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I am a Senior Automation QA / SDET with 25+ years’ experience delivering high-impact test automation and quality improvements across web, API and data platforms. I specialize in rapidly designing and implementing scalable automation frameworks (Playwright, Cypress) and embedding them into CI/CD pipelines. I have a proven ability to quickly assess existing QA capability, identify gaps, and deliver practical, production-ready solutions with minimal oversight. I have a strong track record of improving release confidence, reducing regression risk, and enabling teams to scale automation effectively. I am comfortable working in fast-paced contract environments, taking ownership from day one and delivering measurable improvements within short timeframes.…I am a Senior Automation QA / SDET with 25+ years’ experience delivering high-impact test automation and quality improvements across web, API and data platforms. I specialize in rapidly designing and implementing scalable automation frameworks (Playwright, Cypress) and embedding them into CI/CD pipelines. I have a proven ability to quickly assess existing QA capability, identify gaps, and deliver practical, production-ready solutions with minimal oversight. I have a strong track record of improving release confidence, reducing regression risk, and enabling teams to scale automation effectively. I am comfortable working in fast-paced contract environments, taking ownership from day one and delivering measurable improvements within short timeframes.

Steven Hobbs

QA Engineer, Web Developer, Front-End Developer, +2

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I am a Senior Automation QA / SDET with 25+ years’ experience delivering high-impact test automation and quality improvements across web, API and data platforms. I specialize in rapidly designing and implementing scalable automation frameworks (Playwright, Cypress) and embedding them into CI/CD pipelines. I have a proven ability to quickly assess existing QA capability, identify gaps, and deliver practical, production-ready solutions with minimal oversight. I have a strong track record of improving release confidence, reducing regression risk, and enabling teams to scale automation effectively. I am comfortable working in fast-paced contract environments, taking ownership from day one and delivering measurable improvements within short timeframes.…I am a Senior Automation QA / SDET with 25+ years’ experience delivering high-impact test automation and quality improvements across web, API and data platforms. I specialize in rapidly designing and implementing scalable automation frameworks (Playwright, Cypress) and embedding them into CI/CD pipelines. I have a proven ability to quickly assess existing QA capability, identify gaps, and deliver practical, production-ready solutions with minimal oversight. I have a strong track record of improving release confidence, reducing regression risk, and enabling teams to scale automation effectively. I am comfortable working in fast-paced contract environments, taking ownership from day one and delivering measurable improvements within short timeframes.

Available to hire

I am a Senior Automation QA / SDET with 25+ years’ experience delivering high-impact test automation and quality improvements across web, API and data platforms. I specialize in rapidly designing and implementing scalable automation frameworks (Playwright, Cypress) and embedding them into CI/CD pipelines.

I have a proven ability to quickly assess existing QA capability, identify gaps, and deliver practical, production-ready solutions with minimal oversight. I have a strong track record of improving release confidence, reducing regression risk, and enabling teams to scale automation effectively. I am comfortable working in fast-paced contract environments, taking ownership from day one and delivering measurable improvements within short timeframes.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Work Experience

Senior Automation QA at Nexudus (SaaS for coworking operators)

November 1, 2023 - April 1, 2026

Rapidly designed and delivered a scalable Playwright automation framework (TypeScript), leveraging AI-assisted development to accelerate test creation (minutes vs hours) and reduce framework maintenance overhead. Enabled rapid expansion of regression coverage across core user journeys, improving release confidence and reducing reliance on manual testing. Assessed existing QA processes and identified key gaps. Delivered improvements to QA workflow, triage, and prioritisation. Introduced structured automation and API testing approaches (Postman), improving visibility of system behaviour and defects. Partnered with engineering and design teams to support a major UX overhaul while maintaining platform stability. Improved product quality and customer experience through faster issue turnaround and clear release risk communication.

Senior Automation QA at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis

March 1, 2020 - June 1, 2023

Tested in-house research tools and client data platforms (React, DynamoDB, SQL Server) plus public-facing websites. Delivered automation frameworks from scratch (Cypress/Playwright), improving test reliability and enabling CI-driven regression coverage. Created BDD specifications in Gherkin with developers and business analysts to clarify requirements and reduce rework. Implemented API tests using Postman/Newman and/or Cypress and integrated automated runs into CI (CircleCI). Wrote performance test scripts (JMeter) covering the most common user journeys, enabling engineers to tune the application and deliver an 8x improvement—reducing AWS compute costs and delaying further scaling.

Senior Automation QA (Contract) at Collinson Group

February 1, 2013 - December 1, 2019

Led QA and automation across customer-facing insurance sites and claims management systems (household, travel, ASU and dental) plus membership programmes. Designed and delivered automation frameworks (Ruby/Selenium/Watir/Cucumber; later C#/SpecFlow and Cypress) to match product and team needs. Embedded automation into CI pipelines (TeamCity/Jenkins) to provide fast regression feedback during agile delivery. Tested API feeds/integrations from third-party insurance providers, validating data mapping, error handling and downstream impacts on pricing, policy and claims workflows. Delivered performance testing (JMeter) and API testing (Postman/Newman) with CI integration. Mentored and trained in-house and offshore QA teams in automation; created reusable test harnesses, starter frameworks and internal courses to accelerate adoption.

Test Analyst (Contract) at LBi Limited (now Digitas)

November 1, 2011 - November 1, 2012

Delivered testing on high-profile client projects (Footlocker, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Cunard) and Facebook apps (Coca-Cola, Benefit Cosmetics). Facilitated specification workshops with product owners to define functional requirements and acceptance criteria. Produced test plans and executed manual and automated test scripts using BDD practices.

Test Analyst (Contract) at Just Eat

March 1, 2011 - August 1, 2011

Tested the main website plus admin/billing systems across multiple countries and languages. Executed regression and UAT; raised clear defects in Jira and coordinated with developers, BAs and business stakeholders.

Test Analyst (Contract) at BSkyB

September 1, 2009 - March 1, 2011

Tested Sky customer website across the full delivery lifecycle (front-end, integration, regression and UAT). Delivered end-to-end test planning and execution, managed defects in Jira, and ensured production readiness through structured go-live verification.