Together we're building a greener tomorrow

Connecting every home and business to a single, secure smart meter network is a huge undertaking. So you can imagine the scale – and variety – and opportunities for the people who'll help us do it.

The role

Manchester or London (Hybrid working model, 2 days a week office based, 3 days remote)

Competitive Day Rate offered.

The role:

We’re looking for a hands-on Test Manager to work within the DCC Technology Integration and Assurance Function. The Test Manager will lead a team currently comprising of a Test Lead and a Test Analyst. The team predominantly delivers testing services across the internally developed applications and solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in test planning, coordination, execution, and reporting, with a strong background in both manual and automated testing practices. The Test Manager will work closely with developers, business analysts, solution architects and project managers to ensure the quality and reliability of deliverables. This role requires strong experience across all phases of the test lifecycle—test preparation, test execution, and test closure, and the ability to produce and manage key testing deliverables while fostering a collaborative and quality-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Preparation:

· Estimate test effort and manage resource forecasting and allocation in alignment with estimated effort

· Lead the creation and review of test approaches, test plans, and traceability matrices.

· Support Test Leads and Test Analysts in the design and review of detailed test cases and scripts.

· Collaborate with business analysts, developers, and stakeholders to understand requirements and define test objectives and scope.

· Ensure the timely availability of test environments, test data, and tools.

· Identify and mitigate risks to the test phase early in the project lifecycle.

Test Execution

· Manage the coordination and tracking of test execution across functional, integration, system, regression, and user acceptance testing (UAT).

· Actively participate in test execution where necessary, especially during high-priority or complex testing phases.

· Monitor test progress and quality metrics, providing hands-on support to troubleshoot issues and remove blockers.

· Ensure effective defect triage and management, from identification through to resolution and retesting.

Test Closure

· Oversee the completion of all test deliverables including test completion reports, defect logs, and lessons learned.

· Ensure test exit criteria are met and agreed upon with stakeholders.

· Facilitate test closure gate meetings and provide detailed evaluations of test outcomes, quality risks, and improvement opportunities.

· Archive test assets and ensure documentation is complete and reusable for future initiatives.

· Managing the allocation of the teams resources across competing priorities

· Provide hands-on guidance and mentoring to Test Leads and Test Analysts throughout the project lifecycle.

· Encourage best practices in testing, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the team.

· Act as a point of escalation for test-related issues and decisions.

· Lead by example in maintaining test discipline, quality, and traceability.

Technical Skills

· Strong knowledge of test management tools (e.g. ADO, ALM, JIRA)

· Experience with both manual and automated testing processes and tools.

· Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and test automation frameworks (e.g. Selenium, JMeter)

· Proficiency in Unix/Linux commands and shell scripting

· Strong knowledge of SQL for database testing and data manipulation

· Understanding of testing in Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and/or hybrid delivery environments.

Behavioural Skills

· Delivers Results: Sets clear goals, takes ownership of outcomes, and balances quality with speed

· Develops Others: Supports growth of the team by providing mentoring and coaching, recognising potential, and creating meaningful development opportunities.

· Shapes Solutions: Evaluates options critically, enhances processes, and implements improvements to address challenges effectively.

· Adapts: Responds effectively to change, remains open to new ideas, and maintains resilience under pressure

· Enables Performance: Empowers others by providing autonomy, delegating responsibly, and supporting progress toward goals

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

· 10+ years experience in software testing, with at least 2 years in a test management or leadership position

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

· Experience in Utilities, and specifically SMART Metering advantageous

We believe in our purpose. Together, we work as one team, always looking for ways to improve and support DCC’s role in a low-carbon future.

Act with integrity

We treat everyone with kindness, consideration and respect. We keep our promises to our customers. And if something doesn’t feel right, we speak up.

Be accountable

You can depend on our word. We’re clear about our roles and we take the initiative, while respecting the processes we have in place.

Personal Development

Our training and development opportunities help you be your best self – from regular 1-2-1s all the way up to professional qualifications.

Group income protection

Provides a continuous income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury for more than 26 weeks.

Pension Plans

Our Capita Choice partners will match the salary contributions you make to your pension up to 5%, depending on your plan and time with us.

Flexible Holidays

Need more time off? Increase your standard 25 days of leave by buying extra to rest, spend time with family or satisfy your wanderlust.

Cycle to Work Scheme

We’re big on keeping things green. If you want to cycle to work, we'll loan you the gear through salary sacrifice to make it tax-efficient.

As we all transition to a new normal, we can help you find the hybrid working pattern that suits you and your team best.

Step 1

Find and apply for a role

All vacancies are posted on our careers site on a page like this one, where you can apply online. You'll be asked to submit a short application form so we can find out more about you. Due to the high volume of applications, you'll only hear back from us if you've been successful.

Step 2

Chat with a recruiter

Once you pass the initial screening stage, one of our recruiters will be in touch to chat through the role and your experience. If all goes well, your application will be passed on to the hiring manager, who'll put together a shortlist for interview.

Step 3

Come for an interview

For most roles there'll be a two-stage interview process, which will include questions about your CV, competency and technical skills. For more senior positions there could be an additional interview stage. You may also be asked to give a presentation or complete a technical test, but we'll let you know in advance so you have plenty of time to prepare.

Step 4

Receive an offer

Once the interview process has been completed the successful candidate will receive an offer. Throughout the interview process the recruiter and hiring manager are happy to answer any questions you have. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to decide whether DCC and the role are right for you.

Apply

Test Manager

Location

Location:London

Job type

Job type:CONTRACT

Does this sound like the role for you? If so click and apply then fill in your details to begin your application.