Test Manager - Defence (DV Security Clearance)

CGI Group Inc.; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology consulting firm in Basingstoke seeks a Test Manager to lead testing activities in the Defence sector. The successful candidate will ensure quality standards and mentor a team of Test Engineers. Key responsibilities include developing test plans and managing defect processes. Strong test management expertise and leadership experience in a secure environment are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension

Private healthcare

Share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching)

Qualifications

• Experience in writing detailed test plans and reports.
• Strong knowledge of defect management processes.
• Prior experience managing a team of Test Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Drive quality assurance across testing in a secure environment.
• Create and manage test plans, execution cycles, and reporting.
• Lead and support a team of Test Engineers.

Skills

Test management expertise

Leadership experience

Defect management

Agile framework familiarity

Education

ISTQB certification (Foundation or higher)

UK nationality and eligibility for HLC clearance

Tools

Defect management tools

Job description

In this role, you will take ownership of testing activities across secure enterprise-grade systems within the Defence sector. You will lead test planning, execution, and reporting, ensuring quality standards are consistently met while managing risk and driving continuous improvement. As a leader, you will guide and mentor a team of Test Engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, while providing clarity and support across matrix-managed teams. You will also act as the primary point of contact for testing within the project, ensuring stakeholders are informed, aligned, and engaged throughout the delivery lifecycle. Your work will directly contribute to the assurance of mission‑critical systems, safeguarding operational success and client trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead & Innovate: Drive quality assurance across infrastructure and application testing in a secure environment.
• Develop & Deliver: Create and manage test plans, execution cycles, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
• Optimise & Automate: Ensure robust defect management processes, enabling effective triage, tracking, and closure.
• Guide & Mentor: Lead and support a team of Test Engineers, fostering best practice through a Test Community of Practice.
• Coordinate & Manage: Balance testing priorities across cross‑functional teams, ensuring clarity in ownership and accountability.
• Assess & Mitigate: Proactively manage testing risks and issues, providing solutions to maintain delivery timelines.

To succeed in this role, you should bring strong test management expertise, proven leadership experience, and the ability to operate effectively in a secure, mission‑critical environment. You will combine a deep understanding of structured testing and defect management with the ability to lead, mentor, and inspire test teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in writing detailed test plans and test reports.
• Strong knowledge of defect management processes and tools.
• Prior experience managing and mentoring a team of Test Engineers.
• ISTQB certification (Foundation or higher).
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks such as SAFe.
• UK nationality and eligibility to obtain or hold HLC clearance.

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About CGI

At CGI, we partner with the UK's Defence sector to deliver secure, mission‑critical systems that safeguard our nation. As a Test Manager, you will play a pivotal role in assuring the quality of enterprise‑grade solutions that protect lives and strengthen resilience. You'll take ownership of testing across complex programmes, applying your expertise to drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and ensure delivery success.

You'll be empowered to lead with creativity, supported by a diverse community of experts, and recognised for the lasting impact of your work on national security. Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here you will reach your full potential because… You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction. Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise. You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons. Join us and you'll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We'll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.

Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This is a hybrid position. CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named a UK 'Best Employer' by the Financial Times. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.