Xpert: Senior Test Manager / Test Architect

Role: Senior Test Manager / Test Architect Location: Gloucestershire (Hybrid) Engagement: TBC Start: TBC (Target: End July / Early August) Clearance Required: Active SC, or SC + NPPV3 Role Summary The Senior Test Manager / Test Architect will drive quality assurance across large-scale programmes, leading QA initiatives, overseeing delivery, and advancing testing and automation strategies.

This role partners closely with development, architecture, and business teams to ensure secure, high-quality delivery across the SDLC while maintaining strong governance and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement test strategies aligned to programme objectives and quality standards
• Own end-to-end test lifecycle including planning, estimation, execution, defect management, reporting, and sign-off
• Ensure functional and non-functional testability of requirements
• Monitor and improve quality delivery across teams and workstreams
• Mentor and lead QA teams across manual, automation, and non-functional disciplines
• Drive automation, performance, and security testing initiatives
• Engage stakeholders throughout the SDLC
• Support CI/CD pipelines and DevOps-aligned quality practices
• Identify, manage, and escalate test-related risks proactively Essential Skills & Experience
• Strong experience in Test Management and/or Test Architecture roles
• Strong backend and frontend testing experience
• Proven test automation framework design and maintenance
• API and system integration testing experience
• Performance and security testing using tools such as JMeter, Load. Runner, OWASP ZAP, and Burp Suite
• CI/CD and DevOps experience (Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience working in secure or regulated environments
• Cloud exposure (AWS, Azure, or GCP) Security clearance requirement (Applicants must already hold):
• SC Clearance (Mandatory)
• NPPV3 Clearance (Mandatory)
• Candidates must already hold required clearances Inspired. Xpert is a specialist IT Talent Solutions company providing high-quality contract or perm talent across software development, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and data-driven roles. We connect skilled professionals with innovative companies, offering exciting opportunities to work on impactful projects across the globe.