QA Operations Manager

Specialist Staffing Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 103,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialist Staffing Group is seeking qualified QA Operations Manager professionals to drive quality processes, test automation, and compliance validation in a Chicago-based environment. The role focuses on coordinating QA delivery, managing defect lifecycles, and aligning testing strategies with organizational quality standards.

This contract opportunity emphasizes building test frameworks, overseeing automation strategies, and maintaining compliance with relevant standards and regulations, with

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of QA, testing or quality operations experience.
• Hands-on in test planning, test case design and defect management.
• Knowledge of test automation frameworks and tools.
• Familiar with quality metrics, KPIs and compliance validation.
• ISTQB Certified Tester or equivalent QA qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day QA operations and coordinate test execution across multiple workstreams.
• Design and implement test plans, automation frameworks and quality metrics.
• Oversee defect identification, logging, tracking and resolution workflows.
• Collaborate with engineering, product and compliance teams to align QA strategy with goals.
• Build and mentor QA resources or coordinate external testing support.
• Maintain quality documentation, test traceability and compliance validation records.
• Identify process improvements and drive adoption of QA best practices and tools.
• Report on test coverage, quality trends and compliance status to stakeholders.

Skills

QA Operations

Test planning

Defect management

Automation frameworks

Quality metrics

Stakeholder management

CI/CD integration

Regulated environments

Education

Engineering or Life Sciences degree

ISTQB Certified Tester

Tools

Test automation platforms

CI/CD tools

Job description

This is an opportunity to register your interest in future QA Operations Manager roles focused on driving quality processes, test automation and compliance validation within a regulated or quality-critical environment. Roles of this type could involve coordinating QA delivery, managing defect lifecycles, and ensuring testing strategies align with organizational quality standards.About the opportunityThis is a contract opportunity to build and optimize QA operations within a collaborative, quality-focused organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Roles of this type could involve establishing test frameworks, coordinating QA teams or individuals across multiple initiatives, and ensuring defect management processes support product delivery. The work could include designing quality metrics, overseeing automation strategies, and maintaining compliance with relevant standards and regulations.Typical role overviewLocation: Chicago, Illinois, United StatesType: Contract · Full-timeRate: $560 - $800 per dayDomain: QA Operations · Test Automation · Quality ComplianceWhat you would doTypical responsibilities could include:Managing day-to-day QA operations and coordinating test execution across multiple workstreamsDesigning and implementing test plans, automation frameworks and quality metricsOverseeing defect identification, logging, tracking and resolution workflowsCollaborating with engineering, product and compliance teams to align QA strategy with organizational goalsBuilding and mentoring QA resources, where applicable, or coordinating external testing supportMaintaining quality documentation, test traceability and compliance validation recordsIdentifying process improvements and driving adoption of QA best practices and toolsReporting on test coverage, quality trends and compliance status to stakeholdersWhat you could bringMost roles of this type require the following:Must-have5–10 years of QA, testing or quality operations experienceHands-on expertise in test planning, test case design and defect managementKnowledge of test automation frameworks and tools, with ability to evaluate and implement solutionsFamiliarity with quality metrics, KPIs and compliance validation (e.g., regulated environments, ISO standards)ISTQB Certified Tester certification or equivalent recognized QA qualificationBackground in Engineering or Life Sciences, or equivalent professional QA experienceAuthorization to work in the United StatesNice-to-haveExperience managing QA teams or coordinating distributed QA resourcesBackground in medical device, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industriesProficiency with CI/CD integration and test automation platformsKnowledge of design controls, traceability matrices or GxP environmentsWhat roles of this type could offerMost roles of this type offer the following, dependent on the industry and seniority of the role:Opportunity to shape QA strategy and drive quality culture within a mission-critical functionScope to implement modern test automation and quality metrics that directly impact product deliveryExposure to cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management and process improvementPotential to develop leadership and operational management skills in a quality-focused environmentFlexible contract arrangement with competitive daily rate and potential for extension based on performanceContribution to delivering products or services that meet strict quality and compliance standardsAbout Specialist Staffing GroupSpecialist Staffing Group partners with organizations across regulated industries, technology and engineering to build high-performing teams. We focus on connecting experienced QA, quality and compliance professionals with roles where they can drive operational excellence and ensure product quality at scale.How to register interestIf you are interested in being added to our database to be considered for future opportunities, registering is quick and easy. No cover letter required. We will be in touch when we are instructed on these roles to discuss the next step in your career.