Jacob Ward

• Lead CEF’s automation strategy across all IT Domains from within our Engineering & Testing Practice. Implementing scalable test automation and embedding best practices across our UK and US teams. Oversee frameworks such as Cypress, Playwright, Postman, K6 and Leapwork. Manage a UK-based team of three automation engineers and coach Domain QAs globally to embed modern automation tooling and CI/CD standards within their teams.

Current Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Designed and published an internal Automation Standards package published to CEFs internal GitLab Registry, enabling Domain teams to scaffold projects and generate code helpers and utilities when requested. Improving code quality, consistency and development speed.
• Standardised UI automation across domains using Cypress and Playwright, significantly increasing test reliability and release confidence.
• Expanded API test coverage using Postman, integrating suites into CI/CD pipelines across multiple domains.
• Built re-usable K6 frameworks configurable via GitLab, enabling domain driven load and performance testing.
• Developed and scaled a Leapwork-based regression suite for the Heritage Trading Platform (HTP), enabling automated testing across 100+ executables in UK, US, Australia, Spain, and Canada—now exceeding 3,000 tests.
• Automated high-volume repetitive finance processes in Production, saving 200–300 manual hours weekly at Head Office using Leapwork.
• Govern automation standards globally, embedding tooling into deployment pipelines.
• Coach and mentor Domain QAs in the UK and US on automation frameworks and CI/CD integration.

• Promoted internally, I gained team leadership skills whilst transitioning into a dedicated automation role. Initially in my own time developed and then implemented UI regression packs using Cypress across several domains, established test standards, and mentored Domain QAs. I also oversaw the integration of Leapwork into our US sister company CES.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Led QA efforts on CEF’s solar panel distribution initiative.
• Introduced and embedded Cypress-based UI regression suites across multiple domains.
• Integrated Leapwork into CES (US Sister Company) testing processes.
• Line managed and mentored UK and US-based colleagues on automation best practices.
• · Embedded automated regression packs in GitLab pipelines.
• · Delivered automation of internal applications, including CEF’s holiday booking system.

Developed strong foundations in functional, API, and automation testing while contributing to quality standards across teams.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Executed manual tests across internal systems and applications.
• Wrote and managed test cases in Zephyr Scale.
• Built and executed API test suites using Postman and integrated them into CI/CD pipelines.
• Performed AWS-related testing and SQL data validation.
• Became an SME for the Heritage Trading Platform’s (HTP).
• Mentored peers on quality standards across teams.

Started career via a Level 3 Software Development Apprenticeship, progressing quickly into a full-time QA role with growing responsibilities in test automation.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Completed Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships in software development and testing.
• Performed end-to-end manual testing across web-based platforms.
• Introduced and developed early test automation using Leapwork.
• Wrote and executed test cases, mentored peers, and supported cross-functional collaboration.
• Achieved ISTQB Foundation Certification.