At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing activities across complex programmes and ensure quality outcomes.
- Company: Capita, a dynamic leader in consulting and digital services.
- Benefits: 23 days holiday, matched pension, paid parental leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects that transform lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme-level test management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Home-based with UK travel as required
Contract: Permanent
Security Clearance: SC eligibility required
We’re looking for an experienced Programme Test Manager to lead and govern testing activity across a complex, large-scale programme comprising multiple projects, workstreams and delivery teams.
This is a senior, programme-level role requiring someone who can define and own test strategy, manage delivery risk, lead teams, and operate as an escalation point for testing across the programme.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience operating as a Senior or Programme-level Test Manager on large, complex programmes
- Strong experience delivering testing across multi-project, multi-supplier environments
- Demonstrable expertise in test strategy, planning, estimation and execution
- Experience managing delivery risk, governance and escalation at programme level
- Strong people management and leadership capability
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
- Strong business awareness and understanding of organisational delivery drivers
- Experience driving continuous improvement and adopting modern testing practices
- Eligibility for Security Check (SC) clearance
Desirable experience:
- Test automation strategy and tooling
- Performance and non-functional testing
- Coaching teams through testing maturity and transformation
As Programme Test Manager, you’ll be accountable for the successful delivery of testing across a portfolio of projects. You’ll work closely with programme and project leadership to plan, prioritise and govern testing activity, ensuring quality outcomes are delivered at pace.
You’ll also play a key role in shaping testing capability, contributing to organisational standards and supporting the development of people, processes and best practice.
What you’ll be doing:
- Defining and owning test strategies across multiple projects within the programme
- Planning and driving testing activities across all stages of system, service and product development
- Working with project managers to plan, prioritise and schedule test activity and milestones
- Estimating testing effort, securing appropriate budget and managing resources effectively
- Providing authoritative guidance on test planning, execution, tooling and automation approaches
- Adopting and adapting appropriate testing methods, tools and techniques to solve delivery challenges
- Measuring and monitoring adherence to testing standards and quality frameworks
- Assessing delivery risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies
- Acting as the escalation point of contact for testing issues at project and programme level
- Managing and resolving issues, risks and dependencies across teams and suppliers
- Driving continuous improvement across testing processes, tools and governance
- Contributing to the development of organisational policies, standards and testing guidelines
Join Capita – Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Capita is a dynamic leader in consulting and digital services, helping some of the UK’s most recognised organisations transform and thrive. We use cutting-edge technology and fearless innovation to create smarter, more efficient solutions that make a real difference. Our work spans diverse sectors - government, healthcare, education, and finance - offering you the chance to contribute to projects that impact millions of lives.
At Capita, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values creativity, growth, and inclusion. We’re committed to your development and success, providing opportunities to learn, progress, and shape better outcomes for customers and communities. If you’re ready to make an impact and grow your career, Capita is the place for you.
What's in it for you?
- 23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave
- Company matched pension, life assurance, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks…and plenty more
- Volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice - opportunity to take a paid day out of the office
- Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform
- Opportunity to gain additional qualifications through our Learning Academy or apprenticeships to help develop your career
Unlock Your Potential with Capita
At Capita, your career can take you wherever your ambition leads. You'll become part of a diverse network of talented, forward-thinking professionals working across a wide range of disciplines and sectors. We’re committed to your growth — offering endless opportunities to expand your skills, explore new paths, and advance your career.
Join us and discover a career with purpose.
What we hope you’ll do next:
Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.
We’re an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format (such as large print or audio), or if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email reasonableadjustments@capita.com and we’ll get back to you.
For more information about equal opportunities and process adjustments, please visit the Capita Careers website.
Programme Test Manager employer: Capita
Capita is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across various sectors including government, healthcare, and finance. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a supportive environment for career growth, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and family leave policies. Join Capita to be part of a diverse team where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Test Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Programme Test Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to test strategy and risk management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and driven continuous improvement in past roles. Highlight specific examples where you influenced outcomes positively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative team at Capita.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Test Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a Programme Test Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role requires strong people management, don’t forget to include examples of how you've led teams in the past. We want to see how you can influence and drive results at all levels.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and skills quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capita
✨Know Your Test Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in various test strategies and can articulate how you've successfully implemented them in past roles. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how your strategies improved testing outcomes in complex programmes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Programme Test Manager, showcasing your leadership capabilities is crucial. Prepare to share experiences where you led teams through challenges, managed conflicts, or drove continuous improvement in testing processes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to influence stakeholders at all levels. Consider preparing a few scenarios where your communication made a significant impact.
✨Showcase Risk Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve identified and mitigated delivery risks in previous projects. Highlight specific instances where your proactive approach prevented issues and ensured successful project delivery.
