QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston
QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston

QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston

Preston Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a QA Analyst to ensure top-notch quality for our internal platform, OCU One.
  • Company: OCU is a leader in infrastructure engineering, specialising in utilities and digital markets.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and cutting-edge technology.
  • Why this job: Be part of a growing team where quality is key and make a real impact on product delivery.
  • Qualifications: Experience in functional testing, test design, and tools like Jira/Azure DevOps is essential.
  • Other info: Ideal for those passionate about Agile/Scrum and eager to shape the future of OCU One.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a detail driven QA Analyst to play a key role in assuring the quality of new and evolving features on our internal platform, OCU One. In this role, you’ll design and execute robust test cases, manage defects through to closure and run the quality gates that enable confident sprint and release delivery.

You’ll work closely with Business and Technical Architects, Engineers and cross-functional teams, bringing analytical rigour and practical delivery to ensure effort is always focused where it matters most.

What will you be doing:

We are seeking an experienced individual who will shape and execute risk-based test plans from requirements and acceptance criteria. You will design, run and maintain manual and exploratory test cases across system, integration, and regression levels, therefore please show demonstrable experience within your application.

You will also:

  • Drive defect lifecycle management with clear evidence, triage leadership, and root-cause input.
  • Run regression, smoke, and sanity packs to support release readiness decisions.
  • Contribute to non-functional checks and highlight automation opportunities for future efficiency.

You will bring a strong background in functional testing across system, integration, and regression, with practical skills in test design techniques, API checks (Postman/REST), and basic SQL/data validation. Experience with tools such as Jira/Azure DevOps for test/issue management are key, along with an excellent attention to detail, with a structured approach to coverage, traceability and risk-based testing. You will also be confidence in Agile/Scrum environments and short release cycles.

If you also have exposure to the following, be sure to highlight this on your application:

  • UI/API automation (Playwright, Cypress) and CI pipelines.
  • Familiarity with enterprise platforms (Dynamics, Salesforce, ERP, WFM).
  • Understanding of software delivery lifecycles and digital platform change.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team where quality is at the heart of delivery. If you’re ready to ensure OCU One launches features that are reliable, fit-for-purpose and user-read, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of OCU One.

Company Information:

OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

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QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston employer: Opals Group

At OCU Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Preston. As a QA Analyst, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technology. Join us to be part of a team where quality assurance is paramount, and your contributions directly impact the success of our projects in the utilities and digital sectors.
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Contact Detail:

Opals Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Jira and Azure DevOps. Having hands-on experience with these platforms will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running.

Tip Number 2

Brush up on your API testing skills, particularly using Postman or REST. Being able to showcase your ability to perform API checks will set you apart from other candidates and align well with the role's requirements.

Tip Number 3

Gain a solid understanding of risk-based testing and be prepared to discuss how you've applied this approach in previous roles. This will show that you can effectively prioritise testing efforts based on project needs.

Tip Number 4

If you have experience with UI/API automation tools like Playwright or Cypress, make sure to highlight this in your discussions. Even if it's not a primary requirement, it demonstrates your initiative and willingness to embrace future efficiencies.

We think you need these skills to ace QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston

Attention to Detail
Analytical Skills
Test Case Design
Defect Lifecycle Management
Risk-Based Testing
Manual Testing
Exploratory Testing
Regression Testing
API Testing (Postman/REST)
Basic SQL/Data Validation
Jira/Azure DevOps
Agile/Scrum Methodologies
Automation Testing (Playwright, Cypress)
Understanding of Software Delivery Lifecycles
Excellent Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in functional testing, test design techniques, and any relevant tools like Jira or Azure DevOps. Use specific examples that demonstrate your attention to detail and structured approach.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the QA Analyst role at OCU Group. Mention your experience with risk-based test plans and how you can contribute to the quality of OCU One. Be sure to include any exposure to UI/API automation tools.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your roles involving manual and exploratory testing, defect lifecycle management, and your familiarity with Agile/Scrum environments. Highlight any specific projects where you successfully contributed to release readiness.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a QA Analyst role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Opals Group

Showcase Your Testing Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in functional testing, especially in system, integration, and regression testing. Highlight specific projects where you designed and executed test cases, as this will demonstrate your hands-on skills.

Familiarise Yourself with Tools

Make sure you are well-versed in tools like Jira and Azure DevOps. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools for test management and defect tracking in past roles, as this is crucial for the position.

Understand Agile Methodologies

Since the role involves working in Agile/Scrum environments, brush up on Agile principles and be ready to discuss how you've contributed to sprint planning and release readiness in your previous jobs.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to API checks and SQL/data validation. Practise explaining your approach to these tasks, and if you have experience with automation tools like Playwright or Cypress, make sure to mention it.

QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston
Opals Group
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  • QA Analyst OCU Group · Preston

    Preston
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-27

  • O

    Opals Group

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