Test Manager at Silica

Test Manager

• Takes responsibility for all phases of testing and the management of the testing activities within the Funds business for all projects and changes.
• To develop and communicate an Overall Testing Strategy for the Funds business to include;
• The scope of Testing
• Test Methodology
• Appropriate number of test phases and cases
• Roles and Responsibilities of all stakeholders in relation to testing
• Custodian of UAT Environments
• Testing estimation and quoting
• Management of Test Data, Test Plans, Test Cases and Test Defects
• Use of Testing Tools where appropriate
• Plans and oversees the planning of the system and user acceptance tests and coordinates the execution of these plans
• Responsible for the production and approval of all testing deliverables and achievement of testing milestones during a project
• Fulfils the role of Testing Co-ordinator for projects
• Co-ordinates all activities and all testers during each testing phase of a project or programme
• Co-operates with clients/users and senior staff as required to agree the testing strategy to be employed for projects
• Maintains awareness of testing alternatives at a level where they can be analysed and the most effective testing strategy selected and agreed
• Ensures that any risks associated with the agreed test strategy and the system test plan are clearly documented and described to the clients/users and colleagues
• Manages all risks associated with the testing and takes preventative action when any risks become unacceptable
• Provides authoritative advice and guidance to colleagues on any aspect of testing, including training for testers
• To develop a fit-for-purpose reporting mechanism
• Management of entry and exit for all Test Phases
• Provide mentoring and training to test leads and test analysts
• Resource planning and management
• Attend project meetings
• Attend CAB meetings
• Responsible for Defect Management and Reporting
• Gain a thorough knowledge of the software applications provided by Silica
• Ensuring that all software releases have been tested to an acceptable standard
• Assistance with and co-ordination of User Acceptance Testing for clients/business users - provide UAT support to the business and external clients
• Ensure that the Change Control process is followed and the all relevant signoff’s are attained prior to taking a log or a project LIVE
• Reporting to stakeholders on test results
• Charing Testing progress meetings – internal and external
• Continuous communication with the internal and external development team members
• Gain a good understanding of the financial industry and relevant business sectors serviced by Silica

Prior Work Experience / Background:

• Knowledge of the financial industry (preferably Investments).
• Experience on a testing tool
• Understanding of the System Development Life Cycle and knowledge on working with systems
• System Analysis experience is advantageous
• Development experience is advantageous
• Business Analysis experience is advantageous
• 5-10 years in Quality Assurance, with experience writing test strategies, developing test cases, and in test automation
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of quality assurance processes, standards, methodologies, and tools
• Managerial experience in motivating and managing internal test leads and test analysts
• Strong reporting and documentation skills
• Experience with both Waterfall and Agile test methodologies
• Ability to influence Stakeholders and sell the value of testing and enforcing testing governance
• Proven ability to challenge conventional thought and offer unique perspective and ideas
• Proven ability to deliver high profile activities to tight timescales
• Proven success in both fostering and contributing to a team-orientated environment
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, with a drive and commitment to delivery of project
• Excellent analytical problem determination and solving skills
• Excellent time management and the ability to work to tight deadlines across multiple projects
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams
• Experience working with and collaboration with development teams

Technical / Special Requirements

• Knowledge of test tools and automation
• Ability to write and interpret database queries using SQL.
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Knowledge of the role of Business Analysis, Systems Analysis and Quality Assurance within the system development life cycle
• Knowledge of Agile Methodologies
• Experience on Azure DevOps

Educational Requirements

• Minimum Matric
• Formal testing training advantageous
• Business/IT Degree or Diploma (in related industry) advantageous
• Formal business analysis training advantageous