SMG
QA Engineer (Manual & Automation)
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QA Engineer (Manual & Automation)
QA Engineer (Manual & Automation) – Plan-Apps – Hybrid (Manchester/Leeds/Liverpool)
Location
Hybrid with 1 day per week in our Manchester office (could also be based in surrounding areas such as Leeds/Liverpool).
Who Are We?
We’re SMG, the original pioneers in connected commerce marketing.
Since 2008, we’ve partnered with major retailers, powered global brands, and built meaningful connections with shoppers. We simplify the overwhelming complexity of retail media and deliver impactful campaigns that resonate where it matters—creating seamless, personalised shopping experiences.
Guided by our relentless desire for growth, we continually push boundaries—our tech, our industry, and ourselves—to discover innovative new ways to connect, sell, and scale.
Plan-Apps, a core part of SMG, is a cutting-edge technology company specialising in B2B SaaS solutions for the retail media industry. Our platform empowers retailers to optimise their media estates, streamlining the full marketing campaign cycle through data-driven planning, management, and measurement—connecting brands, retailers, and shoppers effectively.
About the Role
There’s no better time to join than now as we expand. We’re seeking a brilliant, highly motivated QA Engineer (Manual & Automation) to help shape the future of retail media. This role will involve validating software for functionality, performance, and usability, identifying defects early, and collaborating across teams to ensure our product meets the highest standards.
If you have a strong technical background and passion for driving software quality, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute manual and automated test cases aligned with product requirements
- Create and maintain automated test scripts using:
- Cypress
- Playwright
- For UI, API, and end-to-end testing
- Define the scope and phases of testing for each new feature/release during Agile Methodology implementation
- Collaborate with developers, QA engineers, and product managers to define test scenarios and ensure software quality
- Implement test automation strategies and integrate them into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Git, BitBucket)
- Debug and troubleshoot test failures; report issues using Jira
- Ensure cross-browser compatibility testing, analyse results, identify issues, and work with developers to resolve software defects
- Produce comprehensive test documentation, including:
- Test cases
- Test reports
- Automation strategies
- Identify, document, and track defects in Jira and Xray; ensure timely execution and resolution
- Drive continuous improvement in QA function and team performance
- Generate detailed test automation reports, strategies, and maintain QA documentation in Confluence
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What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience as a QA Engineer with:
- A successful track record in both functional and automation testing
- Deep knowledge of:
- QA methodologies
- Automation tools and processes
- UI testing, API testing, and end-to-end testing
- Strong working knowledge of:
- HTML, CSS, DOM manipulation
- Usage of browser dev tools and logs for debugging
- Experience with:
- Automation frameworks
- BDD/TDD methodologies
- Ability to:
- Read and write test code in JavaScript/TypeScript/Node.js
- Practical hands-on experience:
- Integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, engaging effectively across:
- Engineering teams
- Stakeholders
- Strong skills in:
- Organisation
- Planning and prioritisation
- Attention to detail
- Familiarity with:
- Agile and Scrum methodologies
- Fast-paced, collaborative team environments
- Highly desirable experience:
- In non-functional testing, particularly:
- Performance testing
- Security testing
- Load testing
- In non-functional testing, particularly:
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Why Plan-Apps?
We thrive on change—there’s no better place to push boundaries, build something exceptional, and grow with people who live by the same principles. We’re not looking for perfection. If you value variety, excitement, and the energy of evolution, we’d love to hear from you.
Not the "perfect fit"? That’s okay. Everyone brings a unique perspective. We’re committed to diversity and equity—prioritising those who're curious, determined, and passionate about growth.
Why SMG?
We hire for the future—fast-moving, adaptable, resilient. Got the potential to help us shape our business and our team’s future? We’re looking for brilliant, diverse talent.
We empower ownership and fresh perspectives. Because we value people who:
- Push their growth boundaries.
- Bring bold ideas.
At SMG, it’s not about filling slots—it’s about building tomorrow together.
Here’s what we offer
- 10% discretionary bonus
- £1,800 yearly wellbeing fund (on top of salary!)
- Free Headspace subscription (mental health & wellbeing)
- £500 yearly Uni Fund (for learning & education)
- 4 extra Wellbeing Days *(on top of standard leave )
- Conferences, celebrations, and team events (including Summer/Winter retreats)
- 4pm finishes every Friday
- Flexible, hybrid working
Useful Links Before You Apply
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