Role Purpose
The Senior Test Analyst is responsible for leading testing activities across complex initiatives, ensuring high-quality software delivery, and providing mentorship and quality governance within the testing function. The role combines hands-on testing with test planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Test Leadership & Planning
- Lead the definition and execution of test strategies, plans, and approaches for projects and releases
- Analyse complex business and technical requirements to define comprehensive test coverage
- Estimate testing effort, identify risks, and provide input into delivery planning
- Ensure testing aligns with organisational quality standards and best practices
Test Design & Execution
- Design, review, and maintain high-quality test scenarios, cases, and data
- Execute and oversee functional, integration, system, regression, and end-to-end testing
- Guide automation testing efforts and identify opportunities for test optimisation
- Ensure non-functional testing requirements (performance, security, usability) are considered
Defect & Quality Management
- Manage defect lifecycle, ensuring clear logging, prioritisation, and resolution
- Perform root cause analysis and recommend quality improvements
- Provide go/no-go recommendations based on test outcomes and risk assessment
Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Business Analysts, Developers, Product Owners, and Project Managers
- Translate testing risks and issues into clear, business-focused insights
- Support and coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities
Mentorship & Continuous Improvement
- Coach and mentor Test Analysts and junior QA team members
- Review test artefacts and provide constructive feedback
- Drive continuous improvement in test processes, tools, and practices
Required Skills & Competencies
- Advanced knowledge of testing methodologies, SDLC/STLC, and quality assurance practices
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to lead testing efforts independently across multiple workstreams
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong attention to detail with a strategic quality mindset
Technical Skills (Typical)
- Test management and defect tracking tools (e.g. Jira, Azure DevOps, TestRail, Zephyr)
- Solid experience with manual testing and exposure to test automation frameworks
- API testing tools (e.g. Postman)
- SQL for data validation and test analysis
- CI/CD and Agile delivery environments (Scrum / SAFe)
Qualifications & Experience
- Diploma or Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years’ experience in software testing, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead capacity
- ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst or equivalent certification (advantageous)
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, accountable, and delivery-focused
- Confident in challenging quality risks and assumptions
- Collaborative leader and mentor
- Comfortable working in complex, fast-paced environments