The Quality Assurance and Release Manager is responsible for ensuring the overall quality of software applications through comprehensive testing and quality assurance processes.  This role manages the software release process within the organization to ensure smooth delivery of technology system updates based on the priorities of the business.  All planning is done in coordination with all the activities of application development, IT leadership, business analysts and product owners. This role will lead and direct multiple program and project test teams to ensure testing and quality assurance best practices are created and adopted to support the organization’s project portfolio.  Broad experience in testing methodologies such as automation, manual, regression, and performance testing practices are a must.  Reliance on experience and judgment to negotiate, plan, manage and accomplish goals is an essential part of the position.

Manage and allocate the testing environment needs of projects and production support efforts while coordinating the various code development branches for deployment and testing of releases.

Accountable for a comprehensive test plan for large programs/projects.

Build, maintain and grow test automation infrastructure.

Provide quality assurance thought leadership to continuously improve upon KFB’s testing competencies.

Prepare reports as needed to keep leadership aware of QA activities or areas for improvement.

Accountable for providing test coverage analysis based on automation results.

Utilize, maintain, and update existing Test Framework.

Develop and add automated functional and regression tests in existing test framework.

Convert manual test preparation into automated test preparation.

Investigate failed automation tests and report issues in bug tracking system (Jama) as appropriate.

Act as the primary point of contact for release-related inquiries and updates.

Maintain a release calendar to track upcoming releases and dependencies.

Ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed of release status, changes, and any issues that arise.

Effectively build and manage a network of contacts at all organizational levels to maintain connectivity and support the business, while providing clear, concise information in verbal, written, and electronic forms of communication.

Coordinate with IT Operations to ensure that deployment environments are prepared and maintained.

Collaborates with other IT managers to manage the deployment process, ensuring that releases are deployed smoothly and efficiently.

Demonstrate a commitment to guiding principles, strategies and values ensuring they are incorporated into department deliverables.

Direct the utilization of staff, facilities, and information resources to achieve company and departmental objectives on time and within budget.

Develop and maintain a staff that is professional, service oriented, and well trained, by having honest conversations with everyone to provide positive reinforcement as well as opportunities for growth and development.

Cross train personnel to avoid resource constraints.

Conduct performance reviews for staff, including professional development plans and goals in a timely and effective manner.

Review and make recommendations for merit adjustments and promotions that are based on performance.

Develop leadership by delegating authority and responsibility while maintaining ultimate accountability.

Maintain regular, predictable attendance as employee must physically be in the office.

This list of essential functions is non-exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

Other Responsibilities

Make recommendations for new and additional QA automation tools.

Help drive the development of overall objectives, policies, control techniques, standards, and operating procedures for IT.

Represent company at outside business functions and attend educational seminars as needed.

Job Specifications

Physical demands: Normal vision/hearing (with or without correction); Sitting; Stress of working overtime as required.

Mental demands: Prolonged concentration; Analytical reasoning; Stress of meeting deadlines.

Environmental factors: Standard office lighting, temperature, and noise.

Equipment: Phone, Computer.

Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Computer Science or Information Technology) required.

Certification in test processes is preferred.

Five or more years in information technology with demonstrated leadership skills and progressive responsibility.

Extensive experience with QA automation and processes, working in an Agile environment and a proven track record of implementing automated functional and regression-based test frameworks.

Good understanding of Object-Oriented design and implementation using Java is preferred.

Good understanding of automated testing for web-based API such as Rest and web services.

Problem-solving skills and proactive thought processes necessary to detect missing elements, an important factor for inspections and reviews.

Insurance industry experience and experience with the Guidewire system is a plus.

Excellent written and oral communications skills and the ability to interface with various business units to gain insight into functionality and usability.

Demonstrated ability to meet target dates established with others.