Test Strategy Manager- OUTSIDE IR35

SGI; Greater London; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SGI is seeking a Test Strategy Lead to drive the testing approach for a major mainframe modernization programme delivered on a fully remote basis. The role focuses on defining and executing a robust testing strategy across multi-stream delivery, with governance and risk management at its core.

You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, engineering, operations and external partners to secure quality and timely delivery through multiple phases through 2028.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading testing strategy on large-scale transformations.
• Experience with mainframe modernization or migration projects.
• Strong governance and QA framework knowledge.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define, challenge and enhance the overall programme testing strategy.
• Establish a robust testing framework for a large-scale mainframe modernisation environment.
• Lead testing governance across complex streams with rewritten code and evolving requirements.
• Work with programme leadership, engineering, operations and delivery partners to drive testing quality and risk mitigation.
• Identify gaps, dependencies and testing challenges across the transformation lifecycle.
• Provide expert guidance on test planning, execution, automation and QA best practices.
• Ensure testing activities support programme milestones and delivery deadlines.

Skills

Testing strategy

Test governance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Vendor management

Tools

z/OS

Job description

For our customer a European Financial Services Organisation we are seeking a Test Manager to assist in a key board sponsored project
Programme Test Strategy Lead – Mainframe Modernisation Location:Fully remote -
Duration: Long-Term Programme Through 2028
Industry: Financial Services
The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Test Strategy Lead to join one of the most significant technology transformation programmes within the organisation. This board-sponsored initiative is focused on the migration of a legacy mainframe estate to a modern technology stack and carries substantial business and operational importance as it holds Client Reference and Market Data
The programme is entering a critical phase following approval for its next stage, transitioning core business functionality from legacy platforms into modern relational data models and distributed applications. The transformation is expected to continue through multiple delivery phases before go-live and operational handover in 2028.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, challenge and enhance the overall programme testing strategy.
• Establish a robust testing framework for a large-scale mainframe modernisation environment.
• Lead testing governance across complex streams involving rewritten code, converted applications and evolving business requirements.
• Work closely with programme leadership, engineering teams, operations and delivery partners to drive testing quality and risk mitigation.
• Identify gaps, dependencies and testing challenges across the transformation lifecycle.
• Provide expert guidance on test planning, execution, automation and quality assurance best practices.
• Ensure testing activities support programme milestones and non-negotiable delivery deadlines.

Required Experience

• Proven experience leading testing strategy on large-scale transformation or migration programmes.
• Strong background delivering testing within complex enterprise environments.
• Experience with mainframe modernisation, legacy system replacement or platform migration initiatives.
• Deep understanding of test governance, test management and quality assurance frameworks.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively in high-profile, business-critical programmes.
• Experience working within globally distributed delivery teams and managing third-party vendors.
• Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.

Desirable Technical Background

• Mainframe technologies (IBM z/OS, Assembler, COBOL or equivalent).
• Modern application architectures using Java and SQL-based platforms.
• Experience supporting code conversion and system migration programmes.
• Test automation, performance testing and large-scale integration testing expertise.

What Success Looks Like

This role requires a confident and resilient leader who can provide clear direction, challenge existing approaches where necessary and bring structure to a highly complex delivery environment. You will be the senior testing authority within a programme that has significant executive visibility and firm delivery deadlines, helping ensure a successful migration from legacy technology to the future-state platform
We believe in equal opportunity for all and actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.