Why now is a defining moment for Quality Engineering at NFU Mutual

“Moments like this don’t come along often - the chance to build something, to influence how we work, and to leave a lasting impact on both our colleagues and our customers.” That’s how Michelle Christmas, our new Head of Quality Engineering, describes what’s happening at NFU Mutual right now. This isn’t just about growing a team - it’s about shaping how Quality Engineering works across the business.

Evolving the role of quality
Quality has always played an important role in how we deliver for our customers. What’s changing now is how it’s embedded across the lifecycle—and the impact it can have.

As Michelle explains: “The industry is moving away from testing as a phase… and towards quality engineering as a discipline that runs across the whole lifecycle.”

At NFU Mutual, we’re embracing that shift. The focus is on bringing together a deeper understanding of the business with strong technical capability - ensuring quality is considered from the outset and built into everything we deliver.

“We need to understand the business, the outcomes we’re trying to achieve… and then bring a technical bias to how we deliver that.”

For those working in testing today, it’s a natural evolution - broadening your scope and increasing your influence.

A more connected role in the business
One of the biggest changes is how the Quality Engineering team will operate. Rather than sitting at a single point in delivery, the team will work across it—partnering with colleagues in product, engineering and the wider business. It’s about strengthening the connection between technology and business outcomes.

As Michelle puts it: “We’ll become that strategic enabler… we’ll have an equal presence at whatever table is required to get that change done.”

That visibility - and the opportunity to influence - makes this a very different proposition from more traditional testing roles.

Building a new capability
This is an exciting moment because the team is being built right now. As part of a wider move to a product operating model, NFU Mutual is establishing Centres of Excellence across IT - including a dedicated Quality Engineering function.

“We’re establishing a Quality Engineering Centre of Excellence… to bring us in line with where the industry is moving.”

It’s about building something that reflects both industry best practice and the strengths of the organisation.

“The team I’m inheriting know the business… they know the processes, the applications… how to get work done here.”

The opportunity now is to complement that with new additional technical capability - and create a well-rounded, forward-looking team.

Who we’re looking for
We’re particularly interested in people who bring a technical edge to their testing experience. That could mean:
 

• Strong experience in automation, performance or data
• A development background with an interest in testing
• Experience in regulated environments where quality and governance matter

Many of the new roles are focused on strengthening the engineering side of the team.

“The roles I’m hiring for are the more technical roles… performance… accessibility… data… they’re much more technical in nature.”

There’s also a strong emphasis on curiosity and adaptability.

“I’m looking for people who are ready to evolve with the role - not just maintain the status quo. People who are willing to challenge norms and have confidence in their professional knowledge. People who are ready to step in and make an impact”

Quality Engineering in a changing industry
Like many technical disciplines, Quality Engineering is evolving quickly - particularly with the rise of AI. That raises questions across the industry, but for Michelle Christmas, it’s an opportunity.

“AI will undoubtedly change how Quality Engineering is delivered, but it won’t replace the need for human judgement, curiosity and experience. For me, AI is a powerful facilitator - helping us work smarter, move faster and focus our expertise where it adds the most value.”

At NFU Mutual, the focus is on building capability in this space. “I want everybody in QE to have a foundation in AI… and then build on that.”

It’s an area where new joiners can play a real role in shaping how we approach the future.

What makes NFU Mutual different
Alongside the opportunity itself, there’s also the wider context of the organisation. As a mutual, we take a long-term approach—focusing on sustainable success rather than short-term outcomes. It’s something that stood out to Michelle:

“There’s a real uniqueness to the business… the connection with farming and putting that at the heart of what we do.”

We also have a clear strategy and direction, with an IT strategy that supports how we deliver change. And we’re proud that our culture is recognised externally, including:
 

• Glassdoor Best Places to Work
• Gallup Exceptional Workplace
• Top Employers Institute Award
• LinkedIn Top Companies UK

Shaping the future
When asked what success looks like, Michelle focuses on more than just process.

“There should be high energy… connection… an element of fun It’s about creating a team where people feel confident to contribute and challenge. They should be comfortable to challenge… and feel brave enough to voice a key point that could influence a decision.”

And ultimately, understanding the impact of their work:

“Our team will truly understand how they’ve enabled the NFU Mutual strategy.”

Why now?
This is a moment of real momentum. The team is forming, the capability is evolving, and the role of Quality Engineering within NFU Mutual is becoming more connected and influential. As Michelle describes it:

“An opportunity to come in and help shape how we deliver quality engineering… and have a fundamental role in achieving the wider strategy.”

For anyone working in testing today - particularly those looking to broaden their impact - it’s a chance to be part of something taking shape. To build on what you already know. And help define what comes next.

Interested?
Find out more about the roles we have available.