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QA Manager

QA Manager - d3t and Coconut Lizard are at the cutting edge of technology and creativity, delivering co-development video game services to our global triple-A clients. Our successful studios and QA Team are growing, and we are looking for a QA Manager to lead the teams based in Runcorn and Gateshead. Our studios form part of the global Keywords Studios group and we work on multiple exciting projects at any one time, offering plenty of variety and involvement.

The studios offer a supportive and welcoming culture, alongside being anti-crunch and offering flexitime working. We are passionate about what we do and have been awarded a number of awards across the two studios including ‘Best Places to Work’ multiple times by gamesindustry.biz including 2021 and 2022. In addition, d3t recently won ‘Best Creative Service Provider‘ at Develop 2022.

The Role

The QA Manager is a key part of our Leadership team and will be fundamental to the growth and continuous improvement of the QA Team and test strategy. We work with very high-profile clients on amazing game titles and so the quality of our QA is critical to satisfying and retaining their loyalty, while providing a high level of experience and expertise when working on their titles. The role can be based in either of our Runcorn (d3t) or Gateshead (Coconut Lizard) studios and we offer flexible working.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for defining the QA strategy, approach, and execution in development projects.
• Responsible for leading and directing the QA leadership team.
• Conduct interviews and grow the team with the appropriate personnel and skillsets when required.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise within the field of Quality Assurance and Testing.
• Focus on continuous QA improvements including usage of appropriate testing tools, test techniques, and test automation where required.
• Monitoring of all the QA activities and test results while identifying areas of improvement and implementing the steps required to improve the process.
• Manage training and continuous learning of QA staff by means of objectives, appraisals, meetups, round tables, etc.
• Be the primary escalation point for all matters related to testing and quality assurance and operate as a primary point of contact for the QA team.
• Direct the development of the QA strategy, methodology, discipline, and framework. Driving and improving the QA team in all areas.
• Work with the QA Team, and other departments to develop and execute QA strategies to meet and exceed department and studio quality goals.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

• Management experience of the test function across multiple projects.
• Experience in implementing and shaping a company’s QA processes and strategies.
• Strong communication skills with all the key stakeholders to ensure QA vision is understood and implemented correctly.
• Be an advocate of Quality Assurance, Continuous Improvement and industry recognized Best Practices.
• Knowledge of the latest and most common testing tools and frameworks available and how to effectively utilise them.
• Knowledge of Risk Management, Risk Identification and Risked Based Testing.
• Experience managing testing departments or testing functions, managing large and complex activities and processes.
• Experience of coordinating and communicating with external partners in QA and other disciplines.
• Proactive, strong-minded, quick thinker.
• Able to motivate individuals, recognize good talent and bring out the best from a team.
• A mature and professional individual who is self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• Excellent communicator, influencing skills and negotiation skills to get Leadership team buy-in on ideas and concepts.
• Able to communicate with all levels of management and peers within the organization.
• The ability to prioritize work and tasks under pressure.
• Ability to handle conflict effectively.
• Ability to build, implement and direct quality assurance principles and maintain the quality of delivery.
• Experience of compliance standards for all major platform holders.
• Experience in working within the games industry.
• Any experience of managerial automation or programming languages.
• Understanding or exposure to modern game engines such as Unreal. Unity etc.
• Atlassian suite expertise.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience of compliance standards for all major platform holders.
• Experience in working within the games industry.
• Any experience of managerial automation or programming languages.
• Understanding or exposure to modern game engines such as Unreal. Unity etc.
• Atlassian suite expertise.

Benefits

Benefits and perk - j ust some of the many offered by d3t alongside a great working environment:

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
• Company Pension Scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Private Medical Insurance Scheme & Eye Care Scheme
• Employee Share Scheme
• Anti-crunch ethos - an amazingly professional, fun and supportive working environment!
• Income Protection
• Annual Bonus – be rewarded for great teamwork!
• Free Parking
• Tech and Bike Scheme
• Training & Industry Events
• Complimentary Refreshments – an extensive range to suit all dietary preferences
• Company Socials, Project Launch/Wrap Parties + Annual d3t Events
• Breakout Areas – filled with perks such as games, a BBQ, snacks etc .

Don't meet every single requirement? Not a problem - please apply. At d3t we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and culture. If this opportunity excites you but your current skills or past experience don't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to still apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles within our team.