Cape Town: Senior Test Analyst – (CONTRACT) posted by PM Connection

Role Purpose

The purpose of the role is to perform testing activities of a relatively complex nature, in order to ensure the successful implementation of business solutions. The role designs, develops and administers a series of intricate tests and evaluations that identify any potential issues with a product before its general release, including defect fixes, functional and non-functional testing, system enhancements, new applications, fixes for incidents and disaster recovery testing (includes changes to systems or business products). The role verifies and validates that the intended solution meets stated requirements and specifications that guided its design and development, and that they work within required standards and frameworks. The role provides technical support relating to testing and evaluations on medium to high complexity projects and works in close collaboration with project, testing and functional teams across the business to deliver client application support and ensure IT operations run smoothly. The role executes operational processes of medium to high complexity and scale. The role executes operational processes of medium to high complexity and scale.

Role Description

Coordinate and execute Test case generation and review (medium to high complexity and scale)

• Work alongside the Test Manager / Senior Test Analyst, and the Application specialist to identify what to test by translating functional and business requirement specifications into testable test plans and test cases.
• Identify and document key test scenarios and cases of high complexity and scale
• Determine test prerequisites, test criteria, and record expected results
• Review final test cases with Test Lead / Test Manager and obtain sign-off.

Test prerequisites compilation

• Identify and obtain required test materials (test data), and the required test environment
• Ensure test environment setup (i.e., test server access and test logins), and prepare test results pack for results recording and sign-off.
• Review final test cases with Test Manager and obtain sign-off.

Test execution and recording

• Follow the written test case/ specification & record test results.
• Compare actual results against expected results.
• Record pass/fail status of each test case.
• Report, record and assign defects identified.
• Retest and update on fixed defects.
• Execute regression tests on more complex projects.

Maintain the test environments by performing end to end system testing, also performance testing in some cases on more complex projects.

• Maintenance of high quality and accuracy
• Understand the applications under test and ensure that it meets the necessary expectations as defined by business.
• Execute Quality Assurance of all relevant testing activities.
• Maintenance of test documentations to reflect current system operations. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Support Test Analysts I to ensure accurate test documentation.
• Support improvement of testing process and initiatives

Ensure Test status updates

• Provide feedback to the development team and ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the schedule and the quality requirements.
• Inform Test Lead / Management of any negative trends in the quality of software in pre- and post-production.
• Provide estimates and feedback to the Test Lead for project scheduling purposes.
• Ensure effective communication with key stakeholders.
• Prepare input to and maintain test tracking report on more complex projects.

Test closure activities

• Ensure test completion on more complex projects – no outstanding high-risk issues, defect have been fixed and retested or deferred or accepted as permanent restrictions.
• Handover test artifacts to people who need it in the future, e.g., maintenance or support teams.
• Participate in more complex project retrospectives and contribute and document lessons learned.
• Archive test work products, like test results, test logs, test status reports etc.

Qualifications and experience

• Degree or Diploma in Information Technology or a related field (essential).
• Formal software testing training (e.g., ISEB, ISTQB CTFL) (essential).
• Advanced testing certified (e.g., ISTQB CTAL) – (desired)
• +4 years experience as a Senior Test Analyst with demonstrable experience with manual testing, SQL experience and testing in an Agile environment (essential).
• Strong knowledge of functional testing, system testing, integration testing, regression testing – (essential).
• Thorough knowledge of structured test methods and processes (essential).
• Proven experience of testing complex user interfaces (essential).
• Excellent understanding of testing concepts and the role of QA within Agile development methodology / Scrum management techniques (essential).
• Experience with API testing, Automated testing tools and Remedy or similar CM experience (desired).
• Testing experience in a retail environment (desired).
• Knowledge of systems performance testing, user acceptance testing (desired).
• Experience of testing using an automated test tool such as QC and QTP/Selenium/Test Complete/Robot Framework or any other (desired).

Key competencies and work ethic (detailed competencies and capabilities outlined in framework)

• Collaborative partner Builds strong relationships with stakeholders while driving cross functional work teams and projects. Open, honest and direct, comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. Thinks and acts independently as well as collaboratively.
• Strong technical orientation with the ability to translate functional requirements into technical requirements. Is curious and adaptable and able to quickly apply new insights and learnings.
• Analytical and pragmatic with a fine eye for detail. Readily grasps new concepts and information, investigates various courses of action and integrates multiple sources of data to diagnose and troubleshoot issues. Is detailed and critically explores issues to identify root causes and appropriate solutions.
• Innovative and solution-orientated Thinks outside of the box. Sound judgment, quick decision- making, and the ability to generate solutions that serve the flow of work and meeting deadlines.
• Results-driven – Proactively drives results, setting stretch goals for self and others, while remaining focused and working tenaciously to meeting and exceeding expectations within quality standards.
• Planning and organising Able to timeously and efficiently prioritise and execute multiple and competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Identifies urgent and important tasks / priorities to ensure delivery.
• Business acumen – Understands how business operates and the issues and risks that drive technological success and impact commercial viability.
• Communication skills Communicates effectively while being able to convert complex concepts into well-articulated messages. Adopts a range of influencing styles to facilitate and deal with challenges internally and externally.
• Team Collaboration Skills: Creates a safe team environment that promotes acceptance of failure; strong understanding when and how to include different parties; actively encourages people to live company values.
• Stakeholder Management Skills: Embodies “one team” attitude with key stakeholders; proactively works with stakeholders to support them in resolving roadblocks to ensure results are delivered.
• Flexible and resilient Able to work in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple and competing priorities while managing ambiguity and adapting as the business evolves.
• Digital centric and savvy – Passionate about the possibilities of digital technologies and its value for the business. A self-starter who can come up to speed quickly on our applications, technologies, and processes.

Kindly regard your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from the agency within 2 weeks