Test Manager

Test Manager (Contract) – DV Clearance Eligible Location: On-site – Milton Keynes (with occasional travel to London) Rate: Up to £503 per day – Umbrella (inside IR35) Duration: Initial 6 months We are working with a highly respected government-facing organisation delivering critical services and solutions in secure environments. They are seeking an experienced Test Manager to lead and assure quality across complex delivery programmes. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of the end-to-end testing strategy, working closely with delivery teams and stakeholders to ensure robust, high-quality outcomes. Key Responsibilities * Define and deliver test strategies aligned to both functional and non-functional requirements * Assess testability and shape effective, risk-based testing approaches * Engage with business and operational stakeholders to agree test solutions * Produce and maintain comprehensive test documentation * Lead defect management, ensuring prioritisation aligns with business needs * Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently * Support go-live and deployment activities * Navigate operational constraints and evolving delivery pressures Skills & Experience Required * Strong Test Management experience (ISTQB Advanced Test Manager or equivalent preferred) * Experience working in secure or Tier 2 environments * Knowledge of: * Test management and automation tools * Non-functional testing (performance, load, stress, soak testing) * CI/CD pipelines * Cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure) * SQL for data interrogation * Virtual environments (e.g. VMware) * Basic networking concepts (e.g. Cisco) * Ability to take a business-focused, operational view of testing * Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills Additional Requirements Must be a sole British national (no dual nationality) Must have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the past 5 years Eligible and willing to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) clearance Ability to work on-site full-time in Milton Keynes Working Arrangements Full-time (37.5–48 hours per week) On-site role – no remote or hybrid working available Occasional travel within the UK (expenses reimbursed where applicable) Important Information * This role falls inside IR35 * Engagement via PAYE or compliant umbrella company * 7-day notice period * Candidates must not have worked in a similar role with this end client in the past 6 months If you’re an experienced Test Manager looking to work on impactful, secure programmes where quality is critical, we’d be keen to speak with you. Apply now with your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion