At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead functional testing for complex Alpha implementations and ensure high-quality delivery.
- Company: Join a global leader in investment management with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and inclusive development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong emphasis on employee empowerment and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial services while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years of experience in functional testing, preferably in financial services.
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.
The role requires hands-on ownership of planning, execution, coordination, reporting and defect management to ensure high-quality, predictable delivery outcomes.
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 in London 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, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks. Join us to advance your career in a role that not only challenges you but also empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer in London
✨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. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing 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 will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and appreciation for the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead, Officer in London
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 specific requirements of the Alpha Implementation Functional Test Lead role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you’ve effectively managed test execution and defect management in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and ensure your passion for quality and delivery shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you can easily track your application status. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at State Street
✨Know Your Testing Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your testing methodologies and frameworks. Understand the end-to-end test execution process, especially in a financial services context. Be ready to discuss how you would approach functional test planning and execution for complex implementations.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
This role requires strong project management discipline, so be prepared to share examples of how you've managed test execution delivery in the past. Highlight your experience with defect management and how you've successfully coordinated with various teams to ensure alignment and timely resolution.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration and Communication
Since this position involves working closely with multiple teams, emphasise your collaboration skills. Share specific instances where you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders, managed dependencies, and ensured everyone was on the same page during testing phases.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing defects or coordinating across teams, and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your analytical and risk management skills.
