Test Lead / Test Manager
Must be based in Sydney
Contract role - Initial 6 months

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly skilled and proactive Test Lead / Test Manager to join our client to drive the quality assurance efforts across key projects and programs. 
This is a hands-on leadership role, where you will define the test strategy, lead test planning, execution, and manage a team of testers to ensure high-quality software delivery.
You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams including developers, business analysts, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure products meet functional, performance, and compliance requirements. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the QA strategy and overall testing approach across multiple projects.
• Plan and manage all testing activities including system, integration, regression, UAT, and performance testing.
• Lead and mentor the QA team, managing workload, priorities, and team development.
• Work closely with business and technical teams to define clear test objectives and acceptance criteria.
• Review requirements, specifications, and technical design documents to provide timely and meaningful feedback.
• Manage test environments and ensure test data integrity.
• Identify and mitigate risks and issues related to quality early in the development lifecycle.
• Monitor and report on test progress, quality metrics, and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Drive test automation strategy and assist with automation framework selection and implementation (if applicable).
• Ensure adherence to QA best practices and processes, continuously seeking improvements.
• Support release planning and ensure smooth deployment by managing pre-release and post-release testing efforts.

Requirements:

• *Must have* general insurance experience 
• Guidewire experience would be highly desirable
• Strong understanding of QA methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Experience leading testing efforts in Agile, Scrum, or DevOps environments.
• Proven ability to lead and manage distributed teams (onshore/offshore).
• Hands-on experience with test management tools (e.g., JIRA, TestRail, Zephyr, HP ALM).