Quality Assurance Manager (QA) - Insurance

Quality Assurance Manager

Insurance

Hybrid - Manchester

£70-£80k + Benefits

Our client, an global Insurance organisation has a need for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to define and lead the Quality Assurance practice across the IT & project teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality solutions that meet business needs.

This role oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of testing activities, manages a team of QA Analysts, and ensures adherence to best practices in quality assurance and testing methodologies. The QA Manager acts as a strategic partner to development, project and business teams, driving continuous improvement in QA processes and tools, and ensuring that all technical releases are robust, reliable, and aligned business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Directly or indirectly manage 10-20 QA resources, primarily from 3rd party partners, including recruitment, mentoring, performance management, and professional development.
• Define and implement the overall QA strategy, structure & processes, aligning with business goals and IT delivery frameworks (Agile, Waterfall, etc.).
• Act as a Test Manager on the Transformation Programme, defining the test strategy and approach and managing resources to deliver and ensure quality outcomes.
• Oversee the planning, development, and execution of test strategies, test plans, and automated testing frameworks on both projects and BAU small change.
• Ensure quality standards are maintained across all projects and releases, including third-party vendor deliverables.
• Collaborate with Development Managers, Business Analysts, and Project Managers to ensure quality is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Champion the use of automation, artificial intelligence and continuous testing practices to improve efficiency and reduce time to market.
• Monitor and report on QA metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
• Manage risks and issues related to quality assurance and escalate where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Act as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders regarding QA matters.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the IT function.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role desirable.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in managing QA teams and delivering QA strategies in both Agile and Waterfall environments.
• Insurance Industry experience.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles and QA methodologies.
• Experience with test automation tools and frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and drive change across teams and departments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Office Suite, Playwright or other similar test management platforms.
• Knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
• Scripting experience is desirable.