Description

Test managers typically work within an the engineering team together with other people to evaluate software. Their job is to make sure that the testing process is conducted smoothly and that everyone plays their role in the process. They should be able to identify any issues in software that occur during testing and collaborate with their team members to find solutions. They also need to make sure that the requirements of customers are met. After and during software testing, it's the responsibility of the test manager to determine how the testing process is evaluating the software. If changes to the process of testing are required then the test manager has to supervise these changes. It is essential for the tester to is aware of the software being tested and also methods and processes for quality assurance and also be able to efficiently coordinate the work of a team.

A minimum of a bachelor's education in computing or a related field is usually required for positions as a test manager A master's degree could be preferable. Test managers typically also require prior experience in a similar job such as management of software quality, engineer manager, or test manager. The software specific to tests manager positions require knowledge of will vary based on the position and the company. They may be recruited from outside their organization or be promoted to a lower job within the company.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Test Manager with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Manage and oversee the testing activities for multiple projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project timelines.
  • Lead and mentor the testing team, providing guidance, technical support, and performance feedback.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive test strategies, test plans, and test cases to ensure thorough test coverage.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues, track defects, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality software products.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Test Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience in software testing methodologies and practices, including test planning, test execution, and defect management.
  • Strong leadership skills to effectively manage a team of testers and coordinate testing activities across multiple projects.
  • In-depth knowledge of test automation tools and frameworks to drive automation initiatives and improve testing efficiency.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with stakeholders, project managers, and development teams, ensuring clear understanding of testing requirements and timely delivery of high-quality test deliverables.

Essential Skills For Test Manager

1

Test Automation

2

Test Procedures

Skills That Affect Test Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Test Automation

4%

Software Testing

6%

Quality Assurance

6%

Career Prospects

The role of Test Manager is vital in ensuring effective testing and quality assurance. As a professional with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, you may consider exploring the following alternative roles:

  • Quality Assurance Manager: Responsible for implementing and maintaining quality standards, processes, and procedures across the organization.
  • Agile Coach: Focused on facilitating and coaching teams in adopting Agile methodologies, improving delivery processes, and ensuring high-quality software development.
  • Release Manager: In charge of planning, coordinating, and overseeing the release of software products, ensuring smooth deployment and minimizing downtime.
  • Business Analyst: Involved in analyzing business processes, gathering requirements, and translating them into functional specifications for software development.

How to Learn

The test manager role in the United Kingdom is expected to show a significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the job role has seen a steady increase in demand and is projected to continue growing. With the increasing importance of software testing and quality assurance, more employment opportunities are expected to be available in the future for test managers in the UK. This upward trend is supported by recent data points from Google, indicating a flourishing market for professionals in this field.