Test Manager

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Glasgow seeks a Test Manager to lead the testing processes within the Information Services IT team. This role involves developing test strategies, managing testing functions, and ensuring quality software delivery across various IT projects. The ideal candidate will possess substantial knowledge of software testing and agile methodologies, along with excellent leadership and communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the quality of IT solutions in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge in software testing principles and methodologies.
• Experience leading testing teams in large organizations.
• Good understanding of agile methodologies and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement test strategies to enhance quality in IT solutions.
• Lead testing function across technical and functional areas.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define testing scope and objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Education

Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, 10, or 11

Tools

Test Director

Qmetry

WAPT

JMeter

MS Project

MS Visio

Jira

NUnit

JUnit

PHPUnit

Job description

Job Purpose

As a member of the Information Services IT team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our products/services through effective management of testing processes and best practices. This applies across all stages of the development lifecycle and involves working with various IT teams and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of high-quality software solutions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive test strategy to enhance quality in IT solution development across all stages of the development lifecycle for multi-disciplinary IT solutions/services.
2. Lead and manage the testing function across technical and functional areas, including supporting test plan and test case development, setting goals, and providing mentoring and guidance.
3. Collaborate with project stakeholders to define testing scope, objectives, estimates, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with project goals.
4. Manage test plans across projects, prioritize testing activities, ensure resources are adequate, and conduct risk assessments with mitigation strategies.
5. Escalate critical issues and risks, proposing solutions to address them.
6. Continuously improve testing processes and methodologies by incorporating industry best practices and innovative approaches.
7. Coordinate with cross-functional teams for requirements gathering, test planning, execution, defect management, and results analysis.
8. Monitor and report on quality metrics to stakeholders.
9. Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and testing tools, recommending their adoption to enhance capabilities.
10. Handle sensitive information with high confidentiality, adhering to data protection legislation.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential:

• Ability to demonstrate professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or relevant role, or Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, 10, or 11 (or equivalent).
• Significant knowledge of software testing principles, methodologies, best practices, and the software development lifecycle.
• Excellent knowledge of automated testing tools.
• Good understanding of agile development methodologies and experience working in agile environments.
• Knowledge of risk management practices within software development.

Desirable:

• Qualification or understanding of Prince 2 Project Management methodology.
• Knowledge of the TMMi Testing model.

Skills

• Ability to develop and implement test procedures and best practices in consultation with stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Understanding of project management principles and ability to deliver within timelines and budgets.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex situations and propose solutions.
• Ability to acquire complex technical knowledge rapidly and adapt testing approaches accordingly.
• Independent work capability for providing technical advice on testing practices.
• Flexibility to support system upgrades and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.

Experience

Essential:

• Significant experience as a test manager or similar role leading testing teams in large organizations.
• Experience with test management tools (e.g., Test Director, Qmetry).
• Experience with performance testing and test automation tools (e.g., WAPT, JMeter).
• Proven ability to lead major projects and collaborate on software development projects.
• Experience providing testing advice to diverse audiences.
• People management experience, including performance management.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the Higher Education sector.
• Experience with business tools like MS Project, MS Visio, Jira.
• Experience with unit testing frameworks (e.g., NUnit, JUnit, PHPUnit).