AddressArbuthnot Latham has been associated with banking since 1833. We combine private and commercial banking, wealth planning and investment management. We believe in traditional relationship and service-led banking powered by modern technology.
Job purpose
The Head of Testing is responsible for establishing and leading an industry leading test execution and test management function that provides high quality testing services to Arbuthnot Latham’s technology Platform teams.
The Head of Testing will have overall responsibility of the Testing team, test processes and delivery. They will continuously seek to improve product quality by developing the test strategy, frameworks, methodologies and environment in which the test team operate.
They will be accountable for the test design, planning and execution of both Functional and Non-Functional testing across all phases of the testing lifecycle for transformation portfolios, programmes, projects and releases. And, where appropriate, the engagement of 3rd party test service providers.
The testing function will also be responsible for the delivery of Release, and Configuration Management processes for test Environments in line with ITIL 4 and industry best practices. This will include influencing stakeholders across the business on the benefits of consistent, structured, controlled and safe release and environment and configuration practices.
The Head of Testing will also represent the Test Team in discussions with Senior Leadership, ensuring quality / assurance is considered to enable safe deliveries. They will also be an active member of the IT & Transformation Leadership team providing input on all aspects of the project lifecycle.
To place the interests of customers at the centre of all activities, act in a way that is consistent with achieving good outcomes for consumers; and to comply with the FCA and PRA's Conduct Rules.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Take the lead of a team of multi-disciplined test specialists responsible for providing industry leading testing services across AL’s technology platform teams. This will include line and task management of members of the Testing function.
- Responsible for the development of the overall organisation Test Strategy and Governance. Establishing recognised and consistent test practices and processes, across different teams and areas, which are understood and acted upon. And in doing so, define and drive the required improvements to a core set Of Testing efficiency and effectiveness metrics that will be used to assess the performance Of Testing within Arbuthnot Latham
- Accountable for all Testing deliverables produced by the Test Team both Functional and Non-Functional. Provide wider support for all other testing conducted at Arbuthnot Latham.
- Accountable for managing relationships with the technology and business senior leadership team teams to determine the risk appetite of the changes being implemented to define the appropriate application of the testing strategy, testing approaches, test scenarios and acceptance criteria.
- Responsible for the selection, implementation and configuration of all tools required to support the testing strategy. As part of the test strategy, responsible for defining, setting and enforcing the standards, workflows and configuration of DevOps test tooling
- Championing the adoption and consistent usage of the Banks chosen DevOps tooling (test management tool focus)
- Construct and monitor the portfolio level test demand plan across Platforms. And in doing so, identify capacity constraints and devise relevant mitigation strategies.
- Create and implement detailed test schedules, resourcing and test plans to meet the organisation’s testing demand.
- Provide input to Programme and project teams and their decisions. Supporting better engagement with test and test practices or processes, lobbying for the best possible test outcome.
- Ensure teams conform to industry best practice in all areas of the test delivery.
- Set and communicate the quality standards expected of all test teams.
- Lead and actively contribute to development of the Bank’s change capability through active contribution to the Change Management Community practice area (Testing discipline focus).
- Define the responsibilities for the test function, its teams and roles. This includes specific responsibility for creation and acceptance of all test deliverables.
- Engage with the leadership of IT, Operations and Business teams, to ensure the best possible use and processes for test environments and test data.
- Ensure that any risks associated with the agreed test strategy and the test plan are clearly documented, managed and described to the stakeholders.
- Manage all risks associated with the testing and take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of risks materialising.
- Accountable for designing and embedding appropriate approaches, processes, acceptance criteria and controls to assure the quality of software received from 3rd party vendors during the testing and defect management lifecycle are of the agreed quality standards.
Risk:
- Responsible for managing risks inherent to the role by diligently observing internal policies and procedures.
Key Interfaces:
- IT and Transformation Senior Leadership Team
- Senior Leadership teams across Operations, Front Office and Risk
- Heads of Platform
- Platform Lead(s)
- Senior Project Manager(s) / Project Manager(s)
- Senior PMO Manager and PMO Managers
- IT, Operations and Business SMEs involved in testing
- 3rd Party Testing Partner
- Supplier Contacts and Account Managers
