QA Lead / Test Manager - Government Opportunity

Rate: £487 per day (Inside IR35)
Clearance: BPSS
Location: Remote (no regular travel expected)
Contract Length:

• Initial contract running until end of June
• Followed by rolling 3-month extensions
  Start Date: ASAP

Overview

We are seeking an experienced QA Lead / Test Manager to support a high-profile government programme at a critical delivery stage. This is a short-term initial engagement with strong potential for extension, supporting the successful delivery of a large, business-critical project.

The role requires a hands-on test leader who is comfortable working under pressure and flexing hours where required to meet delivery milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end testing across the programme
• Manage and coordinate UAT activities, ensuring readiness and execution
• Monitor UAT test execution and track progress
• Lead defect triage during UAT testing windows
• Produce daily and weekly test progress reports
• Work closely with delivery teams and senior stakeholders to manage risks and issues

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Test Lead or Test Manager within government environments
• Track record of delivering high-profile programmes, ideally with budgets of £1m+
• Strong experience leading SIT, E2E, and UAT testing
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable working extended hours or weekends when project demands require it
• Highly organised, delivery-focused, and confident operating in fast-paced environments