Programme Test Manager

Are you a Test Manager or Test Lead looking for the next step in your career?

Are you proficient in various testing tools and methods, such as ISTQB, ISEB, PMP, QAI, 9001, ISO, HP, CAPM, SILK, or ALM?

Do you have a wealth of experience as a Test Manager, Test Lead, or a similar role, preferably in the IT industry?

If so, then consider the role of IT Test Manager with Reed In Partnership.

Reed in Partnership is a public service provider delivering a range of services that transform people and their communities. These services are delivered across our Assessment, Employability, Wellbeing, Citizen Services and Environment divisions.

Our Reed Assessment division, a national provider of trusted and secure testing and assessments, is planning for the significant expansion of its testing operations during 2024. We are currently bidding for the delivery, on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), of Key Stage 1 & 2 testing to all Primary School students in England. Securing this multi-million pound contract would see Reed Assessment responsible, directly and through its supply chain partners, for the production, distribution, marking and moderating of all key stage tests across Primary Schools.

We are now looking to build an experienced implementation and delivery team ready to successfully mobilise this contract from April 2024.

Travel to the West Midlands region (Coventry) will be expected at key points of the implementation cycle, the frequency of which will vary. This role is due to start in April 2024.

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What is the role about?

The STA project is implementing the administration, delivery and marking of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests in Primary Schools in the UK. We are looking for an experienced and motivated IT Test Manager to join our team. You will be responsible for leading the testing activities of various IT projects, ensuring the quality and functionality of the software products delivered to our clients. You will also manage the testing team, coordinate with other project stakeholders, and report on the testing progress and results.

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Just some of your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Plan, design, and execute testing strategies and test cases for IT projects, based on the client requirements and project scope
• Manage the testing team, assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide feedback and guidance
• Select and implement suitable testing tools and methods, such as manual, automated, functional, performance, usability, security, and regression testing
• Document and report the testing activities and results, using tools such as JIRA, ALM, or SQL
• Define and monitor quality goals and criteria, and ensure that the software products meet the expected standards and specifications
• Identify and mitigate test-related risks and issues, and escalate them when necessary
• Communicate with the project manager, the development team, the client, and other stakeholders on the testing progress and quality
• Keep up to date with the testing standards and best practices, and suggest improvements and innovations

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What’s in it for you?

Alongside a generous base salary (pro-rata for part time), and great flexibility with your working schedule, we offer training, development and progression opportunities. You will have access to a wide range of Reed in Partnership benefits, which include:

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time) + Bank Holidays
• Reed Pension Scheme
• Award Winning Management & Leadership training
• Professional & Personal Development Funds
• Bi-annual pay reviews
• Plus much more that can be found Her

With the chance to dramatically make a difference to the local community, this role offers immense job satisfaction.

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To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone with:

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience as a Test Manager, Test Lead, or a similar role, preferably in the IT industry
• Proficient in various testing tools and methods, such as ISTQB, ISEB, PMP, QAI, 9001, ISO, HP, CAPM, SILK, or ALM
• Strong knowledge of test management processes, design techniques, and best practices
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail, quality-oriented, and customer-focused