Test Manager

Test Manager - 6 month contract - Inside IR35

We are seeking an experienced Test Manager to take ownership of the test, verification and validation activities across complex Satellite Communications and Defence projects. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering critical capabilities by defining the testing approach, leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring systems meet demanding customer and contractual requirements.

Working at the forefront of advanced communications technology, you will be responsible for developing the overall test strategy from bid phase through to project delivery, ensuring solutions are verified and validated to the highest standards of quality, performance and compliance.

The Role

As Test Manager, you will lead all aspects of test definition, planning and execution across assigned projects. You will be responsible for establishing the verification and validation approach, managing engineering teams, mentoring colleagues and ensuring successful project delivery against time, cost and quality objectives.

You will also play a key role during bid activities, developing test artefacts and IVV (Integration, Verification & Validation) strategies that support successful project submissions and delivery programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead project test and verification strategies.
• Manage and develop teams responsible for Test & Verification activities.
• Produce and maintain test artefacts for bid and delivery programmes.
• Develop Integration, Verification and Validation (IVV) strategies across complex system architectures.
• Verify and validate deliverables against technical specifications and business standards.
• Create and manage test and verification plans that minimise programme risk and maximise early validation opportunities.
• Ensure subcontractor deliverables satisfy contractual requirements.
• Support the creation and use of System Reference Models and test environments.
• Maintain Verification Cross Reference Index (VCRI) documentation and verification status reporting.
• Lead defect management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure end-to-end testing activities are successfully completed and compliant with project requirements.
• Demonstrate system compliance and capability to customer authorities.
• Deliver testing activities within agreed quality, budget and schedule parameters.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Significant experience managing Test & Verification activities within complex engineering programmes.
• Ability to develop and deliver verification and validation strategies.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering or test teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing skills.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles and structured testing methodologies.
• Experience managing defects, verification evidence and compliance activities.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Degree qualified in an Engineering or Science discipline.
• Advanced ISTQB qualification or equivalent formal testing certification.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner or similar Project Management qualification.
• Experience using project planning and scheduling tools.
• Previous experience within the Satellite Communications sector.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.