Test Manager - Contract

Reed Technology is partnering with a well-established public sector organisation to recruit an experienced Test Manager for a major organisational transformation programme.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly capable Test Manager to take ownership of the entire testing function within a complex transition programme. Acting as the sole testing specialist on the project, you will be responsible for defining, implementing, and managing the end-to-end testing approach, working closely with stakeholders across business and technical workstreams to ensure services, systems, data, and processes are fully tested and ready for transition.

You will work particularly closely with the programme's T echnical Business Analyst, alongside programme leadership, delivery partners, and business stakeholders, to ensure a coordinated and effective testing approach throughout the programme lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the overall testing strategy for a large-scale business and technology transformation programme.
• Establish and maintain test governance, reporting, and defect management processes.
• Act as the programme's lead testing specialist, taking accountability for all testing activities across multiple workstreams.
• Define test plans, test scenarios, entry and exit criteria, and testing methodologies.
• Work closely with the Technical Business Analyst to ensure business requirements are translated into effective test coverage.
• Collaborate with programme stakeholders, delivery teams, and third-party partners to ensure testing activities are aligned and delivered on schedule.
• Support go-live planning and readiness activities, ensuring all testing requirements have been successfully completed.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Test Manager role, ideally delivering testing within large-scale transformation, migration, or organisational change programmes.
• Demonstrable experience establishing and leading testing functions, including situations where you have operated as the primary or sole testing resource within a project or programme.
• Strong experience developing test strategies, governance frameworks, and defect management processes from inception through to delivery.
• Experience managing end-to-end testing across systems, processes, data migration, and operational readiness activities.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience within public sector or highly regulated environments would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Contract running until February 2027.
• Inside IR35 engagement.
• Day rate of up to £600 per day.
• Hybrid working arrangement with three days per month in Edinburgh.