Quality Assurance Analyst

The Quality Assurance Analyst's role is to develop and establish quality assurance standards and measures for the information technology services within the organisation. This individual will also gather and analyse data in support of business cases, proposed projects and systems requirements. This will include writing test plans and scripts for tracking defects and fixes in product development, software application development, information systems and operational systems. The QA Analyst will apply proven analytical and problem-solving skills to help validate IT processes through methodical testing in order to maximise the benefit of business investments in IT initiatives. What does the role actually involve? Strategy & Planning

• Develop and establish quality assurance measures and testing standards for new applications, products and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout their development/product lifecycles.
• Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations or alternatives that address existing and potential trouble areas in IT systems and projects across the organisation.
Acquisition & Deployment
• Liaise with vendors and suppliers in assessing applications and/or systems under consideration for purchase.
• Analyse documentation and technical specifications of any new application under deployment or consideration to determine its intended functionality.
Operational Management
• Conduct internal audits to measure and assure adherence to established QA standards for software development, application integration, and information system performance and corresponding documentation.
• Ensure quality throughout the software development lifecycle working with cross functional teams within an Agile framework.
• Create and execute test plans and scripts that will determine optimal application performance according to specifications.
• Verify and revise quality assurance standards as needed.
• Ensure that testing activities allow applications to meet business requirements and systems goals, fulfil customer requirements, and identify existing or potential issues.
• Design, coordinate and execute all IT testing including system, unit, regression, load, acceptance and automation testing.
• Make recommendations for improvement of applications, services and infrastructure.
• Communicate test progress, test results and other relevant information to stakeholders and management.
• Test any new software, service or infrastructure to ensure integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance and technical specifications.
• Analyse formal test results in order to discover and report any defects, bugs, errors, configuration issues and interoperability flaws.
• Cultivate and disseminate knowledge of quality assurance best practices.
  
  What technical skills are required for someone to be successful and enjoy the role?
• Strong experience of overseeing the design, development and implementation of quality assurance standards for software, services and infrastructure testing.
• University degree (or equivalent) in software engineering, computer science or business administration and/or 3 years equivalent work experience.
• ISEB Software Testing - Advanced Level Certification.
• Strong direct experience as a lead tester.
• Strong knowledge of system testing best practices and methodologies.
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks, scrum in particular.
• Extensive experience with core software applications, including Microsoft Office, Windows.
• Direct hands-on experience with ad hoc query programs, automated testing tools and reporting software.
• Good project management skills and/or substantial exposure to project-based work structures.
• Extensive practical knowledge of ALM tools and their use for organisation, traceability and transparency.
• Proven data analysis, data verification, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with statistical reporting and analysis.
Who would be a good fit for this role? As part of the QA team, you would be expected to have the following skills and experience:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent listening, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language.
• Able to prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
  
  At Browne Jacobson, we've always worked across business and society, and this expertise sets us apart. Social and environmental impact are at the top of our business agenda. We champion fairness, make the complex simple and forge connections between clients to find creative solutions. This is how we improve outcomes for every person, community and business we serve.
With offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Exeter, London, Manchester and Nottingham, we're a UK & I based law firm with an international reach. Our sectors include: health; real estate and construction; education; energy and infrastructure; financial services; government; insurance; manufacturing and industrials; and retail, consumer and logistics. We nurture talent at all levels and from every background and celebrate what makes people individuals. Law needs all voices to reflect the society it serves which is why all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, social economic background or age. We're a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who best meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. We strive to create meaningful personal and professional development opportunities and offer flexible working in support of a good work-life balance. We focus on wellbeing and individuality, so that all our people can thrive.