Software Test Manager

Optimus Search Limited; Nordrhein-Westfalen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimus Search Limited is seeking an experienced SW Test Manager (m/f/d) for an established insurer in NRW, Germany. You will lead end-to-end testing, coordinate technical teams and stay hands-on on core testing activities to ensure quality across complex IT projects.

You will design and implement robust test strategies, manage defects and foster QA best practices, while aligning with regulatory and security standards in the insurance sector.

Qualifications

• Several years of professional software testing experience with Test Lead or Test Management responsibilities.
• Hands-on testing experience combined with leadership and strategic QA planning.
• Experience in test automation and building/maintaining QA processes in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end testing across IT and software development projects.
• Balance hands-on testing with test management and team leadership.
• Design and improve test strategies, plans and QA processes.
• Own defect management including triage, prioritisation, and resolution.
• Coordinate functional, integration, system, regression and acceptance testing.
• Collaborate with developers, BAs, POs and IT architects.
• Support automated testing frameworks and CI/CD practices.
• Manage test environments, data, metrics and reporting.
• Ensure testing aligns with regulatory and security requirements in insurance.

Skills

Test Management

Team Leadership

QA Processes

Test Automation

Selenium

Jira

Confluence

Xray

Zephyr

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Xray

Selenium

Zephyr

Job description

SW Test Manager (m/f/d) - Insurance Sector | NRW, Germany | Permanent

Hands-On Test Management | Technical Leadership | Insurance Technology | Long-Term Career Opportunity

Are you an experienced Test Manager who enjoys combining technical testing expertise with team leadership and strategic responsibility?

We're supporting an established insurance company in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) that is investing heavily in modernising its IT systems, digital platforms and software quality processes.

We're looking for a hands-on Test Manager who can take ownership of testing activities, coordinate technical teams and remain actively involved in the technical side of software quality assurance.

This is an excellent opportunity to influence testing standards, introduce new approaches and play a key role in major digital transformation projects.

• Lead and coordinate end-to-end testing activities across complex IT and software development projects.
• Combine hands-on technical testing with test management and team leadership.
• Design, implement and continuously improve test strategies, test plans and QA processes.
• Take ownership of defect management, including analysis, prioritisation, tracking and resolution.
• Coordinate functional, integration, system, regression and acceptance testing.
• Work closely with developers, business analysts, product owners and IT architects.
• Support the implementation and improvement of automated testing frameworks.
• Manage test environments, test data, quality metrics and reporting.
• Ensure testing activities align with regulatory, security and quality requirements within the insurance sector.
• Mentor testing colleagues and promote modern QA best practices.
• Several years of professional experience in software testing, including Test Lead or Test Management responsibilities.
• Strong technical background with a willingness to remain hands-on.
• Experience in test automation, defect management, integration testing and test strategy development.
• Knowledge of testing tools such as Jira, Confluence, Xray, Zephyr, Selenium or similar.
• Good understanding of APIs, databases, software architectures and modern development environments.
• Experience working with Agile methodologies, Scrum and CI/CD processes.
• Previous experience within insurance, financial services or another regulated industry would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• German language skills at C1 level or above, with good English communication skills.

What's on Offer?

Permanent position with an established insurance business in NRW.

Opportunity to influence major IT modernisation and digital transformation programmes.

Excellent balance between technical testing and management responsibilities.

Modern technology environment with a strong focus on automation and quality.

High level of responsibility, autonomy and professional development.

Long-term career prospects within a financially stable organisation.