Senior Test Architecture & QA Specialist - VO

We are seeking an experienced Test Architecture and Quality Assurance professional to support the UK IT function within BQA. This role is focused on driving quality assurance, process governance, continuous improvement, test architecture support, and compliance across the software development and testing lifecycle. The successful candidate will work closely with project teams, automation specialists, and stakeholders to strengthen testing standards, improve delivery quality, and promote efficient and effective testing practices across managed services.

What you will do:

• Lead quality assurance, process measurement, and continuous improvement initiatives across testing programmes.
• Support and guide Test Architecture functions with testing methodologies, governance, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure compliance with Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC) processes and deliverables.
• Identify, assess, and implement tools, frameworks, and assets to improve end-to-end test and defect management.
• Partner with automation specialists to drive digitalisation and process enhancement initiatives.
• Monitor emerging testing trends and introduce improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Act as the Test Design Authority within managed service environments.
• Own and support Quality Assurance governance across the operating model.
• Coordinate test closure activities, including lessons learned reviews and continuous improvement actions.
• Conduct internal process adherence audits, report findings, and drive closure of non-conformities.
• Produce quality reporting, testing metrics, and operational insights to support decision-making.

Who you are:

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Test Architecture across the full SDLC, ideally within telecommunications BSS/OSS environments.
• Professional expertise in software quality assurance, testing governance, and process improvement.
• ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, ISEB Practitioner, or equivalent testing certification.
• Experience working within global, matrix-based organisations and collaborating with distributed teams.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.
• Strong knowledge of testing tools, particularly Azure DevOps.
• Advanced understanding of Software Testing Lifecycle processes, quality assurance frameworks, and audit practices.
• Experience in software quality reporting, metrics analysis, and industry standards.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

Desirable Experience and Skills:

• Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification.
• Lean methodology knowledge.
• OData expertise.
• Power Query and M Query experience.
• Advanced Excel and Python skills.
• Power BI development experience.
• Power Apps development experience.
• ITIL knowledge and practical experience.

Qualifications:

Graduate or postgraduate degree, preferably in Engineering or another technical discipline.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Ability to perform in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Customer-focused approach to delivery and innovation.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to understand complex system landscapes from an end-to-end perspective.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.