Program Test Manager SC clearance required 50% onsite working in London6 month contract Inside IR35 via Umbrella

We are recruiting on behalf of a well established financial organisation for an experienced Portfolio/Programme Test Manager to drive testing strategy, governance, and delivery across complex programmes and portfolios.

This is a key leadership position for a testing professional who can shape quality assurance practices, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure successful delivery across large-scale technology landscapes.

As Portfolio/Programme Test Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end testing strategy across multiple projects and programmes, ensuring quality is Embedded throughout the Software Development Lifecycle.

You'll work closely with business and technology stakeholders, third-party suppliers, and testing teams to deliver effective testing solutions while driving continuous improvement across testing processes and governance.

• Define and implement programme-level testing strategies and plans
• Lead functional and non-functional testing activities across complex initiatives
• Manage testing resources, forecasting demand and allocating capability effectively
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to support successful User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
• Own testing governance, reporting, risk management, and quality assurance
• Oversee defect management and resolution processes
• Ensure testing standards, methodologies, and best practices are consistently applied
• Manage relationships with third-party suppliers and delivery partners
• Present testing progress, risks, and quality metrics to senior stakeholders and governance forums
• Drive continuous improvement and adoption of automation where appropriate
• Mentor and develop testing professionals within the wider team.

• Extensive software testing experience across the full project life cycle
• Strong background working within both Agile and Waterfall environments
• Proven experience creating and delivering comprehensive test strategies and test plans
• Experience managing functional, non-functional, integration, regression, UAT and operational testing
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Experience leading and coordinating both in-house and third-party testing teams
• Expertise in test management and defect management tools
• Strong understanding of risk-based testing methodologies
• Knowledge of test data management and testing governance frameworks.

• ISTQB, ISEB or ISQI Foundation Certification (or equivalent)
• Advanced testing qualifications, Agile certifications, PRINCE2, ITIL, or related certifications would be advantageous.

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