Software Test Manager

Software Test Manager (Hands on QA role)

• Location: Solihull (Hybrid working)
• Salary: £50,000 - £62,000 + excellent benefits

Are you a hands-on Test Manager who enjoys owning the test strategy, shaping quality outcomes and working across complex systems

We're partnering with a large, established organisation undergoing a significant transformation, and they're looking for an experienced Test Manager to take full accountability for end-to-end testing delivery across a high-profile programme of change.

This is a standalone Test Manager role. You won't be managing a permanent team, but you will be coordinating and assuring testing activity delivered by multiple suppliers and internal delivery teams, making this ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the detail while operating at programme level.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Owning and delivering the end-to-end Test Strategy and Test Plans across a complex transformation programme
• Acting as the single point of accountability for testing, from early planning through to release and go-live
• Leading testing across multiple phases including system integration, end-to-end, non-functional testing and UAT
• Coordinating and assuring supplier-led and multi-vendor testing, providing oversight, challenge and governance
• Embedding non-functional testing (performance, resilience, security) early into delivery plans
• Managing test environments, test data and readiness, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
• Owning defect management, including triage, prioritisation, tracking and clear reporting of trends and risk
• Producing concise, evidence-based test progress and quality reporting to support release decisions
• Championing strong testing practices across manual and automated testing, including shift-left and continuous improvement

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Test Manager or Test Lead on large, complex change or transformation programmes
• Strong hands-on experience owning the full testing lifecycle, not just oversight
• Experience working with third-party suppliers or multi-vendor environments
• Solid understanding of testing methodologies, tools and governance frameworks
• Practical exposure to test automation frameworks and modern testing practices
• Confident stakeholder communicator, able to influence and challenge constructively
• ISTQB certification (Foundation level or above) is desirable

Why Apply?

• £50,000 - £62,000 salary, depending on experience
• Hybrid working with a Solihull base
• A genuinely hands-on role with real ownership and influence
• Opportunity to work on a high-impact, business-critical transformation
• Supportive environment with strong investment in quality and delivery excellence
• If you're a Test Manager who prefers owning the test, not managing the headcount, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact.

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Macildowie is a specialist recruitment consultancy with a rich history of enhancing the careers of professionals across the Midlands and the Northern Home Counties. We have an unrivalled understanding of the local market place and recruit for the majority of the region's premier employers. To search for all of our live jobs please visit us at macildowie.com.