QA Lead

Job Overview:

The QA Lead is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance process, ensuring that software products meet the highest standards of quality. The role involves managing a team of QA testers, developing testing strategies, creating detailed test plans, and working closely with development teams to resolve defects. The QA Lead will also play a key role in automating tests, improving test coverage, and ensuring product quality

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, manage and mentor QA team by providing guidance, training, and career development.
• Lead and manage the QA team to deliver quality assurance strategies, procedures, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop team members through coaching, training, and performance evaluations.
• Organize and allocate resources to meet project timelines and quality goals.
• Coordinate and prioritize QA activities in alignment with project requirements.
• Assign tasks, manage workload, and ensure effective resource allocation within the QA team.

Quality Assurance Strategy & Planning:

• Develop comprehensive test strategies, plans, and test cases for manual and automated testing.
• Define and implement testing processes, methodologies, and tools to improve overall quality assurance.
• Work closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to understand requirements.

Test Execution and Reporting:

• Oversee the execution of functional, regression, integration, and performance testing.
• Manage defect identification, reporting, and tracking using issue tracking tools (e.g., Jira).
• Ensure all tests are executed according to plan, and defects are identified, logged, and resolved in a timely manner.

Automation Testing:

• Lead the development of test automation frameworks and scripts, in collaboration with the automation
• Maintain and enhance automated test suites, ensuring they cover key functionalities.

Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze test results, provide insights, and drive improvements in testing processes, tools, and techniques.
• Identify and address opportunities for automation and process improvement to reduce testing cycles

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the development team to resolve issues and ensure the highest quality standards.
• Participate in code reviews, sprint planning, and other agile ceremonies to ensure quality is integrated

Metrics and Documentation:

• Track and report key performance metrics related to test coverage, defect rates, and quality improvements.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on testing progress, challenges, and product
• Maintain detailed documentation for test cases, test scripts, defect reports, and test results.

Quality Audits & Inspections:

• Oversee the planning and execution of internal and external audits to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Conduct regular inspections, quality reviews, and risk assessments of products and processes.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing:

• Document test cases, test results, and known issues in a clear and organized manner.
• Maintain a repository of test scripts, reusable components, and testing guidelines.
• Stay up to date with emerging testing tools and technologies, and share knowledge with the team.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in test management and bug tracking tools (e.g., Jira, TestRail, Bugzilla). Experience with automation tools (e.g., Selenium, QTP, TestComplete).
• Strong understanding of scripting languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript) for automated tests. Familiarity with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Bamboo).
• Experience with performance testing tools (e.g., LoadRunner, JMeter) is a plus.

Methodologies:

• Solid understanding of SDLC and STLC.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Knowledge of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) is a plus.

Analytical Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in testing.

Communication:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present test results and issues clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. ISTQB or similar QA certification is preferred.
• Experience in performance and security testing. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN). Knowledge of Agile methodologies.

Experience:

• Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in software quality assurance or software testing.
• At least 2 years of experience in a QA leadership or lead role, with experience managing teams of QA Experience with both manual and automated testing practices and tools.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner).
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello).
• Experience working in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Certifications in quality assurance (e.g., ISTQB, Certified ScrumMaster) are a plus.