Programme Test Assurance Consultant in Basingstoke

Programme Test Assurance Manager/ConsultantLocation: Basingstoke – Full-time onsiteRate: 600 to 700 per dayWe’re supporting a major defence programme seeking an experienced Programme Test Assurance Manager to lead assurance and acceptance activities across a highly complex, multi-workstream delivery environment.This is not a traditional test management role. The focus is on programme-level capability assurance, acceptance governance, integration readiness, and delivery confidence across infrastructure, systems, and software domains operating at significant scale.You’ll work across multiple Agile delivery teams, suppliers, and technical disciplines to ensure the programme delivers operational capability that is assured, accepted, and deployment-ready.Key ResponsibilitiesLead programme-wide test assurance and capability acceptance activities across complex delivery streamsProvide independent assurance across infrastructure, systems integration, software, and operational capability deliveryCoordinate assurance activities across multiple Agile / SAFe teams and suppliersManage dependencies, risks, integration points, and acceptance criteria across the programme landscapeEnsure governance, readiness, and evidence frameworks support formal capability acceptanceDrive alignment between engineering, delivery, test, security, and operational stakeholdersOversee assurance reporting, quality metrics, and programme-level delivery confidenceSupport release and operational readiness activities within secure and highly regulated environmentsChampion best practice assurance approaches within Agile and scaled delivery modelsRequired ExperienceProven experience operating as a Programme Test Manager, Test Assurance Manager, or Capability Assurance Lead within large-scale defence or secure government programmesStrong experience working within Agile and SAFe delivery environmentsDemonstrable experience managing assurance across:InfrastructureSystems integrationSoftware deliveryMulti-supplier ecosystemsExperience operating within highly complex programmes involving multiple teams and interdependenciesStrong understanding of capability assurance and acceptance, beyond traditional testing executionExperience engaging with senior stakeholders across engineering, delivery, and operational functionsExcellent governance, risk management, and reporting capabilityEssentialActive DV ClearanceWillingness to work full-time onsite in BasingstokeDefence, MOD, or secure government programme experienceDesirableExperience within large-scale transformation or mission-critical environmentsKnowledge of operational acceptance and service transition frameworksPrevious experience within complex systems integration programmes