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Portfolio / Programme Test Manager – SC Cleared
Permanent | Hybrid (50% onsite) | Software Testing & Quality Assurance
At Peregrine, we're always seeking Specialist Talent that have the ideal mix of skills, experience, and attitude, to place with our vast array of clients. From Business Analysts in large government organisations to Software Developers in the private sector – we are always in search of the best talent to place, now.
The role:
We're looking for an experienced Portfolio / Programme Test Manager to lead the delivery of testing across large-scale technology transformation programmes within a highly regulated enterprise environment.
You'll take ownership of end-to-end testing strategy across multiple workstreams, ensuring high quality software delivery throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Working alongside senior technology leaders, delivery teams and business stakeholders, you'll define testing approaches, manage resources, oversee governance and ensure quality standards are maintained across complex programmes.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining strategic leadership with hands-on programme delivery, influencing stakeholders at every level while driving continuous improvement across software testing practices.
Responsibilities:
- Define and own Test Strategies and Test Charters across multiple programmes and workstreams.
- Develop and oversee detailed test plans covering functional and non-functional testing.
- Lead end-to-end testing throughout the Software Development Lifecycle.
- Manage testing across complex portfolios, ensuring delivery remains on schedule and aligned to business priorities.
- Plan and manage testing resources, balancing demand across multiple programmes.
- Work closely with delivery teams to forecast future resource requirements.
- Lead stakeholder engagement across technology and business teams, providing expert guidance on testing approaches.
- Ensure User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is effectively planned and supported.
- Oversee defect management, issue resolution and quality assurance throughout delivery.
- Monitor programme quality using appropriate metrics, KPIs and reporting.
- Chair testing governance meetings and provide regular progress updates to senior stakeholders.
- Work alongside automation teams to increase test automation and regression coverage where appropriate.
- Drive continuous improvement of testing standards, governance and best practice.
- Ensure third-party suppliers meet agreed testing standards and quality expectations.
- Support coaching, mentoring and development of testing professionals across the wider team.
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Skills & Experience:
- Extensive experience leading software testing across large-scale programmes and portfolios.
- Proven experience defining Test Strategies and comprehensive Test Plans.
- Strong understanding of the complete Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
- Experience working across both Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies.
- Extensive knowledge of software testing disciplines including:
- Functional Testing
- Non-Functional Testing
- Integration Testing
- Regression Testing
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
- Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT)
- Strong experience managing testing throughout complex technology delivery programmes.
- Experience leading internal and third-party testing teams.
- Strong knowledge of defect management processes and test management tools.
- Experience applying risk-based testing techniques.
- Experience producing high-quality testing metrics, reporting and governance documentation.
- Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to influence senior business and technical leaders.
- Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Desirable skills:
- Experience within highly regulated or enterprise-scale organisations.
- Experience of test automation frameworks and tools such as Selenium, Karate, Eggplant, SOATEST or similar.
- Experience testing web-based applications and complex enterprise platforms.
- Knowledge of SQL and database testing.
- Experience working with test data management.
- Exposure to technologies including .NET, Java, XML, Oracle, SharePoint or Web Services.
- Experience implementing testing governance and quality assurance frameworks.
- ISTQB Foundation certification (or equivalent).
- ISTQB Advanced, ITIL or PRINCE2 certifications would be advantageous.
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About Peregrine
We build workforces that deliver tech and change programmes at leading UK organisations. By combining data science from Peregrine Intelligence, our industry-accredited Peregrine Academy, and market-leading attraction and diversity initiatives, we bridge capability gaps at all levels in public and private sector organisations. We work closely with our clients to understand their challenges and deliver flexible, long-term solutions that make a real difference. When you join Peregrine, you become part of a team that's focused on growth, both yours, our clients', and the sectors we support. You'll also get access to a full range of benefits alongside your salary.
How Specialist Talent Works
As a permanent employee at Peregrine, you'll be part of our Specialist Talent team. That means you'll work on-site or remotely with our clients, supporting them on complex, high-impact projects in Data, Digital and Business Transformation. You'll get the variety and challenge of consultancy work, with the stability and support of a permanent role. You're not a contractor – you're a valued member of our team, with access to all the same benefits, learning opportunities, and community.
Our Culture
We're curious, open, and always learning. We believe in doing great work and doing it with integrity. We support each other, share ideas freely, and celebrate progress big and small. And we care about the impact we make, whether that's helping clients solve tough problems or creating opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Diversity and Inclusion
We're proud to be a diverse team, with 20+ nationalities represented across Peregrine. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, and we're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Through our partnerships and internal initiatives, we're working to improve social mobility, reduce our environmental impact, and help our clients build more inclusive teams too.
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