what is a testing manager?

As a testing manager, you work alongside quality assurance and production teams to test the usability of programmes, apps and software. You also test the functionality of various products as they move through the production stages to become finished products.

Before a company launches a product or an application, it needs to verify its functionality and benefits to users. Test managers spot problems in functionality and quality and provide recommendations to improve the performance of a project. They also develop testing strategies and policies to ensure all the products passing through the department are high-quality and represent the company's vision.

Testing managers work in diverse industries and participate in various projects. For instance, you can work in information technology testing mobile and gaming applications or software for running programmes. You can also work for manufacturing industries responsible for producing various electronics and consumer goods. 

As a testing manager, you need exceptional analytical skills to study all aspects of a product and identify errors. You also need problem-solving skills to rectify mistakes that arise during production.

Would working as a testing manager suit your analytical skills and problem-solving ability? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a testing manager role.

testing manager jobs
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average salary of a testing manager

According to National Careers, the salary of a testing manager ranges from £34,000 to £60,000 annually. When you are starting, you will receive a basic salary of about £34,000 per year, while experienced test managers earn around £60,000 per year.

Apart from the basic salary, you also receive medical allowances and bonuses. Most companies have pension plans and provide paid time off. You can increase your salary with overtime pay or receive share benefits for the successful launch of products.

how to increase your salary as a testing manager

The test manager role requires a high level of skills and experience since the employer relies on your expertise to launch high-quality products. A testing manager's compensation package and benefits depend on skills, knowledge and project complexity. When you have entry-level experience, your transferrable skills don't warrant a higher pay bracket. However, as your skills and experience improve, you can command better pay and benefits.

Complex projects require a high level of expertise and attract better compensation packages than simple projects. The industry you work for can also influence your pay since it dictates the scope of your work. Some industries like chemical manufacturing require specialised skills to ensure the products aren't hazardous to users.

 

woman checking product quality
woman checking product quality
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types of testing managers

Some types of testing managers include:

  • quality assurance test manager: as a quality assurance manager, you ensure the testing team develops a test strategy to ascertain the quality of products or software. You also need to maintain a reliable testing system for all the products in a company.
  • software test manager: your focus is on testing the viability and functionality of the software. You ensure the software achieves its objectives and assist users in performing some functions.
  • programme test manager: as a programme test manager, you work with a team of professionals to identify issues in programmes that impact their functionality. Your job involves planning a test strategy and scheduling testing activities to assess the quality of different programmes.

 

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working as a testing manager

As companies introduce new digital products to the market daily, testing manager roles become crucial in determining the ability of a product to fulfil users' needs. Your job is to ascertain the quality standards and functionality of software, applications and products.

4

testing manager education and skills

Become a test manager with the following educational qualifications:

  • university degree: you can become a testing manager by pursuing a degree in computer science, maths, software engineering or business information technology. It would help if you considered undergraduate programmes with work placements or internships to improve your experience and accelerate your career.
  • apprenticeship: a test manager can learn the profession by completing a software tester higher apprenticeship. You can become a test lead before progressing to managerial roles.

testing manager skills and competencies

You require the following skillsets to remain efficient in the industry:

  • flexibility: as a testing manager, you need to adapt to unplanned changes and developments. You may encounter problems that need extra resources or time to solve during testing before completing the test process. You will be flexible enough to manage unexpected changes.
  • communication skills: as a testing manager, you will have exceptional communication and people skills. You will communicate the test instructions and strategies clearly to the team. It is crucial to be an excellent listener and consider suggestions from team members. Communication also helps with reporting to various stakeholders and clients.
  • leadership: as a leader, you will motivate and inspire your team to work towards the testing plan. Leadership skills help you coordinate and oversee the work of the testing team.
  • time management: working as a test manager demands strong time management skills since most projects have strict timelines. To avoid mismanagement and delayed launch dates, you will coordinate and organise activities within the stipulated timeframe.
  • attention to detail: as a testing manager, you will be detail-oriented and identify issues in the software or product during testing. Even small defects can affect usability and will need to be rectified.

 

women testing product output
women testing product output
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a testing manager

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