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Talan (part of the Talan Group) is an expert provider of professional services. Our vision and mission is to take positive action in a complex world for the future good of people and the environment and to enlighten and enable our clients' transformation in an increasingly complex world. We are purpose-driven, working across multiple sectors, tackling social and environmental challenges, improving and simplify the way markets work, harnessing the power of digital transformation and ensuring data is protected and used ethically. Talan provides a range of consultancy and outsourcing capabilities including programme management, market design and governance. We also have extensive and award-winning capabilities across cyber security, data privacy and digital transformation. We are B Corp and Great Place to Work accredited. The nature of what we do means we are very much a people business. The contribution every member of the team makes to our diverse range of experience, skills and personalities is valued. We invest heavily in learning and development to enable our people to develop skills and gain experience which will enhance career prospects for life. Many who started their careers with us have rapidly progressed to more senior positions. No two days are the same, but we believe in a flexible approach to working which we know our employees value. We are looking for an experienced Test Manager to lead our testing team and ensure end-to-end quality across complex technology deliveries in a client-facing consulting environment. In this hands-on role, you will both shape testing strategy and actively participate in testing activities alongside your team. You'll work closely with Product, Engineering, Architecture, and Delivery colleagues to embed testing throughout the delivery lifecycle, ensuring high-quality solutions for our clients while leading by example and sharing responsibility in day-to-day testing. The role also requires the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with others, building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and contribute to the continuous improvement of testing capability, standards, and ways of working across engagements. This can be based from our London or Birmingham office
Job Responsibility
Define and refine test strategy: Develop and continuously improve test strategies that align with programme and client objectives, working with stakeholders to ensure shared goals, clear test plans and well-informed delivery decisions across complex engagements
Establish practical test governance: Establish clear, consistent test governance by setting up practical test plans, risk-based approaches, entry and exit criteria, and quality metrics, while providing guidance on appropriate controls, escalation paths, and release recommendations in line with delivery risk and client priorities
Promote test automation: Foster the adoption of test automation across UI and API, to improve efficiency and coverage in modern Agile/DevOps delivery, and support continuous improvement in tooling, frameworks, and testing approaches across projects
Manage full testing lifecycle: Plan and coordinate all test phases - including system, integration, UAT, regression, release, and post-deployment validation - ensuring thorough testing, smooth execution, and a consistent approach across multiple or complex workstreams
Ensure non-functional testing: Make sure that crucial non-functional aspects (performance, security, usability, resilience, etc.) are properly planned and tested, collaboratively working with specialists as needed
Oversee defect management: Lead a transparent defect lifecycle by prioritising issues, tracking and analysing root causes, and driving timely resolution in collaboration with developers and stakeholders, capturing lessons learned
Quality and risk reporting: Provide clear, evidence-based reporting on test results, quality status, risks, and readiness to release, helping stakeholders understand options, consider risks, and make well-informed decisions, while offering thoughtful guidance and practical recommendations to support effective release planning
Hands-on testing and support: Contribute directly to testing activities (such as designing test cases, executing critical tests, or reviewing results) when needed, to support your team in delivering quality and to model best practices
Mentor and support the team: Guide, coach, and develop the testing team, fostering their professional growth and maintaining an inclusive, collaborative work culture where everyone's contributions are valued, while encouraging shared standards, strengthening capability across the practice, and demonstrating supportive, inclusive leadership
Cross-team collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across disciplines (e.g. developers, business analysts, project managers) to ensure a shared quality-first culture and an integrated approach to delivering successful outcomes
Requirements
Extensive software testing background: A strong history in software testing, ideally including roles as a Test Manager or Senior Test Lead, with a track record of managing end-to-end testing across all phases (from test planning and design through to final release)
Technical testing expertise: Knowledge of modern test automation tools and frameworks, with hands-on experience integrating automated tests to improve delivery efficiency
Agile and complex project experience: Experience working in Agile or other dynamic delivery environments, with the ability to adapt testing approaches to changing project needs or multiple workstreams
Consulting/client-facing exposure: Experience delivering projects in a consulting or client-facing context, working closely with client stakeholders and understanding how to align testing with client expectations and commercial considerations
Tools and process familiarity: Familiarity with test management tools and methodologies and a good understanding of software development practices to collaborate effectively with technical teams
A collaborative leadership style - able to guide and support a small team by leading by example, and willing to get involved to help with test design or execution when needed
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey testing progress, quality status, and technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as advising and influence senior stakeholders in a clear, constructive, and collaborative way
An evidence-based approach to problem-solving and decision-making in testing, using risk-based thinking to overcome challenges and ensure quality outcomes
Nice to have
Professional certifications such as ISTQB or ISEB (e.g. Advanced Test Manager) – beneficial but not mandatory
Experience with specialised testing tools for performance, security, accessibility, or resilience testing
Experience managing testing across multiple concurrent projects or workstreams
What we offer
25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Reward and recognition schemes
Flexible working
Private Bupa healthcare (subsidised)
Life Assurance (up to 4 times annual salary)
Matched pension contributions
Season Ticket Loan
Cycle to work scheme
Buy and Sell annual leave
Reimbursement of eye test and up to £50 towards glasses or contacts
Corporate gym rates
Employee Assistance Programme
Summer and Christmas parties, along with monthly Social@77