Test Lead Global Grade 13 at Barloworld Equipment

Core purpose of the role

• The Test Lead is responsible for leading the Testing teams with focus on execution and processes. The role is ultimately responsible for ensuring quality IT solution delivery. It requires strategic thinking and planning and provides expertise throughout the entire solution delivery lifecycle with a strong sense of quality ownership making sure that quality is incorporated from the start.

Key deliverables and outputs

• Responsible for defining the division’s Test execution strategy, approach and execution in IT delivery initiatives.
• Overall responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating activities pertaining to the Software Testing discipline on a divisional level in conjunction with the IT Delivery Teams. Assign resources to IT Delivery squads in line with IT Delivery pipeline requirements.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise within Test Automation and Testing Strategies, with specific focus on Agile testing.
• Ensure that the IT Delivery teams adhere to the principles, guidelines and best practices of the Testing Strategies as defined.
• Focus on continuous Software Testing improvements including usage of appropriate testing tools, test techniques and test automation.
• Build, maintain and enforce of quality technical and testing standards.
• Monitor all Software Testing activities, test results, leaked defects, root cause analyses and identify areas of improvement. Implement steps required to improve the processes.
• Gather and present testing metrics and testing activities for the projects to key stakeholders.
• Ensure the proper usage of available tools to gain the maximum benefit of the Software Testing effort. This includes testing tools for amongst others functional, performance and automation.
• Work with IT Delivery leadership to develop and execute Software Testing strategies to meet and exceed divisional quality goals.
• Own the Quality Assurance environments across all solutions, working closely with the IT Delivery teams to define the optimal environment for each solution.
• Oversee the delivery and maintenance of automated scenarios and frameworks based on industry best practices

Internal customers

• Heads of IT Delivery
• All internal business stakeholders
• IT teams

External stakeholders

• Customers
• Service Providers

Qualification, Experience and Competencies

Academic qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in Computer Science or IT
• Post graduate degree in computer science or IT
• ISTQB Certification or equivalent (ISEB)
• Work experience

Essential:

• 7 to 10 years in software engineering, involving development and testing of applications
• At least three years in a leadership role
• Proven track record of contribution at strategic level in terms of IT leadership and business relationships

Advantageous:

• Integration Testing background
• Testing with multiple vendors
• Experience in Micro Focus Quality Centre
• Participation in DevSecOps squads

Knowledge

Essential:

Skills

Essential:

• Specialist knowledge of the testing processes and testing lifecycle, including knowledge of various testing methodologies.
• Sound knowledge of the software development lifecycle and software development methodologies.
• Sound knowledge of Agile practices.
• Sound business knowledge
• Strong knowledge of risk management, risk identification and risk-based testing
• ITIL knowledge
• Well-developed communication skills to persuade and influence others effectively at all levels (externally and internally)
• Highly developed communication skills to present technical information in a way which establishes rapport and creates understanding
• Strong interpersonal skills to network effectively and handle conflict
• Advanced critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to test new technology developments and analyse business application requirements
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong computer, technology and systems skills

Personal Attributes
Essential:

• Concern for translating strategy into action
• Strong customer centricity
• Concern for communicating clearly
• Focus on getting things done
• Passion for optimising business performance
• Commitment to maintaining business awareness
• Focus on analysing and solving problems
• Preference for thinking practically and laterally
• Commitment to behaving ethically and correctly

Advantageous:

• Preference for planning and organising
• Concern for working within parameters
• Enthusiasm for learning, sharing and growing
• Focus on initiating action
• Orientation to growing and nurturing relationships
• Strong inclination for change agility
• Remaining resilient under stress and pressure
• Preference for team working