Test Analyst

The role:

We are looking for a Test Analyst to join our IT department in Bristol.

An opportunity to join our team at a time when we are evolving how technology supports the firm and enhances the way we deliver legal and business services.

The Test Analyst will work day‑to‑day within one of our delivery squads while remaining part of the central Test Team. The role is responsible for planning, designing and executing a wide range of testing activities across applications, integrations and modern technology solutions, ensuring that all deliverables meet defined acceptance criteria and quality standards.

Working closely with business analysts, product owners and other members of the squad, the Test Analyst will help shape test coverage aligned to user stories, acceptance criteria and business needs. The Test Analyst will help identify quality risks and potential delivery issues early, providing clear visibility to the squad and sporting informed delivery decisions. Alongside core legal applications, the role includes supporting the testing of new and emerging technologies such as AI‑enabled productivity tools, automation platforms and third‑party legal technology solutions. The Test Analyst will ensure that testing activities, documentation and evidence remain consistent with the standards, governance and practices defined by the central Testing function.

What will you do:

• Plan, design and execute test cases for squad deliverables, ensuring test coverage aligns with user stories, acceptance criteria and business needs.

• Create and maintain test cases in Azure DevOps, ensuring clear linkage to requirements, scope and traceability standards.

• Identify, document and track defects, supporting resolution through clear and timely reporting on test progress and outcomes.

• Work closely with developers, business analysts, product owners and other squad members to clarify requirements, identify risks early and support high‑quality delivery.

• Contribute to Agile ceremonies (such as refinements, sprint planning, daily stand‑ups, reviews and retrospectives) to help embed quality throughout the delivery lifecycle.

• Execute a range of manual testing activities across applications, integrations and data flows, ensuring functionality, behaviour and quality meet expectations.

• Support the testing of modern and emerging technologies, including AI‑enabled tools, automation platforms and third‑party legal technology solutions.

• Assist with User Acceptance Testing (UAT), supporting business users with test execution, gathering evidence and ensuring feedback is captured effectively.

• Review testing deliverables and activities across in‑house development, low‑code solutions and third‑party or vendor‑provided applications to ensure they meet agreed standards.

• Contribute to regression, change control and release activities to ensure all deployments are thoroughly tested, stable and ready for production.

• Ensure that all testing activities, documentation, evidence and reporting conform to the standards, practices and governance defined by the central Testing function.

What we are looking for:

Core testing capability

• Proven experience in planning, designing and executing a wide range of testing activities across applications, integrations and relevant quality areas.

• Ability to structure and prioritise testing activities based on risk and business impact.

• Experience supporting User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is an advantage.

• Ability to follow established testing standards, documentation practices and governance.

Tools and technologies

• Familiarity with test management tools, ideally Azure DevOps.

• Experience working across application, integration and data‑focused testing.

• Awareness of automation concepts or low‑code automation tools is beneficial.

• Understanding of cloud and integration technologies (e.g., APIs, data flows, Azure services) is advantageous.

• Knowledge or experience of AI‑enabled or emerging digital solutions is an advantage.

Ways of working

• Comfortable working independently within a delivery squad while maintaining alignment with the central Testing function.

• Strong collaboration skills, working effectively with developers, business analysts, product owners and delivery partners.

• Ability to identify quality risks, challenge assumptions and raise concerns in a constructive manner.

Problem solving & analytical skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to think critically when required.

Communication & interpersonal skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with both technical and non‑technical colleagues.

• Ability to work well as part of a diverse and inclusive team and build strong working relationships.

Qualifications & nice to haves

• ISTQB/ISEB Foundation level certification (or equivalent experience) is desirable.

• Experience or understanding of legal technology platforms is an advantage.

• Flexibility and a willingness to support additional testing activities when needed.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.