Northwestern Mutual

Test Lead

Northwestern Mutual$118K — $178K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in a consulting, quality, testing, or technology leadership role, preferably in financial services.
  • Experience in aligning testing with enterprise strategy and large-scale initiatives.
  • Strong leadership skills to guide teams without direct authority.
  • Effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Analytical skills for data-driven quality and adoption decisions.
  • Proven cross-functional collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with business stakeholders to align testing strategies with operational needs.
  • Provide expert consultation on testing strategies and quality standards.
  • Lead comprehensive testing efforts, defining scope and execution strategies.
  • Drive effective change management and adoption practices.
  • Analyze stakeholder feedback to identify risks in quality assurance.
  • Collaborate with technology teams to ensure alignment with business outcomes.
  • Evaluate industry best practices to enhance testing approaches.

Benefits

  • Culture of accountability and high-quality standards.
  • Opportunities for professional development and learning.
  • Support for work-life balance through flexible work arrangements.
  • Access to emerging technologies and practices in testing.
  • Collaborative work environment across business and technology teams.
Full Job Description
Test Lead

About the Job

This role provides expert guidance and consultation to support key business initiatives and ensure successful adoption of technology solutions. The Test Lead is accountable for overall results, quality outcomes, and sustained adoption across assigned initiatives.

You will partner closely with business and technology teams to define work structures, allocate resources, manage dependencies, and ensure high-quality delivery. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will help stakeholders understand how initiatives fit into the broader strategy, address challenges early, and drive organizational change. This role blends test leadership, consulting, and change management to deliver meaningful business impact.

What You'll Do

  • Partner with business stakeholders and advisors to understand operational needs and client engagement, ensuring testing strategies support adoption and user experience.


  • Provide consultation on testing strategy, quality standards, and end-to-end validation approaches for priority initiatives.


  • Lead testing efforts by defining scope, test plans, dependencies, and execution strategies across cross-functional teams.


  • Drive change management and adoption practices by applying structured methodologies to improve consistency and effectiveness across initiatives.


  • Analyze feedback from the field and stakeholders to identify quality risks and incorporate insights into testing and automation strategies.


  • Collaborate with technology partners to assess the impact of proposed solutions and ensure testing coverage aligns with business outcomes.


  • Evaluate industry trends and best practices to inform testing approaches, quality improvements, and future-state experiences.


  • Serve as an advocate for clients and business partners, ensuring solutions are well-tested, reliable, and aligned to strategic goals.


What You'll Bring to the Role

  • Advanced degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in a consulting, quality, testing, or technology leadership role, ideally within financial services or a complex distribution environment.


  • Experience aligning testing and delivery efforts to enterprise strategy and large-scale initiatives.


  • Strong leadership and influence skills, with the ability to guide teams and stakeholders without direct authority.


  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.


  • Strong analytical skills with experience using data and metrics to drive quality and adoption decisions.


  • Proven experience working cross-functionally with business, technology, and operations partners.


Skills You Have

  • Holds self and others accountable for high-quality, timely, and cost-effective delivery. Sets priorities, delegates effectively, and takes ownership of outcomes.


  • Translates complex technical and testing concepts into clear, actionable messages for diverse audiences, bridging business and technology teams.


  • Designs and leads test strategies, plans, and methodologies to validate functional, integration, and performance requirements across systems.


  • Defines and guides test automation frameworks and approaches, partnering with teams to improve efficiency, coverage, and reliability.


  • Collaborates across functions to align testing efforts with shared goals, timelines, and dependencies.


  • Builds credibility and influences decisions by understanding organizational needs, client impact, and the broader business context.


  • Continuously learns, evaluates emerging practices, and applies critical thinking to improve testing processes and outcomes.


Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$118,960.00

Pay Range - End:

$178,440.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:
$130,880.00 USD - $196,320.00 USD

Structure 115:
$136,800.00 USD - $205,200.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

Job Posting End Date:
08/31/2026

The timeline for this job posting may be shortened or extended based on organizational needs.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Northwestern Mutual.

SEARCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL JOBS

Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
Learn more about Northwestern Mutual
Size
7,000 employees
Industry

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