Test Manager

Test Manager (Contract) DV Clearance Eligible
Location: On-site Milton Keynes (with occasional travel to London)
Rate: Up to £503 per day Umbrella (inside IR35)
Duration: Initial 6 months

We are working with a highly respected government-facing organisation delivering critical services and solutions in secure environments. They are seeking an experienced Test Manager to lead and assure quality across complex delivery programmes.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you ll take ownership of the end-to-end testing strategy, working closely with delivery teams and stakeholders to ensure robust, high-quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver test strategies aligned to both functional and non-functional requirements
• Assess testability and shape effective, risk-based testing approaches
• Engage with business and operational stakeholders to agree test solutions
• Produce and maintain comprehensive test documentation
• Lead defect management, ensuring prioritisation aligns with business needs
• Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently
• Support go-live and deployment activities
• Navigate operational constraints and evolving delivery pressures

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong Test Management experience (ISTQB Advanced Test Manager or equivalent preferred)
• Experience working in secure or Tier 2 environments
• Knowledge of:
  • Test management and automation tools
  • Non-functional testing (performance, load, stress, soak testing)
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
  • SQL for data interrogation
  • Virtual environments (e.g. VMware)
  • Basic networking concepts (e.g. Cisco)
• Ability to take a business-focused, operational view of testing
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

Additional Requirements

Must be a sole British national (no dual nationality)

Must have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the past 5 years

Eligible and willing to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) clearance

Ability to work on-site full-time in Milton Keynes

Working Arrangements

Full-time (37.5 48 hours per week)

On-site role no remote or hybrid working available

Occasional travel within the UK (expenses reimbursed where applicable)

Important Information

• This role falls inside IR35
• Engagement via PAYE or compliant umbrella company
• 7-day notice period
• Candidates must not have worked in a similar role with this end client in the past 6 months

If you re an experienced Test Manager looking to work on impactful, secure programmes where quality is critical, we d be keen to speak with you.

Apply now with your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.