Non Functional & Performance Test Architect (Contract)
Posted
Summary
6-month contract for a Test Architect to define and implement an enterprise-wide Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing strategy for a leading wealth management client, working hybrid (2-3 days onsite) from London or Cirencester. Day-to-day involves setting standards, tooling, governance, and a shift-left approach across performance, resilience, and security, leveraging Snowflake, SQL,
Key Details...
Job Type: Contract (6 months)
Location: London or Cirencester
Working Style: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite a week)
Day rate: £600-750
Why this role exists…
Job Type: Contract (6 months)
Location: London or Cirencester
Working Style: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite a week)
Day rate: £600-750
Why this role exists…
We're working with a leading wealth management client to strengthen how non-functional quality is embedded across their technology estate
Rather than treating performance, resilience, security, and operational readiness as activities that happen towards the end of delivery, we're building a proactive, shift-left approach where these considerations are built into solutions from the start.
We are looking for a Test Architect who will sit within the central technology teams and be responsible for defining and implementing the enterprise-wide Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing strategy.
You'll play a central role in shaping how non-functional quality is approached across an entire organisation, helping teams deliver technology that is performant, resilient, scalable, and operationally ready from day one.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Establishing the standards, frameworks, tooling, governance and best practices for non-functional and performance testing
- Providing leadership and guidance on performance engineering and non-functional testing practices
- Embedding a shift-left approach to performance, resilience, reliability, security, availability, and recoverability across the delivery lifecycle
- Defining and governing tooling and frameworks that support enterprise-wide adoption
- Working closely with Engineering, Architecture, Product, DevOps, Cloud Operations, and Delivery teams to drive consistent approaches
- Defining metrics, reporting, and quality measures to improve visibility and decision-making
- Driving continuous improvement across non-functional testing and performance engineering capabilities
In your first 3-6 months, success might look like:
- Establishing a clear Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing strategy and roadmap
- Defining enterprise standards, governance processes, and tooling recommendations
- Building strong relationships across technology teams and suppliers
We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong stakeholder management skills.
You might be a great fit if you have:
- Significant experience in Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing within large-scale technology environments
- Background in the financial services industry and working with Snowflake and SQL
- Strong knowledge of performance, scalability, resilience, reliability, security, availability, and recoverability testing
- Experience defining enterprise standards, frameworks, and governance models
- An understanding of modern software engineering, cloud platforms, DevOps, and CI/CD practices
- Experience selecting and implementing non-functional testing tools and frameworks
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and technical teams without direct authority
- Experience working collaboratively with third-party suppliers and partners
This role might not be the right fit if you're looking for:
- A project-based delivery role focused primarily on test execution
- A role limited to a single application or programme
- Minimal stakeholder engagement or strategic responsibility