Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
This role is pivotal in ensuring the integrity and reliability of digital platforms that underpin the University's research and administrative excellence.
We are seeking an experienced and highly successful software QA team leader to take testing ownership of a critical platform based on Microsoft Fabric and Power BI technology. Existing services must be protected while ensuring that each new domain satisfies the requirements and meets the needs of the stakeholders. Building quality from the start and finding defects as early as possible are key criteria for any successful candidate.
The role-holder will review the existing test strategy, refine it, and ensure compliance. At a high level this will include the definition and phases of testing, scope, responsibilities, and success criteria for each phase, ensuring alignment with institutional compliance and data governance standards. The role holder will ensure testing activities are well-communicated, documented, and aligned with stakeholder expectations. Key stakeholders must have clear, concise, and timely metrics to enable informed decisions. Azure DevOps (ADO) is the current central testing tool, so experience with this or a similar tool (e.g. Jira) would be advantageous.
The role-holder will be expected to perform test execution where this is not already resourced. Non-functional Requirement testing experience is important. The QA Lead will define and drive the test automation strategy, selecting appropriate tools and frameworks to support regression and performance testing as the platform scales.
Essential Attributes/Qualities
* Strategic & Technical Expertise: Test strategy creation, systems integration, MI/reporting platform experience.
* Execution & Ownership: Proactive testing ownership, clear reporting, data quality understanding.
* Collaboration & Communication: Cross-functional teamwork, collaborative stakeholder engagement, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and presentation expertise.
* Mindset & Approach: Determination, flexibility, problem-solving, quality driven.
* Management: Excellent organisational skills, strong defect management, and compelling leadership style in a virtual team environment.
Desirable Attributes/Qualities
* ISTQB Testing (Advanced/Specialist) certification or equivalent professional experience
* Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
* Experience with ADO or similar
* Test automation
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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