At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and assure complex Test & Trials activities in a secure government programme.
- Company: Join a high-profile team delivering critical national capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, long-term contract, and outside IR35 engagement.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior specialists in a dynamic, mission-critical setting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on national security through innovative testing strategies.
- Qualifications: Active DV Clearance and experience in test governance within secure environments.
Location: Basingstoke (Onsite)
Contract Length: 18 Months
Clearance: Active DV Clearance Required
Rate: £650-£700 per day | Outside IR35
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Project Test Manager to join a high-profile, secure government infrastructure programme delivering critical national capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to lead and assure complex Test & Trials activity across a large-scale IT infrastructure environment. You will work closely with programme leadership, engineering teams, cyber specialists, and operational stakeholders to ensure solutions are validated, risks are identified early, and delivery meets operational and security expectations.
The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, governance, and assurance experience within highly secure defence or government environments and be comfortable operating at programme level, providing independent challenge and strategic oversight.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the governance, assurance, and oversight of Test & Trials activities across the programme
- Develop, review, and enhance Test Strategies, Plans, and assurance frameworks
- Provide expert guidance to programme leadership on test readiness, delivery confidence, and risk
- Deliver independent challenge to ensure robust validation, compliance, and assurance standards are maintained
- Coordinate integration, system, acceptance, and operational testing activities
- Work collaboratively with engineering, cyber security, delivery, and operational teams to ensure aligned execution
- Produce senior-level assurance reports, readiness assessments, and risk evaluations
- Identify programme risks and recommend pragmatic mitigation strategies
- Support transition into service, operational acceptance, and go-live activities
- Ensure testing activity aligns with operational, technical, and security requirements
Essential Experience
- Active DV Clearance (mandatory)
- Proven experience leading or consulting on Test & Trials activities within secure government, defence, or national security environments
- Strong background in test governance, assurance, and strategic test management
- Experience delivering within complex IT infrastructure or secure systems programmes
- Ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders on readiness, risk, and delivery confidence
- Strong understanding of integration, system, operational, and acceptance testing methodologies
- Experience operating within highly controlled, security-sensitive environments
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Desirable Experience
- Experience supporting MOD, Defence, or National Security programmes
- Knowledge of secure networks, infrastructure delivery, or classified environments
- Experience providing independent assurance or programme-level consultancy
- Familiarity with delivery methodologies such as PRINCE2, Agile, or ITIL
Why Apply?
- Long-term programme on a critical national infrastructure initiative
- High-impact role with significant stakeholder exposure
- Opportunity to shape assurance and testing strategy across a complex secure environment
- Outside IR35 engagement with competitive day rate
- Work alongside senior technical and operational specialists on mission-critical delivery programmes
Test Manager - DV Cleared employer: CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler
Join a leading employer in the defence sector, where you will play a pivotal role in a high-profile government infrastructure programme based in Basingstoke. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to lead critical testing activities while working alongside seasoned experts in a secure environment. With competitive rates and a commitment to employee development, this is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
Contact Detail:
CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Manager - DV Cleared
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in government or defence sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of test governance and assurance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled risks in past projects. We want you to shine and show them you're the Test Manager they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and led teams through complex testing environments. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic oversight abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our mission-critical delivery programmes.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Manager - DV Cleared
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Test Manager role. Highlight your experience in test governance and assurance, especially within secure environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your active DV clearance and any relevant projects you've led that demonstrate your leadership and strategic oversight.
Showcase Relevant Experience:In your application, be specific about your experience with Test & Trials activities. We’re looking for examples of how you’ve managed risks and ensured compliance in complex IT infrastructure settings. Don’t hold back!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of test governance and assurance frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the specific methodologies mentioned in the job description, like PRINCE2 and Agile. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've led Test & Trials activities, especially in secure environments. Highlight how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders and managed risks. This will demonstrate your capability to operate at a programme level, which is crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Security Landscape
Since this position requires active DV clearance, be ready to discuss your experience in security-sensitive environments. Talk about how you’ve ensured compliance and maintained assurance standards in previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of the job.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with various teams in the past, such as engineering and cyber security. Prepare to share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in project outcomes. This will highlight your ability to work collaboratively, which is key for this role.
