Test Practice (Sqa Competency) Lead

Jse Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in South Africa is seeking a Test Lead to oversee Quality Assurance practices throughout product lifecycles. This role involves leading teams, managing test processes, and ensuring adherence to testing strategies and standards while fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in SDLC and necessary IT qualifications.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years' experience in SDLC and managing people in development/testing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams in defining and implementing the overall programme test strategy.
• Manage third-party relationships and communication.
• Coordinate UAT and integration testing for releases.

Skills

Test management

Test automation

Load testing

Security testing

Agile practices

Process assessments

Team management

Relationship building

Risk prioritization

Education

Higher Certificate / Diploma / IT Certification in Information Systems

ISTQB Certification (Test Manager Advanced Level)

BSc in Computer Science (Hons.)

Job description

Introduction

The purpose of this role is to lead the Test Implementation in accordance with the agreed Quality Assurance principles and standards, managing product risk and inter-dependencies throughout the product lifecycle.

The Test Lead will align the testing function, drive and manage central QA functions, and provide mentorship across teams. They will also lead project teams in defining and implementing the overall programme test strategy to manage risk, align teams, and optimize testing efficiencies across application streams.

Responsibilities

• Provide input into departmental/divisional budgets for resource allocation.
• Participate in project and release planning.
• Research and innovate in manual and automated testing.
• Manage third-party relationships and communication.
• Collaborate with the Lean Portfolio Management Office and project sponsors on metrics and reporting.
• Participate in retrospectives to improve delivery quality and speed.
• Ensure automation governance and adherence.
• Develop and align testing strategies and plans with stakeholders.
• Manage testing tools, processes, and environments.
• Coordinate UAT and integration testing for releases.
• Oversee data transformation, obfuscation, and integrity in testing environments.
• Drive automation testing efforts.
• Maintain central storage of QA artefacts.
• Ensure defect management and reporting processes are followed.
• Produce closeout reports and monitor product health post-release.
• Define testing deliverables and scope across application streams.
• Consolidate test project plans and track progress.
• Identify process improvements and provide testing status updates to stakeholders.

Leadership and Learning

• Recruit, develop, and lead test teams.
• Set goals, conduct reviews, and motivate team members.
• Promote continuous learning and team questioning.
• Mentor team members and assess skill gaps.
• Contribute to performance reviews and uphold JSE values.

Transformation and Innovation

• Support business process improvements through team engagement.
• Encourage innovation and implement team ideas.

Minimum Qualifications

• Higher Certificate / Diploma / IT Certification in Information Systems or similar.
• ISTQB Certification (Test Manager Advanced Level).
• BSc in Computer Science (Hons.) or Degree in Information Technology - Advantage.
• At least 6 years' experience in SDLC and managing people in development/testing environments.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic and operational test management skills at an advanced level.
• Experience with test automation, load testing, security testing, Agile practices, and process assessments.
• Strong team management, relationship building, and risk prioritization skills.