This position will lead testing efforts across the Application Development organization, work with test teams to ensure product and quality control and adhere to and contribute to acceptable standards and guidelines for testing.
The testing discipline is a critical process that requires definition, practical utilization, and alignment with Information Systems (IS)/Business long-term and short-term goals. The Quality Assurance (QA) Lead will be a well-versed champion of the QA Standards, Guidelines, and metrics for a successful rollout.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILTIES AND AUTHORITY
Position Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the QA Supervisor to create and implement QA strategies and lead all testing activities during the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in coordination with IS and Business management teams.
Provide guidance to IS teams regarding test practices, technical expertise, metrics, and industry norms.
Lead testing efforts on projects across the organization.
Coach and mentor QA Analysts.
Coordinate the testing plan for a given project/program or asset change to ensure all required types of testing are covered (ex. unit testing, system testing, end-to-end, automated, regression, etc.).
Provide guidance identifying when available testing tools or automation are appropriate for a given effort from small support changes to a major, large-scale program.
Create a culture and processes that support re-usability within the testing and technical teams by building testbeds, test automation, re-usable test plans and scripts, etc.
Synchronize test signoffs to move the project or change to the next phase of testing or to the production environment.
Coordinate with the PMs, AOs, RMs when moving to production while ensuring high-quality products with minimal or no defects.
Facilitate and coordinate testing with vendors and outside organizations.
Ensure test plans comprise all necessary components and adhere to testing standards and guidelines. Test plans will contain the appropriate tasks, assignments, timings, dependencies, escalation plan, and contact information.
Coordinate issues and communicate testing efforts across the Application Delivery teams and the business areas supported.
Work closely with AOs, PMs, RMs, Infrastructure teams and managers regarding testing processes, test plans, and test execution.
Maintain general knowledge regarding each testing effort to include business functionality/impacts/requirements, technical impacts, critical systems, and key resources.
Ensure testing supports business requirements while implementing regression testing.
Monitor defects arising after code implementation to aide in QA and testing process improvement.
MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: At least one of the following:
Key knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include implementation, automation, QA leadership, and collaboration.
Experience in a technical role that required participation and planning of testing/QA such as Project or Test Manager, Technical PM or Operation Quality Lead, and Business or Systems Analyst.
Experience planning, creating, and executing testing/QA activities.
Ability to assess team capabilities, align capabilities to team skillset needs, and develop team leadership skills.
Well-developed communication skills – verbal, written, and listening.
Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
Lead others through facilitating and organizing work for team members.
Maintain a thorough understanding of the needs of members and customers.
Demonstrate a good understanding of all software development methodologies including agile and waterfall methods.
Strong interpersonal verbal skills both face-to-face and over the phone.
Ability to discuss new strategies with management.
Learn quickly with facing new problems, open to change, and analyze of both successes and failures for clues towards improvement.
Preferred Technical Skills:
SharePoint
TSO/ISPF/PDF
Strong knowledge of basic computer applications, especially Microsoft Office Suite, and data processing procedures.
Understanding of development methodology.
Automated testing tools (scripting).
Automated research tools (search data for test conditions).
Repeated use of PC, telephone, and office machines.
Extended periods of sitting and concentration.
Occasional bending, twisting, crouching, pulling, pushing, and reaching in an office environment.
Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 30 lbs.
Travel as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occasional long, irregular hours.
Occasional travel by auto or other public transportation.
Work to be conducted in office environment owned or leased by company.
