Test Assurance Manager in London

About the team

At the NMC, technology plays a vital role in helping us protect the public and support the professionals on our register. Our Digital and Technology teams deliver the systems and services that enable the organisation to operate effectively, safely and efficiently. As part of this, the Test and Assurance function provides independent quality assurance across a diverse portfolio of projects, applications and infrastructure changes. The team works closely with colleagues across the organisation and with external suppliers to ensure that technology solutions are robust, secure and fit for purpose before they are introduced into live environments.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape our testing capability, champion best practice and drive continuous improvement in how we assure quality across the organisation.

Your role and impact

As our Test and Assurance Manager, you will lead the development and implementation of testing strategies that support the successful delivery of organisational priorities and transformation initiatives. You'll provide leadership to a team of Test Analysts, creating an environment where people can thrive, develop and deliver high-quality outcomes. Working across multiple projects and programmes, you'll oversee all phases of testing, ensuring that risks are understood, quality standards are maintained and delivery remains on track. You'll be responsible for:

• Defining, implementing and continually improving the organisation's testing strategy and approach.
• Leading the planning, estimation and execution of testing activities across infrastructure and application projects.
• Managing test environments, test assets and repositories to ensure effective governance and control.
• Overseeing functional, automation, performance and non-functional testing activities, ensuring the right tools and techniques are used.
• Providing expert advice and guidance to colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders on all aspects of testing and quality assurance.
• Managing defect lifecycles and ensuring testing outcomes are transparent, evidence-based and clearly reported.
• Building strong relationships with business stakeholders, developers, analysts and subject matter experts to enable collaborative delivery.
• Acting as a member of the Change Advisory Board, ensuring that appropriate testing has been completed before changes are approved for release.
• Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing team, promoting a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.

The role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to how the NMC delivers change, helping us reduce risk, improve customer experience and ensure the quality of the services we provide.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an experienced testing professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and a passion for delivering results. You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading testing activity across complex programmes and projects delivered through Agile, Waterfall or hybrid approaches.
• Experience of managing and developing teams, including coaching, mentoring, workload planning and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of software testing methodologies, including functional and non-functional testing, test planning, defect management and quality assurance practices.
• Experience managing test environments and working within outsourced or multi-supplier delivery environments.
• Expertise in the use of test management, automation and performance testing tools, with experience of both manual and automated testing approaches.
• The ability to analyse complex information, assess risk and make sound decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and build credibility at all levels.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and creating opportunities for others to learn and develop.

You will thrive in this role if you take pride in delivering results, enjoy solving complex problems, communicate with impact and are passionate about helping others succeed. If you're motivated by improving quality, enabling successful change and making a meaningful difference through your work, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary Details

London - £58,022-£64,469
Edinburgh - £54,098-£60,109

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave
• Enhanced Pension Contributions via our attractive Pension Scheme – with a basic 8% employer contribution as standard which increases up to 14% with optional added Employee Contributions
• Life Insurance – 4 x current salary
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• 24 Hours Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Perkbox membership
• Subsidised restaurant in our Portland Place office
• Season ticket loans

Additional Information

The role you are applying for is a flexible role, and whilst you will be posted initially to a team, this may require movement between teams as the flow of work dictates. You will of course understand that this flexible approach enables us to provide the best possible service to our registrants and reach the outcomes to our cases quickly and within a reasonable timeframe. This will not change your terms and conditions and will be discussed with you prior to you taking up the post.

Hybrid Working Policy

We are currently working to a policy of office attendance for two days per week with the rest of the time working from home. Before submitting your application, please ensure you are able to commit to working in one of our office locations twice per week. If you are applying for a part-time role, please pro-rata office attendance based on the number of days you would be working.

Our Pay Policy

It is expected that staff new to the NMC will ordinarily be appointed to the bottom of the relevant pay band. However in exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to offer a salary above the bottom of the relevant pay band but we may request proof of current earnings. Please note that we offer an annual review of salaries and adopt a generous progressive pay approach. Further details of which are available on request.

For our internal colleagues, you will be paid in accordance to our internal pay policy.

Reasonable adjustments

We will provide reasonable adjustments to support disabled candidates throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you need any additional support to enable you to make an application with us.

Screening and vetting

All of our roles are subject to pre-employment checks. We are in the process of introducing a vetting policy, and it is possible that this role may become subject to DBS and further vetting checks in future.