Test Manager - Digital

Description:

An exciting role to build the test strategy and approach for delivering the GLA’s digital products roadmap. Driving an automation-first approach to both functional and non-functional testing. You will proactively improve the test capability, create test governance, and develop full lifecycle testing for internally and partner developed solutions. Having strong knowledge of testing methodologies, you will be responsible for regression testing, feedback to the business, release notes and any performance, accessibility and security testing compliance. Working with the business you will generate test cases, defining test plans and outcomes. You will have a strong background in testing and leadership, driven to make positive change and have outstanding people skills.

About the team

The GLA’s Digital Experience Unit is responsible for the delivery of all internal and external digital products and services at the GLA.

The unit is responsible for the design, delivery and management of dozens digital, data and technology services that support the delivery of the functions of the Mayor and the Assembly; and, in doing so, directly serve Londoners.

The GLA’s largest and most visible digital products, the London Datastore and Talk London – are used by millions of Londoners every year and provide the GLA with platforms for communications, convening, public engagement, data and information-sharing, and transparency. These services support delivery, scrutiny and democratic engagement at scale and at a low cost per user compared to non-digital channels and services.

This role will sit within the Delivery team, and report into Head of Delivery. The post will work very closely with inhouse and third-party development and testing suppliers.

Resources

The Resources Directorate provides corporate support to the Mayor and the Assembly and is responsible for the following functions: finance, legal, procurement, internal audit, technology group (TG) and facilities management (FM). The Directorate’s Executive Director also acts as the Authority’s chief finance officer and manages the Authority’s shared services arrangement with TfL to provide legal and procurement advice.

Principal accountabilities

1. Lead the GLA’s quality assurance and testing (QAT) strategy and work programme for all internal and external digital and data products, by delivering initial estimates of the testing efforts and forecasts needed for new development and functional enhancement on the digital roadmap.

2. Reviewing test requirements for change requests, assessing the impact on test plans, resources and schedules, managing delivery through our testing team and external third-party suppliers and contractors.

3. Lead testing strategy and implementation for our most complex and high-risk products.

4. Ensure automated, device/compatibility, functional, negative, end to end, security, accessibility and performance testing is strategised across of all of GLA internal and external Scrum teams.

5. Lead development of technical, performance and automation testing at all layers of the product development life cycle and activities across all of GLA’s digital estate.

6. Maintain and develop test automation tools and frameworks for the authority across its digital estate.

7. Hold third party suppliers, internal and external development teams to account.

8. Manage resources effectively to ensure utilisation of the resources is maximised, aligned to plan, budget and to timeframe.

9. Manage the test team by assigning tasks, setting priorities, monitoring progress and signing off timesheets and invoices for external contractors in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards

10. Spearhead the continuous improvement of the GLA’s testing function, ensuring the GLA has the right processes, policies, tooling and technical capabilities to deliver an effective QAT programme.

11. Ensure processes and policies are implemented across all GLA products.

12. Work with senior managers across GLA digital and data teams to develop in-house technical talent, supporting communities of practice and helping to develop the skills of junior officers in testing roles.

13. Build collaborative relationships and work effectively within an agile environment with colleagues and suppliers.

14. Quality assure the work of others (including third party suppliers) to ensure it meets our design standards and functional requirements in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications).

15. Advise on the feasibility of designs produced by third party suppliers