Manual Software Tester in Guildford

Description

Purpose: To play a key role in delivering high quality software through thorough manual testing, early and ongoing feedback, and close collaboration within a cross functional team. The role contributes to reliable and efficient delivery by identifying risks and defects and sharing testing insights as the product evolves.

Landscape

We’re entering an exciting scale‑up phase and are looking for people who enjoy working closely with others, are comfortable with change, and want to make a meaningful impact while the product and ways of working continue to evolve.

About the role

As a Manual Software Tester, you’ll be part of a cross‑functional pod made up of Manual and Automation Testers, Developers and Business Analysts. You’ll be involved across the full development lifecycle; from reviewing user stories and providing early feedback, manually testing new features and bug fixes, carrying out manual regression testing, attending sprint ceremonies, and playing an active role in delivering high‑quality work.

This role is focused on manual testing, and while automation experience is not a requirement, an interest in test automation or broader quality practices is valued and may be supported over time depending on team and product needs.

Activities

• Review user stories and acceptance criteria, providing early feedback to help prevent issues and improve clarity before development begins.
• Perform functional testing of new features using defined acceptance criteria, alongside exploratory and edge‑case testing informed by strong product and domain knowledge.
• Apply analytical and problem‑solving skills to understand complex functionality and system behaviour, assessing risk, dependencies, and potential impacts of changes across the wider product.
• Investigate and report bugs by analysing symptoms and context, capturing clear reproduction steps and supporting evidence to enable effective resolution.
• Identify usability issues, inconsistencies and potential improvements, and communicate them effectively to relevant stakeholders.
• Take ownership of investigating bugs and unexpected behaviour, using available tools and product knowledge, and collaborating with others as required.
• Perform regression testing to ensure existing functionality remains stable as the product evolves.
• Use database queries to validate data and support testing activities where required.
• Collaborate proactively with stakeholders, engaging in discussions around proposed solutions, quality outcomes, and adapting to evolving requirements.
• Participate in team ceremonies such as daily stand‑ups, retrospectives, story refinement, and estimation sessions.
• Share testing insights and product knowledge across the team, contributing to continuous improvement of quality practices and processes.
• Manage own testing activities with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of quality within assigned work while knowing when to seek collaboration or support.

Essential Criteria

• Extensive experience in manual software testing within an agile development environment.
• Experience performing functional, exploratory, and regression testing, applying analytical thinking to assess risk, dependencies, and edge cases.
• Ability to review user stories and acceptance criteria, identifying gaps, risks, and ambiguities early and providing constructive feedback.
• An understanding of risk based testing and prioritising testing effort effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate unexpected behaviour and identify root causes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional team, engaging proactively with other testers, developers and business analysts.
• A proactive mindset, comfortable working in a fast‑moving, evolving environment and taking ownership of assigned work.

Desirable Criteria

• Ability to validate data using database queries tools where required.
• Exposure to or interest in test automation, quality engineering, or improving quality processes.
• Experience contributing to continuous improvement of testing practices, tools, or documentation.
• Experience working in agile environments where testing is guided by acceptance criteria, exploratory testing, and collaboration rather than detailed test scripts.