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- Tasks: Lead a QA team to ensure top-notch software quality and user experience.
- Company: Join Interact, a dynamic tech company connecting millions globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, gym membership, and health perks.
- Other info: Embrace continuous learning and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quality assurance in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in QA with leadership experience and strong testing skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Interact provides enterprise-grade intranet software that connects over three million employees to leading global names like Levi's, Domino’s, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Technicolor. Our team of customer-focused problem solvers are passionate about helping organizations to communicate better. We do this together by constantly working to improve every service and product we offer. With offices in Manchester, New York, Dubai, Tulsa, Warsaw and Manila, we operate across North America, EMEA, and Australia.
We are currently looking for a QA Lead, who will play a critical role in shaping and executing our quality assurance strategy. Reporting to the Head of QA, you will lead a team of Senior Test Automation Engineers and Test Automation Engineers, driving excellence in both manual and automated testing practices. Your leadership will ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, delivering exceptional user experiences to millions worldwide. As part of a cross‑functional team, you will create and implement advanced testing strategies and foster a culture of quality throughout the organisation.
A little about you...
- Minimum 7+ years of experience in software quality assurance, including at least 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role
- Proven experience leading QA teams, managing both manual and automated testing efforts
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing advanced test automation frameworks using tools like Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, Cypress, or similar
- Strong background in manual testing, including exploratory testing, usability testing, and user experience evaluation
- Demonstrated ability to drive quality initiatives and influence organizational change towards quality excellence
- Experience in Agile/Scrum methodologies, effectively integrating QA practices into iterative development cycles
- Proven ability to collaborate with engineering leadership, providing strategic insights and recommendations
- Expert knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes, including test planning, test case design, and defect management
- Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as JavaScript or TypeScript
- Experience with enterprise‑level test management tools like TestRail, Zephyr, or similar
- Strong understanding of API testing using tools like Postman, RESTAssured, or similar
- Knowledge of performance, load, and stress testing tools such as JMeter, LoadRunner, or Gatling
- Familiarity with mobile application testing frameworks and tools for hybrid mobile applications written in ReactJS, like Detox
- Experience with cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure) and testing applications deployed in the cloud
- Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes, and their impact on testing strategies
- Understanding of data analytics tools and techniques for quality metrics analysis
- Certifications (Preferred) ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager, Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ)
- Seasoned leader with the ability to inspire and drive a culture of quality within your Team
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to address complex quality challenges
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of articulating a clear vision and influencing stakeholders at all levels
- High attention to detail with an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence
- Innovative mindset, eager to explore and implement new technologies and methodologies in QA
- Collaborative and influential, adept at building strong relationships and working effectively in cross‑functional teams
- Results‑oriented, with a proven track record of delivering high‑quality products on time and within budget
- Mentorship‑oriented, dedicated to developing team members and fostering their professional growth
- Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate ambiguity and lead the team through change
- Ethical and trustworthy, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism
About the role...
- Data-Driven Quality Improvement
- Define and track key quality metrics and KPIs, using data analytics to inform decision‑making and drive improvements
- Monitor and report on product quality trends, providing insights and recommendations to stakeholders
- Facilitate risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies related to product quality and delivery
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Product Management, Cloud, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of QA activities
- Coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT) and ensure product releases meet customer and stakeholder expectations
- Communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams to align on goals, priorities, and quality standards
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to software quality (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Lead quality audits and represent QA in compliance assessments and certifications
- Maintain documentation of QA processes, test plans, and results for transparency and accountability
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in QA and testing methodologies
- Drive continuous improvement, implementing innovative solutions to enhance product quality and team efficiency
- Encourage a learning culture, promoting professional development opportunities for team members
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (with the option to buy and sell additional days)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to Learning & Development platform
- Life Insurance
- Auto Enrolment Pensions
- Healthshield (Cashback on dental check‑ups and fillings, eye tests, physiotherapy, prescriptions and much more)
- Reimburse for usage of personal mobile phone
- Free Gym membership and Free Friday lunch for office‑based staff
QA Lead in Manchester employer: Sideways 6
Contact Detail:
Sideways 6 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their quality assurance processes and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to QA leadership and team management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Interact.
We think you need these skills to ace QA Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the QA Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience and specific skills that match the job description, like your expertise in test automation frameworks and Agile methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about quality assurance and how your experience aligns with our mission at Interact. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've driven quality improvements and led successful QA initiatives in your previous roles.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sideways 6
✨Know Your QA Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your software quality assurance principles. Be ready to discuss methodologies, tools, and processes like test planning and defect management. This will show that you have a solid foundation and can lead a team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led QA teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing both manual and automated testing efforts, and be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of quality within your team.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Selenium WebDriver or Postman. Be prepared to talk about your experience with these tools and how you've implemented advanced test automation frameworks in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams and influenced stakeholders at all levels to drive quality initiatives.