Test Manager

Manchester or London (Hybrid working model, 2 days a week office based, 3 days remote)

Competitive Day Rate offered.

The role:

We're looking for a hands-on Test Manager to work within the DCC Technology Integration and Assurance Function.The Test Manager will lead a team currently comprising of a Test Lead and a Test Analyst.The team predominantly delivers testing services across the internally developed applications and solutions.The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in test planning, coordination, execution, and reporting, with a strong background in both manual and automated testing practices.The Test Manager will work closely with developers, business analysts, solution architects and project managers to ensure the quality and reliability of deliverables. This role requires strong experience across all phases of the test lifecycle-test preparation, test execution, and test closure, and the ability to produce and manage key testing deliverables while fostering a collaborative and quality-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Preparation:

Estimate test effort and manage resource forecasting and allocation in alignment with estimated effort

Lead the creation and review of test approaches, test plans, and traceability matrices.

Support Test Leads and Test Analysts in the design and review of detailed test cases and scripts.

Collaboratewithbusinessanalysts,developers,andstakeholderstounderstand requirements and define test objectives and scope.

Ensure the timely availability of test environments, test data, and tools.

Identify and mitigate risks to the test phase early in the project lifecycle.

Test Execution

Manage the coordination and tracking of test execution across functional, integration, system, regression, and user acceptance testing (UAT).

Actively participate in test execution where necessary, especially during high-priority or complex testing phases.

Monitor test progress and quality metrics, providing hands-on support to troubleshoot issues and remove blockers.

Ensure effective defect triage and management, from identification through to resolution and retesting.

Test Closure

Overseethecompletionofalltestdeliverablesincludingtestcompletionreports, defect logs, and lessons learned.

Ensure test exit criteria are met and agreed upon with stakeholders.

Facilitate test closure gate meetings and provide detailed evaluations of test outcomes, quality risks, and improvement opportunities.

Archivetestassetsandensuredocumentationiscompleteandreusableforfuture initiatives.

Managing the allocation of the teams resources across competing priorities

Provide hands-on guidance and mentoring to Test Leads and Test Analysts throughout the project lifecycle.

Encourage best practices in testing, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the team.

Act as a point of escalation for test-related issues and decisions.

Lead by example in maintaining test discipline, quality, and traceability.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of test management tools (e.g. ADO, ALM, JIRA)

Experience with both manual and automated testing processes and tools.

FamiliaritywithCI/CDpipelinesandtestautomationframeworks(e.g.Selenium, JMeter)

Proficiency in Unix/Linux commands and shell scripting

Strong knowledge of SQL for database testing and data manipulation

Understanding of testing in Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and/or hybrid delivery environments.

Behavioural Skills

Delivers Results: Sets clear goals, takes ownership of outcomes, and balances quality with speed

Develops Others: Supports growth of the team by providing mentoring and coaching, recognising potential, and creating meaningful development opportunities.

Shapes Solutions: Evaluates options critically, enhances processes, and implements improvements to address challenges effectively.

Adapts: Responds effectively to change, remains open to new ideas, and maintains resilience under pressure

Enables Performance: Empowers others by providing autonomy, delegating responsibly, and supporting progress toward goals

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

10+ years experience in software testing, with at least 2 years in a test management or leadership position

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

Experience in Utilities, and specifically SMART Metering advantageous