Programme Test Manager

Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech recruitment consultancy is seeking a Programme Test Manager to develop test strategies and lead a team. The role involves managing vendor relationships and ensuring compliance within a fast-paced financial services context. Ideal candidates will have a strong leadership background in testing and quality assurance, with a commitment to inclusivity. This position offers hybrid or fully remote options and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Very Good Bonus

Referral reward program

Climate Action Workforce partnership

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in test and quality assurance roles.
• Experience in a true Programme Test Manager role.
• Ability to strongly manage vendor / suppliers.
• Experience delivering large, complex testing projects.
• Knowledge of software development lifecycles and automation tools.
• Proven success managing vendors and stakeholder relationships.
• Advocate for inclusive workplaces.
• Dedicated to continuous learning in digital solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust test strategies.
• Build and nurture relationships with vendors.
• Work closely with delivery teams and senior stakeholders.
• Mentor and support a diverse team of testing professionals.
• Set and track KPIs for testing effectiveness.
• Implement strong governance frameworks for compliance.

Skills

Leadership in test and quality assurance roles

Managing vendors/suppliers

Delivering large testing projects

Knowledge of testing frameworks

Stakeholder relationship management

Advocacy for inclusive workplaces

Education

ISTQB Advanced Test Manager Foundation

PMP PRINCE2

Tools

Agile quality initiatives

Job description

Programme Test Manager
Hybrid or fully remote (Hampshire / Home)
c. 85k - 100k base + Very Good Bonus
Sector: Global Financial Services

Fully remote considered for exceptional candidates, but hybrid strongly preferred.

Our client is a global financial services organisation. As a forward-thinking organisation undergoing rapid transformation and modernisation, the company is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all colleagues-regardless of gender or ethnicity-can thrive and advance.

About the Role
As a key leader, you will craft and steer the test strategy across major portfolio initiatives, helping shape regulatory standards and delivering seamless digital experiences.

Test Strategy Leadership:
Develop and implement robust test strategies aligned with business goals, regulatory requirements, and risk management, covering both functional and non-functional areas.

Vendor Management:
Build and nurture relationships with third-party vendors, ensuring quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Collaborative Partnership:
Work closely with delivery teams and senior stakeholders to instill a culture of innovation, quality, and healthy challenge.

Team Development:
Mentor, inspire, and support a diverse team of testing professionals, promoting varied perspectives and an inclusive environment.

Performance Metrics:
Set and track KPIs, providing clear communication on testing effectiveness and the impact delivered.

Governance & Compliance:
Implement strong governance frameworks to ensure audit readiness, regulatory adherence, and continuous practice improvements.

Who You Are

• Demonstrated leadership in test and quality assurance roles
• Experience in a true Programme Test Manager role
• Ability to strongly manage vendor / suppliers
• Experience delivering large, complex testing projects
• Knowledge of software development lifecycles, testing frameworks, and automation tools
• Proven success managing vendors and stakeholder relationships
• Advocate for inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces
• Dedicated to continuous learning, secure digital solutions, and knowledge sharing

Our client believes diverse teams lead to better outcomes. Your unique contributions will be valued. We actively encourage applications from women and from candidates of all backgrounds, fostering a culture where everyone's ambitions and voices are respected.

Key terms: Programme Test Management, Test Strategy and Planning, Financial Services Technology, Leadership Team Development, Strategic Test Delivery, ISTQB Advanced Test Manager Foundation, Scaled Agile SAFe, PMP PRINCE2, Lead agile quality initiatives in a high-impact finance technology environment. Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for mission-critical systems. Champion quality standards and best practices within a global delivery model. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale system migrations. Influence executive stakeholders and manage complex project portfolios.

Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd is a leading independent tech recruitment consultancy in the UK. For every CV sent to clients, we donate 1 to The Born Free Foundation. We are a Climate Action Workforce in partnership with Ecologi. If this role isn't right for you, explore our referral reward program with payouts at interview and placement milestones. Visit our website for details. Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.