect enhancements to our framework core
• Leading offshore team members in enhancing the core and application specific layers
• Approving team PR’s, merge requests, conducting code reviews vs agreed standards and expectations
• Engaging with application teams and manual testers to understand automation target scope, including compatibility with the framework and ROI

The candidate will be expected to work under the guidance of a head of QA Automation and to embed quality through all phases of the programme.

The QA Automation role will focus on the following three key areas:

1.     Technical

• Deliver a high-quality test automation framework by adopting good coding practices and software design patterns. Focus on Java and leveraging Playwright and RestAssured libraries.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts for financial software applications using industry-standard automation tools and frameworks.
• Execute automated test suites to validate software functionality, performance, reliability, and security.
• Continuously improve test automation processes and methodologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of Automation best practices, standards, and guidelines tailored to the finance industry.
• Work with the SMBC DevOps team to create and maintain CI/CD integration to automation framework and automated build verification test.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes affecting financial software testing practices.

2.     Analysis

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand automaton requirements
• Consulting with QA team stakeholders, reviewing test requirements and identify use-cases for validation.
• Act as a key facilitator within the team, acting as a bridge between the client stakeholder, QA, PM, Developers and the Automation CoE team.

3.     Collaboration and Management

• Maintain good rapport with key stakeholders and ability to adapt in a challenging situation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• Manage and fulfil expectations of key stakeholders, Project Lead, Head of QA Automation, and project team.
• Uphold high level of integrity and ethics as set by SMBC.
• Organise and deliver test automation training and presentations for project team and other stakeholders where required.
• Good interpersonal and team-working skills and robust and organized approach to work.

Required Knowledge

• Proven technical experience in software quality assurance and test automation, with a focus on finance-related applications.
• Strong proficiency in the Java programming language
• Strong understanding of software testing principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Hands-on experience with test automation frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Selenium, Cucumber, RestAssured) and version control systems (e.g., GitHub).
• Strong experience in developing and implementing test automation frameworks within CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience in implementing test automation using Java, Maven, TestNG, IntelliJ, Playwright, RestAssured, Selenium, Bitbucket, Bamboo, Cucumber reports and XRAY.
• Knowledge of financial industry regulations and compliance standards (e.g., MIFID, GDPR).
• Familiarity with database technologies (SQL, NoSQL) and experience in writing SQL queries for data validation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!