Test Analyst in UK

About the role

Test Analysts within Scottish Friendly play a crucial role in the software development process by designing and implementing test strategies.

They work closely with project teams to understand system requirements, and then design, execute, and automate test cases.

Reporting and documenting defects, as well as collaborating with developers, analysts and product owners to ensure timely issue resolution, are common tasks.

Test Analysts also contribute to the improvement of testing processes, tools and methodologies, as part of a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in testing tools are typically required for this role.

Effective communication and collaboration skills are vital, as they need to convey testing progress and results to various stakeholders.

Additionally, staying abreast of industry trends and advancements helps them adapt to evolving technologies.

Continuous learning about emerging technologies and industry best practices is often essential for staying effective in the position.

Key responsibilities

Understand the Testing Framework.

• confident in the relevant standards, methods and tools that support alignment to the organisation’s policies and risk appetite.
• with colleagues across the business to ensure they understand and can use the framework, and respond constructively to feedback on how it can be improved.

Use testing tooling and automation capability.

• the relevant systems, environments and data that combine to deliver service and change.
• tooling that will drive adherence to our testing framework and will improve efficiency through test automation.
• with Infrastructure, IT Development, Change and OAT and business teams to ensure tools and automation are used effectively to reduce risk and drive efficiency through testing.

Develop and gain agreement to test strategies.

Develop test strategies by analysing project requirements, identifying test scope and approach, determining environmental and data requirements and estimating testing efforts.

Establish an understood and agreed level of risk, to be confirmed with sponsor and other key stakeholders.

Carry out testing activity.

Ensure all relevant change stakeholders (IT Development, Infrastructure, Project Manager, analysts, testers and other business roles supporting the change) have clear line of sight to 1.

effort required to support testing work, 2.

progress against plan, 3.

key defects and issues and 4.

the overall risk profile of the testing activity.

Carry out testing in line with test plans

• with relevant colleagues to address defects identified in testing
• clearly and concisely on progress against test plans to key stakeholders, highlighting risks and opportunities and where necessary presenting options and recommendations for next steps.

Develop a “shift left” culture

• a culture where testing can happen at the earliest opportunity in the lifecycle and with the least amount of manual effort, so that testing is seen as an enabler of successful change delivery.
• colleagues in all relevant teams to develop this mindset and support them in having the understanding of approach and tooling to be able to do so.

Qualifications and skills

1.

A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is often required.

Some roles may also consider equivalent work experience or certifications.

2.

Certifications such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) can be beneficial, demonstrating a standardized understanding of testing principles.

3.

Familiarity with the specific industry or domain in which the organization operates enhances the ability to understand and test relevant requirements.

4.

Strong analytical skills to interpret software requirements and translate them into effective test cases.

5.

Clear and effective communication skills to convey testing progress, issues, and results to diverse stakeholders.

The following skills are desirable for this role:

1.

Experience in executing test cases, both manually and through automated testing tools, to identify defects and ensure software functionality.

2.

Skill in documenting and tracking software defects, collaborating with development teams for resolution.

3.

Familiarity with test automation tools and the ability to create and maintain automated test scripts.

4.

Experience in conducting performance testing to evaluate system responsiveness, scalability, and reliability.

5.

Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with developers, business analysts, and other stakeholders.

Having a combination of these qualifications, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to quality, will position you well for success as a Test Analyst.

Scottish Friendly Values

We would like you to demonstrate the Scottish Friendly values in your role:

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

• collaborate and value each other’s opinion
• a small team with a big impact
• support each other to thrive and grow

WE CARE ABOUT OUR CUSTOMERS

• customers are at the heart of everything we do
• committed to doing the right things for our customers
• listen to and learn from our customers

WE KEEP MOVING FORWARD

• always see change as an opportunity
• progress is based on careful management of our risks
• have the courage to test new ideas and learn from them