> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3042794-test-planning-lead-mainframe-product-migration](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3042794-test-planning-lead-mainframe-product-migration). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Test Planning Lead - Mainframe Product Migration - **Company:** NTT DATA - **Location:** London, UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Confluence, JIRA, Software Bug Management, Customer Information Control System (CICS), COBOL (Programming Language), Data Migration, IBM DB2, RAID, Middleware, Job Control Language (JCL), Mainframes, Test Data, Test Execution Engine, Test Management, Strategies of Testing, Z/OS, Integration Tests, Servicenow - **Published:** September 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://careers-inc.nttdata.com/talentcommunity/apply/1432930200/?locale=en_US ## About the Role * Proven test planning leadership on mainframe migrations (e.g. z/OS, COBOL, CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ, Batch/JCL) and complex interface landscapes. * Strong understanding of batch cycles, end-of-day processing, data migration/reconciliation, and operational constraints. * Track record creating risk-based test approaches and running test governance at programme scale. * Comfortable working with multiple delivery teams and vendors; excellent stakeholder management. Tools/skills * Test management: JIRA and Zephyr * Defect management and reporting: JIRA/ServiceNow/Confluence/Excel * Familiarity with automation frameworks is a plus (not mandatory), and with performance tooling where relevant (LRE, TDM and SV) Key skills & behaviours * Structured planner, pragmatic and delivery-focused; strong dependency management * Clear written communication and executive-level reporting * Confident facilitator in forums; calm under pressure during dress rehearsals/cutover ## Description Role purpose: Own and drive the end-to-end test planning for a mainframe product migration programme, ensuring a robust, risk-based, and audit-ready test approach across all test phases and stakeholders (delivery teams, vendors, operations, and business)., * Define and maintain the overall test strategy and master test plan (phases, entry/exit criteria, environments, data, tooling, defect management, reporting). * Build and manage an integrated test schedule aligned to programme milestones, cutover, and release plans. * Lead risk-based test planning (scope, prioritisation, coverage, non-functional testing) with clear traceability to requirements and migration risks. * Coordinate test phases: SIT, System/Integration, Regression, UAT support, Performance/Volume, Resilience/DR, Security (as applicable), Dress rehearsals / cutover testing. * Define and govern test data approach (masked production-like data, synthetic data, data refresh cycles, reconciliation needs). * Plan and coordinate environment readiness (mainframe regions/LPARs, middleware, interfaces, batch windows, stubs/simulators). * Establish defect triage cadence, severity model, and quality gates; ensure timely resolution and retest. * Produce clear test reporting (progress, coverage, defects, risks/issues, go/no-go recommendations). * Drive stakeholder alignment across dev, infrastructure, ops, business SMEs, and third parties; chair test planning and readiness forums. * Ensure evidence and controls are in place for audit/compliance (test artefacts, approvals, sign-offs). * Support migration assurance: parallel runs (if used), reconciliation testing, batch/control totals, and post-migration verification. Deliverables (typical) * Product Test Strategy & Master Test Plan * Integrated test schedule and resourcing plan * Test governance pack (RAID, RACI, comms cadence, quality gates) * Environment & test data readiness plan * Phase-level test plans (SIT/UAT/NFR/cutover rehearsals) * Test execution dashboards and go/no-go criteria * Test closure report and evidence catalogue ## Related Videos - [Unlocking the Power of the Mainframe: Developing modern applications on z/OS](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/764-unlocking-the-power-of-the-mainframe-developing-modern-applications-on-z-os) - [GitOps for the people](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/461-gitops-for-the-people) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [A Developer's Framework for Any Tool Migration](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2035-a-developer-s-framework-for-any-tool-migration) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [What is a Test Plan: Guide to Test Planning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/191-what-is-a-test-plan-guide-to-test-planning) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [How to create a test plan for software testing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/56-how-to-create-a-test-plan-for-software-testing) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023)