Head of Testing

Grade 9

The Head of Testing will ensure test ownership, management and drive across IT Services. The role will also include non-business facing projects covering technical and infrastructure related change.

The Head of Testing will be conversant with SDLC methodologies, testing tools and techniques. Vital to the role is strong stakeholder management and communication skills. The Head of 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.

The Head of Testing fully understands the intricacies of testing gained through experience of both functional and non-functional testing. They will be experienced in managing and developing testing within a large complex IT organisation.

Essential selection criteria

  • A high level of education to degree level or equivalent
  • ISEB / ISTQB qualifications in Software Testing, preferably to Test Manager Practitioner level, or equivalent qualifications or experience
  • Extensive experience of managing testing within a large, complex organisation
  • Extensive experience of all stages of testing, including system, system integration, performance and security testing
  • Experience of functional and non-functional test analysis
  • Thorough knowledge and proven experience in deploying testing tools
  • Negotiating skills and the ability to influence technical specialists and the business system users
  • Strong stakeholder management skills
  • Extensive experience of different project and development methodologies, such as PRINCE 2 and Agile, and the management of testing within them
  • The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within IT Services and across the collegiate University
  • The ability to plan and manage permanent and contract resources to meet agreed deadlines
  • An aptitude for planning strategic direction, innovation and problem solving

Desirable selection criteria

  • Experience of working in the higher education sector
  • Budget and financial preparation / management

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