Test & Release Manager

VIQU IT; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services organization is looking for a skilled Test & Release Manager to lead their testing and quality initiatives in a hybrid London role. You will be responsible for driving best practices, managing a dedicated team, and influencing a larger group to ensure high-quality delivery across technology programs. The ideal candidate has a strong background in transforming testing teams, with exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £130,000.

Benefits

Referral bonus

Opportunity for leadership

Confidential application process

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and transforming large testing teams within complex organisations.
• Strong track record in improving testing practices and embedding quality.
• Skilled in managing vendors and balancing insource/outsource strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and transform the Test & Release Management Centres of Excellence.
• Directly manage and coach a team of 8, influencing a wider team of 70.
• Own sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven insights

Agile delivery

Job description

Test & Release Manager
London Hybrid
Up to £130,000

A leading financial services organisation is seeking a Test & Release Manager to lead the transformation and maturity of their CIO Test & Release Management Centres of Excellence. The successful manager will sit at the heart of testing and quality initiatives, responsible for embedding best practices, driving adoption of industry-standard approaches, and ensuring business stakeholders benefit from high-quality delivery across technology programmes. You will lead a team of direct reports and influence a wider group of 70 FTE, setting standards, shaping capability, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility for quality across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and transform the Test & Release Management Centres of Excellence, embedding industry best practices and improving ways of working.
• Directly manage and coach a team of 8, while inspiring and influencing a wider team of 70 to deliver high-quality testing and release management services.
• Partner with senior stakeholders, portfolio teams, and delivery directors to understand demand, optimise capability, and drive continuous improvement.
• Own sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members, ensuring the right mix of skills and capabilities.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure services adhere to governance, quality, and performance standards.
• Use data-driven insights to track performance, demonstrate improvements, and inform strategic decisions.
• Represent the Test & Release function at committees and across the enterprise, driving alignment and consistency.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience leading and transforming large testing teams (50+ people) within complex organisations.
• Strong track record in improving testing practices, embedding quality, and driving change across enterprise teams.
• Experience in Test & Release Management, with hands‑on understanding of industry best practices and frameworks.
• Skilled in senior stakeholder management and influencing across matrix organisations.
• Experienced in managing vendors and balancing insource/outsource strategies.
• Data‑driven mindset, able to measure, monitor, and communicate improvements effectively.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills, with the ability to create high‑performing teams.
• Passionate about quality, agile delivery, and building shared ownership of outcomes.

Apply now to speak with VIQU IT in confidence. Or reach out to Katie Dark via the VIQU IT website.

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Test & Release Manager
London Hybrid
Up to £130,000