At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and assure quality across complex delivery programmes in a hands-on role.
- Company: Respected government-facing organisation delivering critical services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, full-time hours, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Must be a sole British national and eligible for DV clearance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on secure programmes where quality is essential.
- Qualifications: Strong Test Management experience and knowledge of testing tools and methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: On-site – Milton Keynes (with occasional travel to London)
Rate: Up to £503 per day – Umbrella (inside IR35)
Duration: Initial 6 months
We are working with a highly respected government-facing organisation delivering critical services and solutions in secure environments. They are seeking an experienced Test Manager to lead and assure quality across complex delivery programmes. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of the end-to-end testing strategy, working closely with delivery teams and stakeholders to ensure robust, high-quality outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver test strategies aligned to both functional and non-functional requirements
- Assess testability and shape effective, risk-based testing approaches
- Engage with business and operational stakeholders to agree test solutions
- Produce and maintain comprehensive test documentation
- Lead defect management, ensuring prioritisation aligns with business needs
- Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently
- Support go-live and deployment activities
- Navigate operational constraints and evolving delivery pressures
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong Test Management experience (ISTQB Advanced Test Manager or equivalent preferred)
- Experience working in secure or Tier 2 environments
- Knowledge of:
- Test management and automation tools
- Non-functional testing (performance, load, stress, soak testing)
- CI/CD pipelines
- Cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
- SQL for data interrogation
- Virtual environments (e.g. VMware)
- Basic networking concepts (e.g. Cisco)
Additional Requirements
- Must be a sole British national (no dual nationality)
- Must have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the past 5 years
- Eligible and willing to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) clearance
- Ability to work on-site full-time in Milton Keynes
Working Arrangements
- Full-time (37.5–48 hours per week)
- On-site role – no remote or hybrid working available
- Occasional travel within the UK (expenses reimbursed where applicable)
Important Information
- This role falls inside IR35
- Engagement via PAYE or compliant umbrella company
- 7-day notice period
- Candidates must not have worked in a similar role with this end client in the past 6 months
If you’re an experienced Test Manager looking to work on impactful, secure programmes where quality is critical, we’d be keen to speak with you. Apply now with your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Test Manager employer: SOLOS Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
SOLOS Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Test Manager role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in testing. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with test strategies and stakeholder engagement – it’s all about showcasing your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find opportunities that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each application, highlighting how you can lead quality assurance in complex delivery programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the best fit for their Test Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Test Manager role. Highlight your experience with test strategies, stakeholder engagement, and any relevant tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about your achievements! Focus on specific projects where you led testing efforts or improved quality outcomes. We love seeing real examples of your impact.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points for key responsibilities and achievements. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOLOS Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Testing Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in both functional and non-functional testing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would define and deliver these strategies in a hands-on role, as this is crucial for the Test Manager position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in engaging with business and operational stakeholders. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully agreed on test solutions that met their needs, as strong communication skills are key for this role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of test management tools, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Be ready to explain how you’ve used these technologies in past projects, as they’ll want to see your technical expertise in action.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a leadership role, think of instances where you’ve led defect management or supported go-live activities. Be prepared to share how you navigated operational constraints and ensured quality outcomes under pressure.