Test Lead (1593)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We are looking for a new team member as Test Lead. The role will be hybrid working from our South East Regional Hub in Horsham, West Sussex or our London Hub in Blackfriars with a high focus on remote working. Trips to our hub will be for core collaboration.

• Working hours: 35 hours / Mon - Friday.

It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start. We like to keep in touch with regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.

Are you ready to join our movement?

As a Test Lead you will work to and promote testing best practice throughout the Society, adhering to an established test strategy which you will work with the Test Practice Manager to evolve.

You will be working collaboratively in BAU and project environments as required, you will need to balance leading and hands-on testing at the same time.  Projects will vary in size, methodology, complexity, technologies and business areas so you will need to be adaptable and able to apply your experience in a variety of situations. In addition to leading and carrying out the technical testing phases, you will also be facilitating and coordinating UAT.  Including running workshops with users, mentoring them in the UAT lifecycle and capturing and processing any feedback.

The role requires an approximate split of 40% leading testing activities on a project and 60% hands on test execution.  There is a requirement to coordinate and assist other test resources, but there will be no line management responsibilities.

• Plan testing for large, complex, integrated projects involving multiple test phases and resources.
• Participate in meetings and workshops to gain a full understanding of test requirements.
• Review user stories and technical specifications to promote early identification of issues and gaps.
• Create and update complex, detailed test cases and scenarios in advance of test execution activities. 
• Execution of manual and/or automated testing using the prepared test cases and plans. 
• Approve the final decision relating to the overall quality of the software being tested before this is handed over to business testers.
• Support and facilitate Business User Acceptance Testing and Operational Acceptance Testing.
• Report on progress, including escalating any testing related risks and issues.
• Summarising all test levels in Test outcome reports for formal sign off ahead of go live.
• Regression test following 3rd party and internal software updates.
• Participate in post testing/release activities, e.g. post implementation reviews, contributing to lessons learned and future strategy as appropriate.
• You'll be an advocate for the Society's established test practices, promoting a consistent approach to ensure high standards of software assurance is maintained.

• Adaptable, proactive and a quick learner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Recent experience of leading testing activities on large and complex projects.
• Comfortable working with internal, external, technical and nontechnical resources.
• A team player who works collaboratively towards a common goal.
• Knowledge of structured test approaches (e.g. Agile, V-Model, Waterfall). 
• Software testing experience including test analysis, specification and execution of complex test cases. 
• Experience of working with web technologies.
• Competent in the production of project reports to demonstrate progress or issues. 
• Demonstrable functional testing experience and exposure to non-functional testing. 
• Commercial experience of working with industry standard test management and defect tracking tools.
• Broad knowledge of IS/IT architecture.

We are really lucky that some of our roles attract a high level of interest and for this reason we review applications as they are received, unfortunately on some occasions this means roles may close earlier than advertised; so early submissions are highly recommended.  We are unable to accept applications past the close date.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect