QA Automation Engineer

Howdens

onsitePosted Jun 19, 2026

Skills

azure devopsplaywrightprincipleazurejirajavac#

About the role

QA Automation Engineer

Location: Croxley Park, Watford

Working Pattern: 4 days onsite, 1 day from home

What you’ll be doing

Designing, building and maintaining automated test solutions to support high‑quality software delivery

Executing and enhancing existing automation packs while contributing to future automation strategy

Working closely with development and product teams to understand requirements and assess automation scope

Creating automation test approaches, test data and supporting environmental requirements

Identifying, managing and reporting defects, highlighting risks and release impacts

Supporting continuous improvement across test processes, tools and frameworks

Creating, maintaining and executing automation test packs using tools such as Playwright and TOSCA

Analysing requirements and changes to assess automation scope and test approaches

Working closely with development, product and wider IT teams to identify defects and improve quality

Reporting on defect status, risks and release impacts within agreed timeframes

Supporting and mentoring new or seconded members of the test team where required

What we need from you

Educated to degree level in a computer science–related discipline, or equivalent industry experience

Experience creating, maintaining and executing automated test packs

Strong understanding of testing practices across Agile and Waterfall environments

Knowledge of automation and scripting languages such as C#, .NET, Java or similar

Experience using ALM tools such as Azure DevOps or Jira, including CI pipelines

ISTQB / ISEB certification (or working towards)

Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively

A collaborative mindset with a results‑driven approach

What we can offer you

Competitive salary and annual company bonus

Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)

25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days

Staff Discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Howdens

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery and hardware. With over 900 depots across the UK and Europe, we support more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa £2.3bn, and we continue to grow with an ambitious future ahead. We’re proud to be recognised as one of the Best Big Companies to Work For, offering a fast‑paced, commercial and supportive environment where people can build long‑term careers.

How to apply

We’re building a future driven by innovation, service and sustainability. If Howdens sounds like the place for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment and supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process.

If you require any adjustments, please contact recruitmentteam@howdens.com quoting the job title and location.

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitment@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

#L1-HG1 #CVL INDKSD #Reed

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