Test Manager (FTC)

Job Title: Test Manager (FTC)

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.
Location: Walsall (Hybrid)
Salary: to £70k pro rata, depending on experience 
Hours: 37 hours per week
Duration: 3-6 months initially

Echo Managed Services are seeking a Test Manager to lead the end-to-end testing strategy, planning and execution for our innovative software solutions. You’ll ensure robust quality assurance, manage test teams and drive continuous improvement in testing practices. If you’re detail-oriented, thrive in regulated environments and have a passion for delivering high quality products, we want to hear from you.

Who We Are:
Part of the South Staffordshire group, Echo Managed Services is a leading provider of outsourced customer service solutions and software. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding results for our clients and cultivating a culture of innovation and growth. Join our team and become part of a forward-thinking organisation that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.

The Role:
As Test Manager, you will be responsible for defining and executing the testing vision, strategy and processes across projects. You’ll play a pivotal role in aligning cross functional teams, ensuring test readiness and driving quality to deliver exceptional value to our customers. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership and hands on experience managing the full test lifecycle in regulated sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement test strategies, plans and processes for projects.
Lead, mentor and manage test teams, including assigning tasks and monitoring progress.
Coordinate with project managers, developers and business analysts to define testing requirements and acceptance criteria.
Oversee the creation and execution of test cases, scripts and scenarios (manual and automated).
Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for all testing related matters.
Provide clients with regular updates on testing progress, defect status, risks and quality metrics.
Ensure defects are tracked, reviewed, prioritised and resolved in a timely manner.
Facilitate regular defect review meetings and drive defect resolution planning with relevant stakeholders.
Manage test environments and data, ensuring readiness for all test phases.
Report on test progress, quality metrics, and risks to stakeholders.
Drive continuous improvement in testing practices and tools.
What You’ll need:

Proven experience leading test and QA teams, consistently delivering high quality, value driven solutions.
Strong background in regulated sectors such as utilities, billing systems, water or energy.
Expertise in Agile frameworks, with hands on experience in test planning, execution and defect management.
Demonstrated success in implementing test automation and driving continuous improvement in QA processes.
Experience with test monitoring, progress reporting and clear communication of quality metrics to stakeholders and clients.
Excellent client relationship management skills, with a track record of building trust, understanding client needs and providing regular updates.
Familiarity with Salesforce testing and integration is highly desirable.
Skills & Qualifications:

Proven experience as a Test Manager or similar role in software testing.
Strong knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and testing methodologies.
Experience with test management tools (e.g. JIRA, TestRail, Zephyr).
Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Experience in client relationship management and providing regular updates.
ISTQB certification or equivalent is a plus.
What You’ll Get in Return:

Base salary to £70k (pro rata) plus package
Pension scheme with employer contributions
25 days holiday + bank holidays
A supportive and collaborative work environment where your ideas and contributions are highly valued
Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
24/7 GP service.
Access to my premier benefits – store discounts.
Employee Well-being programme
Free onsite parking 
Onsite Gym
REF-(Apply online only)