Test Manager - SW Testing, Defect Management

Optimus Search Limited; Düsseldorf; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimus Search Limited is seeking a hands-on Test Manager in Germany to lead testing activities across multiple software projects while remaining technically hands-on.

You will build and shape a growing testing function, develop test strategies, manage a team of test engineers, and drive automation initiatives within an entrepreneurial, fast-moving environment. The role requires strong German and English communication skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in software testing, including Test Management or Test Lead responsibilities.
• Strong technical background with the ability and willingness to remain hands-on.
• Experience with test automation, functional testing, integration testing and defect management.
• Good understanding of modern software development methodologies and CI/CD environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate testing activities across multiple software development projects.
• Combine hands-on technical testing (approximately 40–50%) with team leadership and management.
• Develop and implement test strategies, test plans and quality assurance processes.
• Manage, mentor and develop a growing team of test engineers.
• Take ownership of defect management, including identification, prioritisation, tracking and resolution.
• Work closely with software developers, architects and project stakeholders.
• Drive test automation initiatives and continuous improvements.
• Monitor testing progress, coverage, risks and quality KPIs.
• Help establish scalable testing processes within a dynamic, growing organisation.

Skills

Test Management

Hands-on Testing

Test Automation

CI/CD

Jira

Confluence

Communication

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Testing frameworks

Job description

Test Manager (m/f/d) – Hands-On Leadership & Technical Testing | Permanent | Germany

Exciting Start-Up Environment | Technical Leadership | Build & Shape a Growing Testing Team

Are you an experienced Test Manager who enjoys being hands-on technically, rather than simply managing people and processes?

We're working with an exciting, fast-growing technology business in Germany looking for a hands-on Test Manager to take ownership of testing activities, lead technical teams and help shape the company's testing strategy as it continues to expand.

This is a fantastic opportunity for somebody who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, enjoys building structures from the ground up and wants to make a genuine impact.

• Lead and coordinate testing activities across multiple software development projects.
• Combine hands-on technical testing (approximately 40–50%) with team leadership and management.
• Develop and implement test strategies, test plans and quality assurance processes.
• Manage, mentor and develop a growing team of test engineers.
• Take ownership of defect management, including identification, prioritisation, tracking and resolution.
• Work closely with software developers, architects and project stakeholders.
• Drive test automation initiatives and continuous improvements.
• Monitor testing progress, coverage, risks and quality KPIs.
• Help establish scalable testing processes within a dynamic, growing organisation.
• Several years of experience in software testing, including Test Management or Test Lead responsibilities.
• Strong technical background with the ability and willingness to remain hands‑on.
• Experience with test automation, functional testing, integration testing and defect management.
• Good understanding of modern software development methodologies and CI/CD environments.
• Experience using tools such as Jira, Confluence and relevant testing frameworks.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring technical teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Good German and English communication skills.

Permanent position with a growing German technology business.

Genuine opportunity to shape the testing function and influence technical decisions.

Exciting start-up atmosphere with short decision-making processes.

Excellent balance between technical involvement and people management.

High level of autonomy, responsibility and career development potential.

Work alongside ambitious engineers developing innovative technology solutions.

Interested?

If you're a technically strong Test Manager who wants more than just meetings, reporting and administration, we'd love to hear from you.

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