Senior Test Lead - Functional Testing

Job Summary

Job Summary:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Test Lead to lead and manage the manual/functional testing efforts across projects. The ideal candidate will drive QA strategy, ensure high-quality deliverables, mentor team members, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to meet business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage a team of QA engineers, ensuring effective test planning and execution.

• Define and implement QA strategy, processes, and best practices.

• Allocate tasks, track progress, and ensure timely delivery of testing activities.

• Mentor and guide team members to enhance skillsets and productivity.

• Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback.

--- ### Test Planning & Execution

• Analyze business requirements, functional specs, and technical documents.

• Prepare test strategy, test plans, effort estimation, and test schedules.

• Oversee creation and maintenance of test cases, test scenarios, RTMs.

• Ensure comprehensive coverage for functional, regression, integration, and system testing.

• Monitor execution and ensure defect-free releases.

--- ### Defect Management & Reporting

• Establish defect management lifecycle and quality metrics.

• Review and prioritize defects with stakeholders.

• Track and report test progress, quality metrics, risks, and issues to management.

• Ensure proper root cause analysis and preventive actions.

--- ### Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Owners, Developers, Business Analysts, and Clients.

• Participate in requirement grooming, sprint planning, and release discussions.

• Manage communication with senior stakeholders and provide status updates.

--- ### Process Improvement & Quality Assurance

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in testing and delivery processes.

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and best practices.

• Introduce and enhance test frameworks, tools, and methodologies.

• Promote shift-left testing and early defect detection.

--- ### Additional Responsibilities

• Support UAT coordination and production releases.

• Oversee API testing and database validation efforts.

• Identify opportunities for test automation (if applicable).

• Handle risk management and mitigation planning.

Skill Requirements

Required Skills:

• Strong expertise in Manual and Functional Testing.

• Deep understanding of STLC, SDLC, and QA methodologies.

• Hands-on experience in test planning, estimation, and execution.

• Strong experience in defect tracking tools (JIRA, ALM, etc.).

• Good knowledge of SQL queries for data validation.

• Experience with API testing tools (Postman, Swagger).

• Strong exposure to Agile / Scrum frameworks.

• Proven experience in team leadership and stakeholder management.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Other Requirements

Preferred / Good-to-Have Skills:

• Exposure to automation tools (Selenium, Cypress, etc.).

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines.

• Domain expertise (Banking, Healthcare, Retail, etc.).

• Knowledge of performance or security testing basics.

• Experience with test management tools (Test Rail, Zephyr).

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field.

--- ## Certifications (Preferred):

• ISTQB Advanced Level / Test Manager

• Agile certifications (CSM, SAFe, etc.)