Test Manager - Digital
About the role
An exciting role to build the test strategy and approach for delivering the GLA’s digital products roadmap. Driving an automation-first approach to both functional and non-functional testing. You will proactively improve the test capability, create test governance, and develop full lifecycle testing for internally and partner developed solutions. Having strong knowledge of testing methodologies, you will be responsible for regression testing, feedback to the business, release notes and any performance, accessibility and security testing compliance. Working with the business you will generate test cases, defining test plans and outcomes. You will have a strong background in testing and leadership, driven to make positive change and have outstanding people skills.
About the team
The GLA’s Digital Experience Unit is responsible for the delivery of all internal and external digital products and services at the GLA.
The unit is responsible for the design, delivery and management of dozens digital, data and technology services that support the delivery of the functions of the Mayor and the Assembly; and, in doing so, directly serve Londoners.
The GLA’s largest and most visible digital products – London.gov.uk, the London Datastore and Talk London – are used by millions of Londoners every year and provide the GLA with platforms for communications, convening, public engagement, data and information-sharing, and transparency. These services support delivery, scrutiny and democratic engagement at scale and at a low cost per user compared to non-digital channels and services.
This role will sit within the Delivery team, and report into Head of Delivery. The post will work very closely with inhouse and third-party development and testing suppliers.
Resources
The Resources Directorate provides corporate support to the Mayor and the Assembly and is responsible for the following functions: finance, legal, procurement, internal audit, technology group (TG) and facilities management (FM). The Directorate’s Executive Director also acts as the Authority’s chief finance officer and manages the Authority’s shared services arrangement with TfL to provide legal and procurement advice.
Principal accountabilities
- Lead the GLA’s quality assurance and testing (QAT) strategy and work programme for all internal and external digital and data products, by delivering initial estimates of the testing efforts and forecasts needed for new development and functional enhancement on the digital roadmap.
- Reviewing test requirements for change requests, assessing the impact on test plans, resources and schedules, managing delivery through our testing team and external third-party suppliers and contractors.
- Lead testing strategy and implementation for our most complex and high-risk products.
- Ensure automated, device/compatibility, functional, negative, end to end, security, accessibility and performance testing is strategised across of all of GLA internal and external Scrum teams.
- Lead development of technical, performance and automation testing at all layers of the product development life cycle and activities across all of GLA’s digital estate.
- Maintain and develop test automation tools and frameworks for the authority across its digital estate.
- Hold third party suppliers, internal and external development teams to account.
- Manage resources effectively to ensure utilisation of the resources is maximised, aligned to plan, budget and to timeframe.
- Manage the test team by assigning tasks, setting priorities, monitoring progress and signing off timesheets and invoices for external contractors in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards
- Spearhead the continuous improvement of the GLA’s testing function, ensuring the GLA has the right processes, policies, tooling and technical capabilities to deliver an effective QAT programme.
- Ensure processes and policies are implemented across all GLA products.
- Work with senior managers across GLA digital and data teams to develop in-house technical talent, supporting communities of practice and helping to develop the skills of junior officers in testing roles.
- Build collaborative relationships and work effectively within an agile environment with colleagues and suppliers.
- Quality assure the work of others (including third party suppliers) to ensure it meets our design standards and functional requirements in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications).
- Advise on the feasibility of designs produced by third party suppliers.
Person specification
Technical requirements/experience/qualifications
- Proven line management capabilities
- Can demonstrate deep experience of successfully implementing and improving test management processes within a large organization using Agile methodology.
- Can show evidence of designing coded tests for configured and integrated systems as well as for directly implemented code.
- Can demonstrate deep experience in functional, regression and automated testing (Selenium Webdriver, Python).
- Has deep experience in User Acceptance Test (UAT) management, script writing and defect management.
- Can demonstrate experience with a broad range of test automation tools and frameworks such as Junit, Selenium, Cucumber/Gherkin, TestNG, SOAPUI, Appium.
- Can demonstrate experience of mentoring and coaching testers to support the team’s learning and capability development. Setting standards and ensuring targets are met.
- Experience in using Test management tools Jira, Testrail.
- Can demonstrate deep experience of managing a test team, or agile development team, and in prioritizing, planning, organizing and delegating work in a fast-paced environment.
Behavioural competencies
Strategic thinking
…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.
Level 3 indicators:
- Translates GLA vision and strategy into practical and tangible plans for own team or delivery partners
- Consistently takes account of the wider implications of team’s actions for the GLA
- Encourages self and others to think about organisation’s long term potential
- Informs strategy development by identifying gaps in current delivery or evidence
- Takes account of a wide range of public and partner needs to inform team’s work
Managing and Developing Performance
… is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.
Level 3 indicators:
- Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect
- Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities
- Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities
- Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance
- Promotes a positive team culture that respects diversity and deals with barriers to inclusion
Stakeholder Focus
… is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.
Level 3 indicators:
- Understands diverse stakeholder needs and tailors team deliverables accordingly
- Is a role model to others, encouraging them to think of Londoners first
- Manages stakeholder expectations, so they are high but realistic
- Removes barriers to understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders, including hard to reach groups
- Focuses own and team’s efforts on delivering a quality and committed service
Planning and Organising
… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 2 indicators:
- Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables
- Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
- Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
- Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
- Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met
Problem Solving
… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.
Level 3 indicators:
- Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding
- Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice
- Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues
- Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes
- Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework.
This role is based at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL)
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.
Application Process & Additional Information
Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role.
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:
- Up to date CV
- Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.
Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.
Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. “CV – applicant name - 012345).
Applications submitted without a Personal Statement will not be considered.
London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.
In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
On this recruitment campaign, as part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.
Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.