Software Quality Assurance Lead (QA)

Roles & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Test Strategy & Governance – Defines test strategies, ensures high-quality releases, and mitigates risks. 
• End-to-End Automation Ownership – Implements and improves automation frameworks for faster, more reliable testing. 
• Defect Management & Root Cause Analysis – Analyzes recurring issues and works with teams to reduce defect rates. 
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Communication – Manages QA teams, collaborates with development, and aligns with business goals. 
• Continuous Process & Quality Improvements – Drives best practices, optimizes QA processes, and ensures compliance with standards. 

Qualifications, Experience & Professional Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Information Technology.
• Over 8 years of Software QA experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a QA Lead.
• Hands-on experience with Selenium, Cucumber, and BDD automation frameworks.
• Experience testing web and mobile applications.
• ISTQB or equivalent QA certification is preferred.
• Relevant certifications in testing, automation, Agile, or quality management will be considered an added advantage.

Technical Competencies:

1. Educational Background
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline—or equivalent practical experience.

2. QA Leadership & Experience
• Over 8 years of experience in Software Quality Assurance with a strong understanding of manual testing methodologies.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a QA Lead role managing testing activities and QA teams.

3. Agile & SDLC Knowledge
• Strong understanding of QA principles, testing techniques, and the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

4. Test Planning & Documentation
• Proficiency in writing clear, concise, and comprehensive test plans, test cases, test scenarios, and test reports.

5. Automation Tools & Frameworks
• Hands-on experience in test automation using Selenium and Cucumber within a BDD framework. Experience designing and maintaining automation frameworks and test suites.

6. Programming & Database Knowledge
• Basic understanding of SQL for database validation and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Java to support automation initiatives.

7. Platform Testing Experience
• Hands-on experience testing web-based and mobile applications across multiple platforms.

8. Defect & Test Management Tools
• Experience with test management and defect tracking tools such as JIRA, TestRail, Zephyr, or similar solutions.

9. Performance & Security Testing (Preferred)
• Exposure to performance testing tools and methodologies.
• Awareness of security testing concepts and practices.

10. Platform Testing Experience
• ISTQB Certification or equivalent Software Quality Assurance certification will be an added advantage

Behavioural Competencies: 

• Leadership & Mentoring
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor QA team members effectively.
• Analytical & Troubleshooting Skills
  • Ability to analyse issues, troubleshoot bugs, and identify root causes quickly and effectively.
• Communication Skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with developers, stakeholders, and QA team members.
• Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and engage with Agile/Scrum development teams.
• Quality Mindset
  •  Strong commitment to software quality, process excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Accountability & Ownership
  • Takes responsibility for quality outcomes and demonstrates ownership in executing tasks to completion.
• Time Management
  • Capable of prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing workload effectively within Agile sprints.