Program Manager - Software Quality Assurance

The Software Quality Assurance - Practice Leader plays a pivotal part to build and deliver the QA vision and strategy of the Testing Department. The incumbent manages a team comprised of testers, fosters innovation and excellence in testing methodologies and leads the shift from manual testing to advanced automated systems. Champions for quality across all product and service lines, and ensures all software meets the highest industry and user standards.

The Software Quality Assurance - Practice Leader will ensure test ownership, management and drive across IT Services. Vital to the role is strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

The Software Quality Assurance - Practice Leader fully understands the intricacies of testing gained through experience of both functional and non-functional testing. Will be able to demonstrate extensive experience as a test manager with the ability to manage a large team comprising both permanent and contract test resource in managing and. developing testing within a large complex IT organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities;
 Strategic Leadership: Define, communicate, and implement the QA vision and strategy in alignment with company objectives.
 Team Development: Lead, mentor, promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
 Collaborate other department leaders to refine and enhance testing processes.
 Facilitate close collaboration with Agile/Scrum teams and DevOps units to integrate and champion automation within the testing framework.
 Ensures clear and effective communication across all levels of the organization and exhibits strong leadership skills both upward and downward.
 Lead the organization in advancing its testing maturity, efficiency, and innovation.
 Quality Advocacy: Establish rigorous quality assurance standards and ensure adherence across the organization.
 Process Overhaul: Assess, optimize, and innovate the QA methodologies and practices.
 Cross-functional Collaboration: Act as the bridge between QA, Product, Development, and Operations, ensuring seamless integrations and timely releases.
 Automation Mastery: Spearhead the development and enhancement of automated testing strategies, maximizing efficiency and coverage.
 Performance Metrics: Develop and track KPIs related to software quality, test coverage, and defect metrics.
 Resource Management: Strategically allocate and manage QA resources, including budgeting, tool selection, and external vendor relations.

Qualifications
 Bachelor's or Mastre's degree with 8+ years of experience in program management
 Strong communication, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills,