At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Agile teams to design and execute tests for high-quality technology.
- Company: AQA, a leader in educational technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid work, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and promotes continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners across the UK while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile testing and a degree in Software Engineering or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 39900 - 46400 £ per year.
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2027
Location: Guildford & Manchester
Salary: Guildford £41,500–46,400; Manchester £39,900–44,500
Working Arrangements: Hybrid – 2 days a week in office
Overview
We’re looking for a Test Analyst to join our Agile teams to deliver high‑quality technology that supports learners across the UK. Your role will involve designing, planning and executing tests, providing insight to stakeholders and supporting AQA’s transition to cloud‑based technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver functional and non‑functional testing to meet requirements and identify risks early.
- Collaborate with an Agile development team – contribute to daily activities, backlog refinement and iteration planning with a focus on quality and risk‑based testing.
- Provide clear insights and raise defects, supporting stakeholders to assess quality and continuously improve testing practices.
- Support the transition to modern cloud‑based tools and agile ways of working.
- Assist with planning and coordination of non‑functional testing and penetration testing in collaboration with technical and security teams.
- Help develop and maintain test documentation and metrics.
- Advocate for process improvement and share best practices across the group.
- Produce deliverable reviews, static testing, and dynamic execution, ensuring results are compared and reported.
Key Qualifications & Experience
- Experience testing within Agile environments and a strong understanding of the testing lifecycle.
- Ability to carry out functional and non‑functional testing, including performance and security aspects.
- Awareness of AI tools and how they can improve test preparation and efficiency.
- Proficiency with testing tools and techniques (risk‑based, scenario‑based, BDD, CI).
- Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Proactive, improvement‑focused mindset with a risk‑aware approach.
- Qualification: Degree in Software Engineering or equivalent, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience using at least one ALM tool in agile settings.
Benefits & Development
- Opportunity to contribute to large‑scale technology transformation, including cloud and continuous delivery initiatives.
- Ongoing development and learning opportunities in modern testing practices and tools.
- Flexible working arrangements supporting work‑life balance.
- Collaborative and inclusive culture valuing ideas and input.
- Work on systems that impact learners and education across the UK.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone – regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background – is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Test Analyst in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
AQA is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation and employee input. As a Test Analyst, you will have the opportunity to contribute to significant technology transformations while enjoying flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. With ongoing development opportunities in modern testing practices and tools, AQA is dedicated to supporting your professional growth in a role that directly impacts learners across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Analyst in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at AQA. You never know who might give you the inside scoop on job openings or even refer you directly!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on Agile methodologies and testing tools. We recommend practising common interview questions related to functional and non-functional testing so you can showcase your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications after a week or two. A quick email expressing your continued interest can keep you on their radar and show that you’re genuinely keen on the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to highlight your experience with cloud-based technologies and AI tools during interviews. These are hot topics right now, and showing your knowledge can set you apart from other candidates. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Analyst in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Test Analyst role. Highlight your experience in Agile environments and any relevant testing tools you've used. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about testing and how you can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Testing Experience:In your application, be specific about your testing experience. Mention any functional and non-functional testing you've done, especially in cloud-based environments. We love seeing concrete examples of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Know Your Testing Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of both functional and non-functional testing. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in Agile environments, as this will show your familiarity with the testing lifecycle.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with Agile teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated in past projects. Highlight your experience in backlog refinement and iteration planning to demonstrate your teamwork abilities.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Tools and Techniques
Familiarise yourself with the testing tools and techniques mentioned in the job description, like risk-based and scenario-based testing. If you have experience with AI tools that enhance test preparation, make sure to bring that up!
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of questions that show your interest in the company's transition to cloud-based technologies and their approach to continuous improvement. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
