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 on mission-critical delivery programmes.
- Why this job: Shape testing strategy and make a real impact on national security initiatives.
- 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 in Basingstoke employer: CBSbutler Ltd.
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 top-tier specialists 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Manager - DV Cleared in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and government sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in Test Management.
✨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 previous roles and how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight instances where you've led teams or projects, especially in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your ability to manage complex Test & Trials activities effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Manager - DV Cleared in Basingstoke
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 the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 experience in leading Test & Trials activities. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Test Manager, strong leadership is crucial. In your application, provide examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to know how you’ve influenced stakeholders and ensured successful delivery in complex environments.
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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler Ltd.
✨Know Your Test Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in various test strategies and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've developed or enhanced test plans in previous roles, especially in secure environments. This will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in managing test activities. Think about times when you’ve provided independent challenge or strategic oversight, as this is crucial for the role. Show them you can lead with confidence!
✨Understand the Security Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of security requirements and compliance standards relevant to government and defence sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated these in past projects, as it’s essential for ensuring operational and security expectations are met.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your communication style and how you engage with senior stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you’ve influenced decision-making or provided expert guidance on test readiness and risk. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across teams.
