Test Manager

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Test Manager

Permanent

Manchester: £63,000 - £68,600

Smart Hybrid Working

Are you passionate about testing? Do you thrive in leadership roles where you can shape the future of non-functional testing (NFT)? Come and make a real impact on the quality and delivery of our software solutions.

You’ll report directly to the Head of Test and take full ownership of delivering cutting-edge Non Functional Testing solutions across AQA. You will be at the forefront of testing practices, including NFT and automation, guiding a talented team of testers to new heights. Your expertise will drive the continuous improvement of testing processes and the creation of a Test Centre of Excellence. Working closely with business stakeholders, technical teams, and third-party partners you will deliver software solutions that meet the highest standards.

We value personal and professional development. You’ll mentor and coach your team, fostering cross-skilling and ensuring everyone’s success.

What’s in it for me?

If the above isn’t enough of a reason to make an application, here is just some of our current benefits package.

• Balance your 35-hour workweek with flexible hours and smart working tools for office and home.

• Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, increasing incrementally to 30 days after five years, plus up to an additional 4 discretionary days over Christmas and New Year.

• Take 5 additional paid days to participate in volunteering activities that are close to your heart.

• Access private medical insurance from day one, covering new and pre-existing conditions.

• Benefit from our Ride-to-Work scheme, gym access or discounts, Headspace app, and an employee assistance programme.

• Enjoy a newly refurbished office with a variety of individual and collaborative workspaces, an onsite gym, yoga and games room with a discounted eatery.

• Receive up to 11.5% employer pension contributions with various options through salary sacrifice.

• Opt for our electric vehicle scheme, including insurance, MOT, service, and breakdown cover.

What will I be doing?

• Drive Excellence: Implement and continuously improve software testing practices, ensuring a pragmatic balance between quality and delivery.

• Lead and Inspire: Manage a team of testers, providing hands-on support, conducting performance reviews, and guiding the team through complex testing challenges.

• Strategize and Execute: Develop and maintain test strategies, plans, and reports that ensure consistent and high-quality test artifacts.

• Collaborate and Communicate: Engage with various stakeholders to ensure test activities align with business objectives, reporting succinctly on progress and risks.

What will I need to succeed:

• Expertise in Testing: A broad understanding of functional, non-functional, and user acceptance testing, with a keen focus on automation and NFT frameworks.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to inspire and manage a geographically dispersed team, driving them toward personal and professional success.

• Communication Pro: Excellent planning, reporting, and people management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.

• Tech-Savvy: Strong understanding of agile software development and the tools that support it (e.g., JIRA, TFS, MTM).

• Problem Solver: Assertive and resilient, you excel at unblocking challenges and adapting to change in a fast-paced environment.

Ready to Lead?

This is your chance to be a key player in an organization that values quality and innovation. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead a team that’s making a real difference, apply now and let’s build the future of testing together.

How do I apply?

Read the full job description then upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience are what we need.

Interviews will be in the final week of September over two stages

All applications will be responded to.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

To ensure the predictable and successful delivery of software for AQA’s key operational systems, through providing leadership and hands-on support in the area of test for programmes/projects as required.
Ensuring that all software delivered is tested in line with defined requirements, industry best practices, departmental standards and wider AQA policies/procedures.
Helping to complete AQA’s ongoing transition to a single, consistent set of cloud-based technologies (technology re-platform) and move to an agile delivery model in line with current software development best practices (Scrum/Kanban; continuous delivery) – and automation to continually improve and enhance that technology for new and changing business needs.
The role of the Test Manager is to support the Head of Test to ensure all test activities both functional and non-functional are planned, resourced and delivered to time and quality. Tracking and reporting test delivery and progress, identifying and managing risks, issues and dependencies, and holding all team members to account for their areas of delivery.
Through strong leadership and technical skills, the purpose of the role will be to engender a culture of trust, openness, collective ownership, efficiency and technical excellence.Key Accountabilities
Support the Head of Test in implementing and continuously improving software and test practices, processes and tools aligned to agile and lean principles.
Ensure the successful delivery of software solutions projects in line with agreed timescales and priorities Mentor and coach other team members, driving personal and professional development to facilitate cross skilling in the team. Identify ways to continually improve team processes and ways of working, and support the Head of Test in the creation of a centre of excellence for Test in AQA.
Drive the continuous improvement of ways of working in Software Solutions and of wider departmental practices.
Ensuring a delivery focused approach to testing, whilst maintaining a proportionate balance between the need for quality vs. delivery in the context of the high stakes nature of AQA’s business.
Work with the business, other technical teams and external partners (third parties) to design, plan and deliver software solutions and software solution integrations.
To build and foster strong working relationships with colleagues, key business stakeholders, 3rd party partners and throughout AQA.
Undertake appropriate mitigation and avoidance actions as assigned, in accordance with identified Issues and Risks.
Provide regular, simple, clear and accurate reporting and tracking on test activities Line manage Test team members to get the best outcomes for individuals and AQA in line with AQA’s practices, policies and procedures.
General Accountabilities
To model leadership behaviours with confidence and to get the very best from direct reports and teams by providing clarity, feedback, coaching and development, while continuously seeking to enhance performance in line with business objectives.
To comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
Where business needs change, to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile.
Person Profile
Knowledge
A broad understanding of testing and its role, relevance and application in either a commercial or an educational environment - I/P
Excellent understanding of different types of testing, e.g. functional, non-functional and user acceptance including relevant artefacts associated and suitable application - A/I/P
A strong understanding of the use of technology to improve the efficiency, reliability and repeatability of the testing discipline - A/I/P
A good understanding of the software development lifecycle in an agile setting. - A/I/P
Qualification
Desirable – Degree level or equivalent experience - A
An ISEB Qualification - A
Skills
Skilled at leading a team, with individuals across a range of geographical locations. - A/I/P
Proven ability to manage, mentor and develop a team to achieve personal and business success - I/P
Experienced in working with third party suppliers and vendors - I/P
Excellent planning and reporting skills - I/P
Strong people management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues to meet deliverables and adhere to agreed processes and ways of working - I/P
Ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation, leading by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders - P
Excellent communication skills including the ability to work collaboratively, negotiate, influence and provide constructive challenge - A/I/P
Able to solve problems and unblock challenges that may hinder progress - I/P
Assertive and resilient to be able to challenge project members and stakeholders when they are not delivering on their accountabilities - I/P
Data savvy and able to analyse, interpret and report back complex information in a meaningful way - I/P
Ability to resolve problems and adapt to change in a fast-moving environment - I/P
Regularly displays courage and calmness under pressure; and actively encourages others to do the same - I/P
Leadership Skills
Ability to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues - A/I/P
Ability to take ownership of both software solution delivery and continuous improvement activities, delivering through self and others - I/P
Ability to coach and mentor individuals to support individual development and wider departmental continuous improvement - I/P
Ability to lead by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders - I/P
Experience
Significant experience as a successful Test professional, with evidence of delivering tasks at a high level of quality, at all stages of the project lifecycle, from requirements gathering and clarification through to successful implementation - A/I/P
Experience of leading functional and non-functional testing teams including use of automation - A/I
Demonstrable experience in successfully leading small Software Solutions teams to achieve personal and business success - A/I/P
Experience of line managing teams of technical staff, including active performance management - A/I/P
Demonstrable experience in using one or more testing tools in supporting implementation of agile practices, e.g. MTM, TFS, JIRA, ALM etc - A/I/P
AQA’s Behaviour Framework which is assessed through the selection/probation process
Assessment key (criteria to be assessed at the selection stage)
A – application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)
I - interview
T – test (or work sample)
P – probation