Test Manager in London

Company Description

Talan (part of the Talan Group) is an expert provider of professional services. Our vision and mission is to take positive action in a complex world for the future good of people and the environment and to enlighten and enable our clients’ transformation in an increasingly complex world. We are purpose-driven, working across multiple sectors, tackling social and environmental challenges, improving and simplifying the way markets work, harnessing the power of digital transformation and ensuring data is protected and used ethically. Talan provides a range of consultancy and outsourcing capabilities including programme management, market design and governance. We also have extensive and award-winning capabilities across cyber security, data privacy and digital transformation. We are B Corp and Great Place to Work accredited.

The nature of what we do means we are very much a people business. The contribution every member of the team makes to our diverse range of experience, skills and personalities is valued. We invest heavily in learning and development to enable our people to develop skills and gain experience which will enhance career prospects for life. Many who started their careers with us have rapidly progressed to more senior positions. No two days are the same, but we believe in a flexible approach to working which we know our employees value.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Test Manager to lead our testing team and ensure end-to-end quality across complex technology deliveries in a client-facing consulting environment. In this hands-on role, you will both shape testing strategy and actively participate in testing activities alongside your team. You’ll work closely with Product, Engineering, Architecture, and Delivery colleagues to embed testing throughout the delivery lifecycle, ensuring high-quality solutions for our clients while leading by example and sharing responsibility in day-to-day testing. The role also requires the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with others, building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and contributing to the continuous improvement of testing capability, standards, and ways of working across engagements. This can be based from our London or Birmingham office.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine test strategy: Develop and continuously improve test strategies that align with programme and client objectives, working with stakeholders to ensure shared goals, clear test plans and well-informed delivery decisions across complex engagements.
• Establish practical test governance: Establish clear, consistent test governance by setting up practical test plans, risk-based approaches, entry and exit criteria, and quality metrics, while providing guidance on appropriate controls, escalation paths, and release recommendations in line with delivery risk and client priorities.
• Promote test automation: Foster the adoption of test automation across UI and API, to improve efficiency and coverage in modern Agile/DevOps delivery, and support continuous improvement in tooling, frameworks, and testing approaches across projects.
• Manage full testing lifecycle: Plan and coordinate all test phases - including system, integration, UAT, regression, release, and post-deployment validation - ensuring thorough testing, smooth execution, and a consistent approach across multiple or complex workstreams.
• Ensure non-functional testing: Make sure that crucial non-functional aspects (performance, security, usability, resilience, etc.) are properly planned and tested, collaboratively working with specialists as needed.
• Oversee defect management: Lead a transparent defect lifecycle by prioritising issues, tracking and analysing root causes, and driving timely resolution in collaboration with developers and stakeholders, capturing lessons learned.
• Quality and risk reporting: Provide clear, evidence-based reporting on test results, quality status, risks, and readiness to release, helping stakeholders understand options, consider risks, and make well-informed decisions, while offering thoughtful guidance and practical recommendations to support effective release planning.
• Hands-on testing and support: Contribute directly to testing activities (such as designing test cases, executing critical tests, or reviewing results) when needed, to support your team in delivering quality and to model best practices.
• Mentor and support the team: Guide, coach, and develop the testing team, fostering their professional growth and maintaining an inclusive, collaborative work culture where everyone’s contributions are valued, while encouraging shared standards, strengthening capability across the practice, and demonstrating supportive, inclusive leadership.
• Cross-team collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across disciplines (e.g. developers, business analysts, project managers) to ensure a shared quality-first culture and an integrated approach to delivering successful outcomes.

Competitive salary range plus bonus and excellent benefits package

Qualifications Requirements

• Experience and Knowledge
• Extensive software testing background: A strong history in software testing, ideally including roles as a Test Manager or Senior Test Lead, with a track record of managing end-to-end testing across all phases (from test planning and design through to final release).
• Technical testing expertise: Knowledge of modern test automation tools and frameworks, with hands-on experience integrating automated tests to improve delivery efficiency.
• Agile and complex project experience: Experience working in Agile or other dynamic delivery environments, with the ability to adapt testing approaches to changing project needs or multiple workstreams.
• Consulting/client-facing exposure: Experience delivering projects in a consulting or client-facing context, working closely with client stakeholders and understanding how to align testing with client expectations and commercial considerations.
• Tools and process familiarity: Familiarity with test management tools and methodologies and a good understanding of software development practices to collaborate effectively with technical teams.

Skills and Qualifications

• A collaborative leadership style - able to guide and support a small team by leading by example, and willing to get involved to help with test design or execution when needed.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey testing progress, quality status, and technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as advising and influencing senior stakeholders in a clear, constructive, and collaborative way.
• An evidence-based approach to problem-solving and decision-making in testing, using risk-based thinking to overcome challenges and ensure quality outcomes.

(We know no candidate will have every single qualification above - if you have most of these and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.)

DESIRABLE

• Professional certifications such as ISTQB or ISEB (e.g. Advanced Test Manager) – beneficial but not mandatory.
• Experience with specialised testing tools for performance, security, accessibility, or resilience testing.
• Experience managing testing across multiple concurrent projects or workstreams.

Upon employment, employees should also have a sound awareness of the Company's Information, Quality, Environmental and Energy Management Systems.

Additional Information

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments

Our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. As a socially responsible leader, Talan continually invests in sustainable growth, addressing both social and environmental challenges. We achieve this while preserving our core values and ensuring operational excellence for our clients. This commitment to excellence extends across all aspects of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

For the past three years, through our 360° approach to social and environmental responsibility, we have been driving significant change and strengthening these principles within our corporate DNA. The solid foundations we've been building since 2021 are enabling our organisation to transform in a sustainable and positive manner.

Disability Inclusion

We recognise that the diversity of legislative and cultural frameworks for supporting individuals with disabilities requires the implementation of specific policies and a unique approach in each country where the Group operates. Talan is committed to strengthening its involvement in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities by implementing dedicated support systems and raising awareness among our teams on these issues.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Reward and recognition schemes
• Flexible working
• Private Bupa healthcare (subsidised)
• Life Assurance (up to 4 times annual salary)
• Matched pension contributions
• Season Ticket Loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Buy and Sell annual leave
• Reimbursement of eye test and up to £50 towards glasses or contacts
• Corporate gym rates
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Summer and Christmas parties, along with monthly Social@77