Test Manager

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our IT team works closely with stakeholders to develop and implement technology solutions. As a Test Manager for WHSmith you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all software testing activities across project delivery and software upgrades. This role ensures products meet quality standards, business requirements, and customer expectations before release. You will be responsible for leading the testing resources, defining testing strategies, managing environments and release processes.

What you will be doing:

• Team Leadership – Accountable for defining the vision, standards and KPIs for the testing capability across WHSmith.
• Test Management – Owns the test strategy, planning and execution, and establishes repeatable processes for defect management and business acceptance.
• Performance and Non-Functional Testing – Provides expertise and guidance on when non-functional testing is required, including performance, resilience and security testing.
• Test Supplier Management – Accountable for managing test suppliers, team capacity, capability and associated costs.
• Release Management – Coordinates the planning, test readiness and deployment of releases across projects and business-as-usual upgrades.
• Test Tool Management – Accountable for selecting, implementing and managing appropriate testing tools and ensuring they are used effectively.
• Stakeholder Management – Builds strong relationships with testing suppliers, technology partners, internal project teams and business stakeholders to support successful test delivery.
• Environment and Data Management – Accountable for ensuring test environments, test data and lab capabilities are provisioned, maintained and fit for purpose.
• Project Governance – Works closely with project teams to identify upstream and downstream dependencies, risks and issues, and to ensure testing activities are accurately reflected in project plans.
• Process Adherence – Ensures adherence to WHSmith best practice documentation and project delivery methodology.
• Continuous Improvement – Drives a culture of continuous improvement with a focus on process efficiency, quality and automation.

What we are looking for:

• Previous Experience in a Test Management role
• Strong knowledge of Software Delivery and Software Testing Lifecycle, Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies.
• Experience with test management tools such as: Jira, TestRail, HP ALM / Quality Centre, Azure DevOps
• Understanding of automation testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• ISTQB Test Manager or equivalent certification.
• Experience managing distributed or offshore QA teams.
• Knowledge of performance, security, and API testing tools.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and SaaS application upgrades.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Cycle to work scheme

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. Our business operates from two key locations. Our UK Travel and International office is based in a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces. Across both locations, we're an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation. We foster an entrepreneurial culture where people are encouraged to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and help shape the future of our business. At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here. We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!