Programme Test Manager - Contract

• Define and own Programme and Portfolio Test Strategies and Test Plans.
• Lead end-to-end testing across multiple projects and workstreams.
• Manage functional, non-functional, integration, regression, UAT and OAT testing activities.
• Ensure testing is fully Embedded within delivery frameworks and SDLC processes.
• Drive test governance, quality assurance, reporting and assurance activities.
• Manage defects, risks, issues and dependencies across programmes.
• Oversee testing resources and capacity planning across portfolios.
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders, business users and delivery teams.
• Support and guide business teams through User Acceptance Testing activities.
• Manage third-party suppliers and testing partners.
• Produce and present testing metrics, progress reports and quality dashboards.
• Champion best practice, continuous improvement and test automation initiatives.

This role requires a senior testing professional with extensive experience leading testing across multiple programmes and portfolios, defining test strategy, managing stakeholders, and ensuring successful end-to-end delivery across the software development life cycle., * Extensive experience as a Test Manager, Senior Test Manager, Programme Test Manager or Portfolio Test Manager.

• Proven track record delivering testing within large, complex enterprise environments.
• Strong experience developing Test Strategies, Test Plans and Test Governance frameworks.
• Experience delivering testing across both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Strong understanding of:
• Functional Testing
• Non-Functional Testing
• Integration Testing
• Regression Testing
• UAT
• OAT
• Risk-Based Testing
• Experience with test management and defect management tools.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Experience managing internal teams and third-party suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within financial services, banking, government or other highly regulated environments.
• Experience of test automation frameworks and tools such as Selenium, Karate, Eggplant, Parasoft/SOASTA or similar.
• Knowledge of SQL, Oracle, Web Services, SharePoint, .NET, Java, XML and Linux/Unix environments.
• Experience testing complex enterprise and web-based applications.

Qualifications

Essential

• ISTQB, ISEB or equivalent Foundation Testing Certification.

Desirable

• Advanced ISTQB certification.
• Agile qualifications.
• PRINCE2 certification.
• ITIL certification.
• Degree or equivalent professional experience.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Highly organised with strong planning and prioritisation skills.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Resilient, delivery-focused and proactive.