At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing strategy and ensure high-quality digital services for Scottish Forestry.
- Company: Join the Digital Transformation Team at Scottish Forestry, driving impactful change.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in digital transformation while leading a dynamic test team.
- Qualifications: Experience in software testing and management, with knowledge of automated tools.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working out of any Scottish Forestry office, with occasional travel to our Edinburgh office (Saughton House) required.
About The Team: This post sits in the Digital Transformation Team within the Transformation and Corporate Services function in Scottish Forestry (SF). This function is responsible for leading organisation-wide change and improvement. The Digital Transformation team (DTT) provide development, maintenance and support of operational delivery systems, in particular SF’s case management system, as well as management information systems.
Job Description: The Test Manager is responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the testing strategy and processes to ensure the delivery of high‑quality digital services. This is a hands‑on Test Manager role, requiring both strategic coordination and detailed test execution. This role ensures that all products and systems meet agreed standards, function as intended, and provide a seamless experience for users. The Test Manager will lead the test team, manage all testing phases and approaches, and collaborate with stakeholders to align testing activities with business priorities and project timelines.
Main Duties:
- Lead system testing strategy and planning, involving key roles across the DTT; Head of Innovation, Head of PMO, Senior Business Analyst, Digital Services Manager.
- Develop and manage comprehensive test plans, leading test team to deliver, and working with Developers, Product Owner, Live Support team.
- Team Management: Lead, mentor, and line manage tester(s), ensuring effective resource allocation and skills development.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate testing progress, risks, and outcomes clearly to project teams and senior management.
- Collaborate with project managers, developers, and business stakeholders to align testing activities with delivery timelines.
- Collaborate with Product Owner and Live Support Manager to prepare and plan release schedules.
- Coordinate with colleagues in L&SD, Live Support, SMEs, and Operational Leads to plan learning programme which provides a good experience to new staff, ongoing learning for existing staff and case type specific learning when new functionalities are released.
Person Specification: Success Profile
The Success Profile below sets out the essential and desirable elements that make up the vacant position - you’ll be expected to demonstrate these elements in your application and/or during your interview and/or assessment.
Experience:
Essential:- Proven experience in software testing, within a management or coordination role.
- Experience in enterprise‑level systems or case management platforms.
- Experience in use of automated testing tools.
- Familiarity with business‑critical systems and compliance requirements.
- Strong experience coordinating User Acceptance Test (UAT) with business users.
- Demonstratable experience creating and managing test plans, scripts, and execution cycles.
- Previous involvement in digital transformation projects or large‑scale system rollouts.
- Experience of using recognised project and programme methodologies (i.e. Agile, Prince 2).
- Test Manager or equivalent certification e.g. ISTQB or ISEB.
- Experience with Agile/Scrum environments.
- Knowledge of risk‑based testing.
- Familiar with exploratory testing techniques.
- Understanding of public sector systems or regulatory frameworks.
- Knowledge and experience of Jira.
- Knowledge and experience of delivering government digital standards, for example SG Digital Scotland Service Standard or GDS Digital by Default.
Test Manager - Scottish Forestry - HEO in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
Scottish Forestry is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and innovative work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities within the Digital Transformation Team, where they can lead impactful projects that enhance digital services for the public sector. With a commitment to continuous learning and a supportive environment, Scottish Forestry stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
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