Director Software Quality Assurance

Software Quality Assurance Director

Establishes and implements quality assurance and compliance processes for the IT organization. Works closely with IT leaders to develop and implement an overall quality maturity roadmap and plan for each IT functional area. Works with development, testing and production teams to develop, publish and implement software quality assurance plans. Responsible for the long-term vision and maturation of the Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Center of Excellence (COE). Monitors, evaluates, manages and executes audit processes to ensure compliance. Provides guidance and subject matter expertise to IT teams on QA methodologies and processes, educates them on their responsibilities/accountabilities for the purpose of achieving on-time and quality deliverables. Documents non-compliance with policies, processes and standards, and assists in their resolution. Designs, monitors and analyzes performance metrics program for quality improvement initiatives. Conducts audits and analyzes findings to develop appropriate corrective action recommendations. Provides training on established processes and policies.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Defines, implements and owns the framework for Quality Assurance (QA) processes throughout the software development life cycle for the Enterprise
• Builds and matures a COE, depending on the area that the SQA Director leads: Automation COE Provides leadership in the design, modification, development and implementation of test automation architecture and framework. Researches and implements the best practices and advance features of test automation in a waterfall, agile and iterative environment. Works with senior management in the development of the strategic direction of the test automation initiatives for the Enterprise. Quality Assurance COE Develops a product testing strategy covering long-term and short-term recommendations and actions. Researches and implements of the best practices of software quality assurance in a waterfall, agile and iterative environment. Researches and implements the best practices of functional, integration, data, performance/capacity and security testing disciplines in a waterfall, agile and iterative environment. Works with senior management in the development of the strategic direction of the software quality assurance initiatives for the Enterprise.
• Conducts internal audits to measure and assure adherence to established QA standards for software development. Evaluates the quality of programs and services provided, including Business Units, for consistency with the Company's strategic goals and objectives.
• Establishes and maintains a visible, accountable and measurable QA process with meaningful metrics for senior management team.
• Champion for software quality and accountable for the metric-driven continuous improvement of policies, procedures and infrastructure to improve quality. Proactively provides advice, guidance, analysis and direction regarding the QA process.
• Provides best practices and leadership consultation on QA policies, procedures, standards, test strategies and automation practices.
• Champion for the defect management process using Jira, Bugzilla, HP Quality Center or other similar tools.
• Oversees manager-led teams responsible for: Estimating and planning the QA effort (requirements, testing, etc.) required for software projects and being accountable for the successful execution on time and within budget. The requirements gathering process including the initial development and change management of requirements documents. Planning all testing activities and reporting project status. Assigning tasks and resources to meet project deadlines. Conducting unit testing, regression testing, system-level integration testing, end-to-end testing and acceptance testing. Ensuring test strategy, test plans and test cases are produced on time to the right quality. Implementing and/or reviewing and approving manual and automated test plans for each release. Communicating with frequency and accuracy status information and analysis of issues and risks.
• Provides technical QA leadership and training to new and/or less experienced associates throughout the Enterprise.
• Recruits, hires, trains and develops staff. Provides direction to and development of associates through daily coaching, the administration of the Performance Management Program, and the creation and implementation of development plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Or commensurate selection criteria experience. - Required
• 10+ years' experience in software quality assurance and testing with 7+ years' experience in a QA leadership role, directly managing other QA personnel - Required
• Proven experience overseeing the creation and implementation of test plans and cases that provide complete and repeatable coverage of product requirements - Required
• Demonstrated expertise in managing all phases of systems testing, including traceability of requirements, test plan preparation, test case/test script management, test project plan creation, test case execution, tracking and release management. - Required
• Demonstrated experience identifying, defining and quantifying problems; collecting or interpreting data, establishing facts and providing effective solutions. Cite examples from work experience on identifying moderate to complex problems, quantifying problems and providing effective resolutions - Required
• Depending on the area that SQA Director will lead:Automation COEAt least 10 years experience in automated testing leadership delivering multiple large scale test automation efforts.Provided leadership in the design, modification, development and implementation of test automation architecture and framework.Implemented best practices of test automation in a waterfall, agile and iterative environment.Coaching and mentoring automation managers and automation engineers.Quality Assurance COEAt least 10 years experience in Software Quality Assurance leadership delivering multiple large scale testing efforts.Implemented best practices of Software Quality Assurance and testing in a waterfall, agile and iterative environment.Working understanding of functional, integration, data, performance/capacity and security test disciplines.Coaching and mentoring functional and non-functional testers/engineers - Required
• Proven strong analytical skills and experience with implementation and administration of Software Quality Assurance metrics, such as defect profiles and performance to entry/exit criteria. -
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills on both the technical and application facets of the job; occasionally conveys information to internal and external customers in a clear, accurate, focused and concise manner. -
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills that inspire team confidence and respect while motivating team members in a creative and effective manner. -
• Proven desire for achieving excellence in customer satisfaction, process and product quality, and reliability. -
• Demonstrated strong understanding of different software development life cycles (waterfall, iterative and agile) and contemporary software quality assurance processes. -
• Proven ability to document procedures and activities in a manner that is understandable to others and prepared using a prescribed format, demonstrating use of the English language to include exemplary knowledge, in verbal and written format, of the elements of grammar, punctuation, diction and spelling proficiency. -
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, database applications and presentation software. -
• One or more of the following designations or other Industry equivalent certification: Current Certified Software Tester (CSTE); Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA); Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE); ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL); Quality Improvement Associate Certification (CQIA); Certified Test Manager (CTM); Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) Upon Hire - Required

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• None