what is a testing manager?
As a testing manager, you work alongside quality assurance and production teams to test the usability of programmes, apps and software. You also test the functionality of various products as they move through the production stages to become finished products.
Before a company launches a product or an application, it needs to verify its functionality and benefits to users. Test managers spot problems in functionality and quality and provide recommendations to improve the performance of a project. They also develop testing strategies and policies to ensure all the products passing through the department are high-quality and represent the company's vision.
Testing managers work in diverse industries and participate in various projects. For instance, you can work in information technology testing mobile and gaming applications or software for running programmes. You can also work for manufacturing industries responsible for producing various electronics and consumer goods.
As a testing manager, you need exceptional analytical skills to study all aspects of a product and identify errors. You also need problem-solving skills to rectify mistakes that arise during production.
Would working as a testing manager suit your analytical skills and problem-solving ability? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a testing manager role.
testing manager jobsaverage salary of a testing manager
According to National Careers, the salary of a testing manager ranges from £34,000 to £60,000 annually. When you are starting, you will receive a basic salary of about £34,000 per year, while experienced test managers earn around £60,000 per year.
Apart from the basic salary, you also receive medical allowances and bonuses. Most companies have pension plans and provide paid time off. You can increase your salary with overtime pay or receive share benefits for the successful launch of products.
how to increase your salary as a testing manager
The test manager role requires a high level of skills and experience since the employer relies on your expertise to launch high-quality products. A testing manager's compensation package and benefits depend on skills, knowledge and project complexity. When you have entry-level experience, your transferrable skills don't warrant a higher pay bracket. However, as your skills and experience improve, you can command better pay and benefits.
Complex projects require a high level of expertise and attract better compensation packages than simple projects. The industry you work for can also influence your pay since it dictates the scope of your work. Some industries like chemical manufacturing require specialised skills to ensure the products aren't hazardous to users.
types of testing managers
Some types of testing managers include:
- quality assurance test manager: as a quality assurance manager, you ensure the testing team develops a test strategy to ascertain the quality of products or software. You also need to maintain a reliable testing system for all the products in a company.
- software test manager: your focus is on testing the viability and functionality of the software. You ensure the software achieves its objectives and assist users in performing some functions.
- programme test manager: as a programme test manager, you work with a team of professionals to identify issues in programmes that impact their functionality. Your job involves planning a test strategy and scheduling testing activities to assess the quality of different programmes.
working as a testing manager
As companies introduce new digital products to the market daily, testing manager roles become crucial in determining the ability of a product to fulfil users' needs. Your job is to ascertain the quality standards and functionality of software, applications and products.
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testing manager job description
Specific roles of a testing manager depend on the employer. However, typical daily duties include:
- planning test activities: as a testing manager, you plan test objectives and coordinate activities that help achieve them. You will review your employer's test policy and create an approach that aligns with the policies. You will also define the budget, testing timeline, testing cycle and defect management for the project.
- development of suitable test methods: when you create a test strategy, it should outline the test methodology and tools for the project. The test methods depend on priorities and whether the tests are manual or automated. You also have to define the test metrics for assessing and tracking the progress. This creates a baseline for product quality.
- execution of the testing strategies: as a test manager, you lead the testing team to execute the test strategies, from product design analysis to manual and automated test processes. You also define the test standards and completion of the objectives.
- technical management and coordination of the test team: as a testing manager, you are responsible for managing and coordinating the project team. You ensure effective communication on test processes and delegate work activities to each team member. You also ensure everyone performs their duties and presents results on the test projects they undertake.
- reporting test activities and results: a testing manager must document the testing process from planning to execution. The reports should provide details on the tests conducted to evaluate the quality and outcomes of the tests. Sometimes, you make presentations to clients and stakeholders and provide recommendations on adjustments before a product goes into the market.
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work environment
As a testing manager, you supervise the testing and quality assurance team. That means you organise their schedules and work plans in an office setting. When you work in the IT industry, you spend most of the day in the office. However, if you work in the manufacturing industry, you will work from a factory or laboratory setting. Most test managers work in climate-controlled offices with air conditioners and good lighting.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in technology industries or manufacturing, your colleagues include project managers, product managers and software engineers. You may also work in close proximity to web developers and systems analysts, as well as other specialists that could include business analysts, testers and quality assurance specialists.
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work schedule
A testing manager works between 35 and 40 hours a week. While most lead the testing teams, some hands-on roles require extra hours to complete projects to deadlines. Most testing manager roles are full-time positions, but some organisations offer contractual or part-time roles. Travel requirements depend on the industry. For instance, if you work in IT firms, your role won't require travelling, but in manufacturing industries, you will travel between the factory or production site and the office.
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job outlook
Most people advance to test managers from a test analyst or tester position. You will also have good career progression opportunities after gaining experience in a testing manager role. For instance, you can become an operations manager or take up other managerial positions in a company. Some testing managers specialise in specific industries to become consultants.
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advantages of finding a testing manager job through randstad
Finding your testing manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a testing manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
testing manager education and skills
Become a test manager with the following educational qualifications:
- university degree: you can become a testing manager by pursuing a degree in computer science, maths, software engineering or business information technology. It would help if you considered undergraduate programmes with work placements or internships to improve your experience and accelerate your career.
- apprenticeship: a test manager can learn the profession by completing a software tester higher apprenticeship. You can become a test lead before progressing to managerial roles.
testing manager skills and competencies
You require the following skillsets to remain efficient in the industry:
- flexibility: as a testing manager, you need to adapt to unplanned changes and developments. You may encounter problems that need extra resources or time to solve during testing before completing the test process. You will be flexible enough to manage unexpected changes.
- communication skills: as a testing manager, you will have exceptional communication and people skills. You will communicate the test instructions and strategies clearly to the team. It is crucial to be an excellent listener and consider suggestions from team members. Communication also helps with reporting to various stakeholders and clients.
- leadership: as a leader, you will motivate and inspire your team to work towards the testing plan. Leadership skills help you coordinate and oversee the work of the testing team.
- time management: working as a test manager demands strong time management skills since most projects have strict timelines. To avoid mismanagement and delayed launch dates, you will coordinate and organise activities within the stipulated timeframe.
- attention to detail: as a testing manager, you will be detail-oriented and identify issues in the software or product during testing. Even small defects can affect usability and will need to be rectified.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a testing manager
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what does a test manager do?
A testing manager leads and coordinates testing programmes when a company develops new software, computer systems or products. They ensure the products meet high-quality standards. Want to learn more about working as a testing manager? Then check out this article.
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how much do test managers make?
Test managers in the UK earn £34,000 annually at entry-level and £60,000 per year when they have additional skills and experience. Want to learn more about working as a testing manager? Then check out this article.
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what is a test manager in software testing?
A test manager ensures that software performs as expected by testing the functionality and usability during development or after an upgrade. Want to learn more about working as a testing manager? Then check out this article.
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what are the roles and responsibilities of a test manager?
Test managers create test plans, identify resources and estimate the budget for the testing process. They also develop testing methodologies for every project. Want to learn more about working as a testing manager? Then check out this article.
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how do I become a test manager?
You need a degree in computer systems engineering or software engineering to join a testing team for digital products. Want to learn more about working as a testing manager? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a testing manager vacancy?
Applying for a testing manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
