Test Lead at Flowbird UK

A fantastic new opportunity has arisen within Flowbird Transport Intelligence. We are searching for a System Test Lead to join the System Test Team to be responsible for creating and managing a sustainable test function that supports the business in meeting its key objectives and the full lifecycle of testing phases.

Flowbird delivers solutions for smart cities on the move. Our Smart Transport solutions can be seen in world-class cities including London, Edinburgh, Paris, New York, Sydney, Rome, Brussels and Toronto. Flowbird is present in 5,000 towns and cities around the world. We employ over 1,300 people creating and delivering effective, high quality solutions for our clients. 

Our market leadership is underpinned by a continuous drive to innovate and push the frontiers of what is possible in order to make our customers more successful. As a result, we are a thriving business that is investing strongly and building the team for both new opportunities and supporting existing ones. 

Location:

Our UK headquarters is based in Poole on the Dorset coast with its bustling quay, some of the best beaches in the UK and a stunning natural harbour. There is easy access to the Dorset countryside, the New Forest and the spectacular Jurassic Coast. Our main office is 1 mile from Poole railway station with good public transport links and close to both Bournemouth and Southampton international airports. 

Summary: 

Working within a test team who are responsible for all aspects of testing on integrated systems, the test engineer will be required to work with development teams, design architects, product owners, project managers and sometimes the end users. Experience in V-Model and Agile test methodologies would be of benefit.

Testing will err towards system, end to end and user-acceptance testing but exploratory, automated and component level testing are also highly valued. All of which will require a proficiency in the generation of test cases, script’s and possibly test plans, integration with software components and communication skills to provide feedback to the test/project/development teams.

The ability to comply with project deliverables and industry standards is highly valued.

Core Responsibilities:

• Direct Line Management of Test Engineers within their product/project area.
• Leading and supporting a System Test Team, coordinating the creation of test scenarios and test scripts. Setting testing priorities and monitoring test progress.
• Test planning and management across the SDLC, scheduling test activities and timelines.
• Writing test plans and defining the test approach for releases.
• Identification, analysis and reporting of project/test risks and RAID management.
• Working with project teams to provide testing input into project schedules (scope, test estimates and approach)
• Overseeing the project ’Defect Management’ process and running triage meetings.
• Regular reporting on test activity and progress for assigned products/projects to the Test Manager.
• Providing feedback to the development/project delivery teams.
• Work with peers in Development, Program Management and Design teams.
• Managing stakeholders at all levels to provide accurate and appropriate information to facilitate project decision making. Regular test reporting and the provision of test outcome reports.
• Providing support in a deputy capacity where necessary for the Test Manager to ensure continuity is achieved across test activities at project level.
• Working with the Test team to effectively embed best practices and quality improvements.
• Mentor and guide Test Engineers to improve their skills and productivity.
• Maintain and manage test equipment/test environments.
• Maintain generic test documentation and offer guidance on any bespoke test documentation.
• Contribute to a service minded and client-oriented approach.

Required Experience:

• The ideal candidate would have extensive experience of software testing, best practices and process.
• Evidence of 3+ years of System Test Leadership roles and experience.
• Evidence of leading testing from planning through to delivery.
• Customer facing experience is desirable.
• Experience of Agile/V-model/Waterfall deliveries.
• ISTQB Foundation certification (or equivalent)
• ISEB Intermediate or ISTQB Advanced certification is highly desirable but not essential.
• Experience of using test management tools, preferably TestRail or Xray.
• Awareness of test automation is beneficial but not essential.
• Any knowledge/experience of transport or other ticketing systems, ATM’s etc. would be beneficial.
• Any additional qualifications in computing, engineering, science or testing fields would be beneficial, e.g. Network Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics and Quality Assurance)

Core Skills: 

• MSP experience/awareness.
• SQL experience.
• PC Literate - Very good knowledge of PCs, Windows and PC Networks.
• Working knowledge of networking and associated protocols.
• Excellent knowledge of software development, test processes and best practices.
• Analytical problem solving and passion for quality together with excellent testing aptitude.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Professional high standard of written English.
• Must strive for quality through meticulous testing and attention to detail.
• Knowledge/experience of config management would be advantageous.
• Team Foundation Server knowledge is advantageous but training is provided.
• Experience in using Sharepoint would be advantageous but training is provided.

Behavioural factors:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, managing both up and down as required.
• Actively contribute to improve the quality of both products and services by working in accordance with internal and external quality standards.
• Maintain generic test documentation and offer guidance on any bespoke test documentation.
• Passion for engineering and software testing.
• Must be prepared to work extra hours as required in order to achieve stakeholder satisfaction.
• Ability to work in a demand-led environment showing both adaptability and problem solving skills.

Reports To:

• Test Manager