Quality Assurance Manager

Role: Quality Assurance Manager

Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid typically, 1-2 days a week on-site)

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience

Due to continued growth and the success of a market-leading AI-powered platform used across central government, our client is seeking an experienced Software QA Manager to play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability and compliance of software products and services.

This is a hands-on software quality assurance position, working closely with software engineering, data science, project management and technical leadership teams. You will be responsible for driving quality assurance activities across the full software development lifecycle, ensuring robust testing practices, quality standards and continuous improvement initiatives are embedded into delivery.

As the lead for software quality, you will act as the primary point of contact for QA-related matters across multiple concurrent projects, supporting the delivery of innovative solutions used by major UK Government departments. You will collaborate with development teams to define testing strategies, improve QA processes, oversee defect management and ensure solutions meet both customer and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will contribute to product and design reviews, support independent testing activities, analyse quality metrics, facilitate root cause investigations and help drive a culture of quality across the organisation. You will also work closely with stakeholders to ensure software solutions align with ISO standards, security requirements and best practice software engineering principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage software quality assurance activities across multiple projects and releases.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve QA processes, standards and testing methodologies.
• Work closely with Software Engineering, Data Science and Project teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout the SDLC.
• Define and oversee test strategies, test plans, defect management and release quality controls.
• Act as the primary escalation point for software quality issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities to address recurring defects and quality concerns.
• Participate in requirement, design and technical reviews to identify risks and quality improvements early.
• Review and approve software quality and technical documentation.
• Monitor QA metrics and provide reporting, insights and recommendations to improve product quality.
• Support independent testing and act as a witness during formal testing activities where required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, promoting a strong quality-first culture.
• Support customer engagements, audits and compliance activities relating to quality, security and software delivery standards.

Skills and Experience Required

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Software Quality Assurance Manager, QA Lead or Senior Software QA role within a software development environment.
• Strong understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Experience developing and implementing software QA frameworks, processes and testing standards.
• Proven experience managing software quality across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies, defect management and quality metrics.
• Experience working with development lifecycle tools such as Jira, GitLab or equivalent platforms.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and driving corrective and preventative actions.
• Ability to review technical documentation and provide quality-focused recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational and decision-making capabilities.
• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Software Quality or a related discipline, or equivalent commercial experience.
• Currently hold SC Clearance or be eligible and willing to obtain SC Clearance.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working within highly regulated, government, defence or public sector environments.
• Knowledge of quality and compliance frameworks including ISO 9001, ISO 20000 and ISO 27001.
• Experience supporting software audits, accreditation or certification activities.
• Exposure to AI, machine learning, data analytics or data-driven software products.
• Familiarity with DevOps and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.
• Personal Attributes
• Passionate about software quality and continuous improvement.
• Able to manage competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborative and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence teams and drive quality best practice.
• Committed to delivering high-quality outcomes in fast-paced and evolving environments.

Please note: Candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) and be willing to undergo the clearance process if not already cleared.

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