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- Tasks: Lead and establish a top-notch testing capability for digital programmes.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, dedicated to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, 25+ days leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while shaping quality assurance practices.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in quality assurance and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values growth and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Head of Quality Assurance and Testing to establish from the ground up and lead testing capability across a portfolio of digital and technology programmes. This includes defining and implementing the Quality Assurance and Testing (QAT) strategy, ensuring all digital services and systems meet the highest standards of quality, security, and user satisfaction. With new digital services, the agency is establishing a comprehensive testing capability to ensure consistent quality across all delivery teams and suppliers.
Benefits:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Responsibilities:
- Championing structured testing and its benefits to senior stakeholders and delivery partners to influence decision-making and drive adoption.
- Defining and managing the scope, priorities, and governance of the Test Function, establishing processes and standards in an environment with limited historical data or internal capability.
- Be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all testing practices, providing authoritative guidance and ensuring alignment with best-in-class methodologies.
- Implementing the MCA’s QAT strategy across programmes and projects, aligned to Digital, Data, & Technology (DDAT) standards and risk-based approaches.
- Managing test environments, data, tools, and automation frameworks to support efficient and repeatable testing.
- Overseeing defect management processes, ensuring timely triage, resolution, and reporting of issues.
- Collaborating with stakeholders and managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and ensuring external partners meet quality standards.
- Build and lead a community of practice for testing within the MCA, mentoring junior testers and promoting best practice.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Head of Quality Assurance and Test in Southampton employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality Assurance and Test in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Quality Assurance and Testing role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in quality assurance and testing. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of best practices in testing methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you would implement a QAT strategy and manage testing environments effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can help us drive quality assurance and testing to new heights. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Assurance and Test in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality Assurance and Testing role. Highlight your experience in establishing testing capabilities and your knowledge of QAT strategies. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance and how you can champion structured testing at MCA. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage teams and mentor junior testers. Share examples of how you've built communities of practice or influenced decision-making in previous roles. We’re all about empowering others!
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our values and culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your QAT Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in Quality Assurance and Testing strategies. Familiarise yourself with best practices and methodologies that align with the MCA’s goals. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these strategies from scratch.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Quality Assurance, you’ll need to lead a team and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully championed testing processes in previous roles. Highlight your experience in building communities of practice and mentoring junior testers.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Research the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and its digital services. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with senior stakeholders and delivery partners to drive adoption of structured testing. Tailor your answers to show you understand their specific challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges in establishing a testing capability and how you would address them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.