Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer

Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
State Street

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead functional testing for complex Alpha implementations and manage end-to-end test execution.
  • Company: Join State Street, a global leader in financial services with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and inclusive development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and supports your growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of finance.
  • Qualifications: 10-15 years in functional testing, with strong leadership and collaboration skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are seeking a strong delivery-focused testing professional to serve as an Implementation Functional Test Lead within the Alpha Global Testing Practice. This role partners closely with the Implementation Test Manager and is accountable for managing end-to-end test execution for a specific function (e.g., Front Office, Middle Office, Back Office, or Data) within an Alpha implementation.

Alpha implementations are complex, multi-functional programs spanning business processes, data, and technology across the investment lifecycle. Functional test execution must be tightly coordinated, well-governed, and aligned with overall program milestones. The Functional Test Lead plays a critical role in ensuring function-level testing is executed effectively, risks are surfaced early, and dependencies across teams are actively managed.

What You Will Be Responsible For

  • Partner with the Implementation Test Manager to manage all aspects of test execution for an assigned function within a specific Alpha implementation.
  • Own function-level test execution delivery, including:
    • Test strategy and approach for the function
    • Detailed test planning and scheduling
    • Day-to-day execution management across test phases
    • Defect management, triage, and resolution tracking
    • Status reporting, risk identification, and issue escalation
  • Provide strong project management discipline for the functional testing workstream, including dependency tracking and milestone alignment.
  • Coordinate closely with business, technology, and integration teams to ensure functional scope, data readiness, and environments are aligned.
  • Partner with the System Performance team to support planning and execution of performance testing activities relevant to the function.
  • Partner with the Automation team to drive adoption and execution of automation, ensuring functional test coverage, reusability, and alignment with overall test strategy.
  • Own end-to-end defect management for the assigned function, including defect identification, logging, triage, prioritization, tracking, and closure across test phases.
  • Lead defect triage forums at the functional level, partnering with business, technology, and integration teams to drive timely resolution.
  • Ensure defects are risk-assessed, severity-aligned, and impact-aware, with clear traceability to business processes and test scenarios.
  • Proactively identify defect trends, systemic issues, and quality risks, escalating to the Implementation Test Manager with clear mitigation recommendations.
  • Maintain strong governance over defect SLAs, aging, leakage, and reopen rates, ensuring transparency and predictability in execution.
  • Ensure accurate and disciplined use of defect management tools (e.g., JIRA), including reporting, dashboards, and audit-ready documentation.
  • Ensure adherence to testing standards, governance, and best practices across functional test cycles.
  • Manage and guide functional test analysts and testers (FTEs and vendors), providing clear direction and execution oversight.
  • Produce clear, concise test status reporting for the Test Manager and broader implementation leadership.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of functional testing approaches, assets, and execution models.
  • Play an advisory role in projects facing challenges, providing direction, solution and stabilization support.
  • Proactively drive initiatives, identify gaps and implement improvements across projects.

What We Value

  • Strong execution mindset with the ability to operate independently while aligning closely with broader program leadership.
  • Experience leading functional testing within complex, client-facing transformation or platform implementation programs.
  • Ability to balance hands-on test leadership with structured reporting and stakeholder communication.
  • Strong collaboration skills across Testing, Performance, Automation, Technology, and Business teams.
  • Commitment to quality, risk management, and delivery predictability.

These Skills Will Help You Succeed In This Role

  • End-to-end test execution and delivery management
  • Functional test planning and execution leadership
  • Defect management and risk-based decision making
  • Experience leading defect triage and resolution governance
  • Project and delivery coordination skills
  • Experience with agile or hybrid delivery models (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a global, multi-vendor environment
  • Knowledge of front, middle, and back-office workflows and data flows (preferred)

Education & Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Technology, Finance, Management, or related disciplines
  • 10–15 years overall experience, with strong experience in functional testing for financial services or technology transformation programs
  • 4–8 years of experience leading testing workstreams or functional teams across internal and external stakeholders

Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. We keep our clients at the heart of everything we do, and smart, engaged employees are essential to our continued success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As an essential partner in our shared success, you’ll benefit from inclusive development opportunities, flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks that keep you connected to what matters most. Join us in shaping the future.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer employer: State Street

At State Street, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and inclusivity. As an Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, you will thrive in a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact our clients' success, supported by flexible work-life balance initiatives, comprehensive development opportunities, and a commitment to fostering a diverse workforce. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also empowers you to shape the future of financial services.

State Street

Contact Details:

State Street Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This way, we can tailor our responses to show how we can add value and fit right into their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more we practice, the more confident we’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring managers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and gives us another chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit.

We think you need these skills to ace Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer

Test Execution Management
Functional Test Planning
Defect Management
Risk Identification
Project Management
Stakeholder Communication
Agile Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in functional testing and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Implementation Functional Test Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully partnered with different stakeholders in past projects to achieve common goals.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at State Street

Know Your Testing Fundamentals

Make sure you brush up on your functional testing principles, especially in the context of financial services. Be ready to discuss your experience with end-to-end test execution and how you've managed defect triage in previous roles.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

This role requires strong project management discipline, so be prepared to share specific examples of how you've coordinated testing efforts across teams. Highlight your experience with tools like JIRA and how you've ensured alignment with program milestones.

Demonstrate Collaboration Abilities

Collaboration is key in this position. Think of instances where you've worked closely with business, technology, and integration teams. Be ready to explain how you facilitated communication and resolved conflicts to keep projects on track.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that require you to think on your feet. Prepare for scenario-based queries about defect management and risk assessment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.