Lead Quality Assurance initiatives in banking and IT services, focusing on test strategy, automation, and stakeholder management.

About the Company

Kumaran Systems is an esteemed player in the IT Services industry, specializing in re-engineering core applications and cloud transformations. Established in 1992, the company has over 34 years of experience in delivering quality solutions that bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern AI-driven technologies. With a strong presence in diverse sectors such as Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Telecom, and Automotive, Kumaran Systems is committed to helping organizations innovate and enhance their operations through tailored solutions.

Role Overview

We are searching for an experienced Test Manager to spearhead Quality Assurance initiatives within our enterprise application portfolios. This leadership role requires a seasoned QA professional with a track record of managing and mentoring high-performing teams. The ideal candidate must be adept in both manual and automation testing, with significant experience in test strategy formulation, quality governance, and stakeholder management. Working in a dynamic environment, the Test Manager will ensure that complex, business-critical projects are delivered on time with optimal quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Strategy & Quality Leadership: Define and implement comprehensive test strategies and quality standards spanning multiple projects. Lead end-to-end testing initiatives throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Test Planning & Execution: Develop detailed test plans and schedules for large-scale projects, overseeing various types of testing including functional, integration, and performance testing. Ensure effective management of test environments and resources.
• Automation & Continuous Testing: Drive automation efforts across different technology stacks while guiding the team in the development of robust automation frameworks. Promote integration of testing within CI/CD pipelines to enhance release quality.
• Defect & Quality Management: Manage the entire defect lifecycle, conducting root cause analyses for production defects, and establishing metrics for quality and testing efficiency.
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Mentor cross-functional QA teams and collaborate with various stakeholders including Product Owners and Project Managers to ensure alignment with business goals. Communicate risks and project status transparently to senior leadership.

Tech Stack

• Testing Tools & Frameworks: Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Appium, Tricentis Tosca, RestAssured.
• Programming Languages: Java.
• DevOps Tools: Jenkins, GitHub Actions.
• Testing Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, Shift-Left Testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance.
• 5+ years of experience in Test Management, QA Leadership, or equivalent leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading blended manual and automation testing teams for large-scale enterprise projects.
• Strong understanding of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC), Agile, Scrum, and DevOps methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex testing programs across multiple applications and technology platforms.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Technical Skills

Testing Expertise

• Functional Testing
• Integration Testing
• System Testing
• Regression Testing
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
• API Testing
• Web Application Testing
• Mobile Application Testing
• Performance Testing
• End-to-End Testing

Automation

• Selenium
• Playwright
• Cypress
• Appium
• Tricentis Tosca
• RestAssured
• Java (Automation Development)
• Other equivalent automation frameworks

DevOps & CI/CD

• Jenkins
• GitHub Actions
• CI/CD Pipeline Integration
• Shift-Left Testing
• Test Environment Management
• Test Data Management

Quality Management

• Test Strategy & Planning
• Defect Lifecycle Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Test Metrics & Reporting
• Risk Management
• Quality Governance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in enterprise-scale digital transformation programs.
• Exposure to cloud-based applications and modern application architectures.
• Experience implementing enterprise test automation strategies.
• Knowledge of performance engineering and non-functional testing best practices.
• Professional certifications such as ISTQB Advanced, Certified Agile Tester, or equivalent are desirable.

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Work-life balance and flexible working hours.
• Training programs and workshops for continuous learning.