QA Test Analyst

Role overview

This position sits within a fast-moving delivery team and reports to the Software Test Lead. The role focuses on protecting software quality and stability by planning, carrying out, and documenting tests across a broad mix of work, from small product changes through to large-scale strategic programmes. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across different functions and contributes to both manual and automated testing throughout the software development lifecycle.

Working arrangement and location

The role is based in Manchester / Leeds and follows a hybrid pattern: 3 days per week on site and 2 days working remotely.

Compensation

The salary for this opportunity is £32,000 to £38,000 per year.

Key responsibilities

You will represent QA across both Agile and Waterfall delivery approaches, contribute to planning discussions, and support testing from initial analysis through to post-release warranty support. The role includes creating and maintaining test cases, managing test data, assessing risk, tracking defects, and communicating progress to stakeholders within agreed timelines.

You will also contribute to quality governance, use approved test tools, help identify suitable cases for automation, and support non-functional activities such as performance and load testing. A further part of the role is to collaborate with internal teams and external partners to improve testing practices and help ensure regulatory compliance.

Testing and quality assurance duties

• Represent the QA function across Agile and Waterfall delivery environments.
• Take part in Agile ceremonies and help shape test estimates, test approach, and test completion reporting.
• Write, maintain, and execute manual test cases that align with requirements and user stories.
• Carry out risk-based testing in line with the agreed test strategy.
• Prepare and load test data into test environments, checking accuracy before use.
• Join analysis, design review, and solution design sessions to gather information for future testing.
• Work with different business areas to complete testing for both internal and external customers.
• Provide support for testing after implementation and during warranty periods.
• Keep relevant stakeholders updated on progress within required timeframes.
• Ensure functional and non-functional testing meets business and technical standards.
• Follow test governance processes and use approved tools for test management and defect tracking.
• Own the defect lifecycle, including logging, prioritising, tracking, and retesting issues.
• Review requirements, design documents, and analysis artefacts as part of the quality process.
• Spot manual test cases that could be automated and work with the automation team.
• Maintain working knowledge of Browserstack, Postman, and other core testing tools, and support colleagues in their use.
• Perform performance and load testing, and assist with other non-functional testing needs.
• Look for ways to improve test processes, tools, and standards.
• Work with internal teams and third parties such as executing brokers and service providers to achieve strong quality outcomes.
• Contribute to cross-squad or breakaway squad work when needed.
• Support compliance by following relevant regulatory standards, including FCA requirements.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

The ideal candidate will bring solid manual testing experience, a strong understanding of software delivery methods, and hands-on experience with test strategy, planning, scripting, execution, and reporting. Familiarity with automation concepts and tools is also important, along with confidence using testing and collaboration platforms.

The role also requires strong communication, stakeholder management, and analytical ability. Experience in financial services, particularly investment and execution-only stockbroking, is highly relevant, as is an understanding of regulatory expectations and operational risk.

Required qualifications and experience

• Proven resilience under pressure and the ability to handle competing priorities.
• Strong prioritisation skills and commitment to delivering project outcomes.
• Professional conduct and the ability to lead by example.
• A flexible approach to working.
• ISTQB or ISEB certification at Foundation or Advanced level.
• Significant testing experience in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Background in financial services.
• Experience testing web and mobile applications.
• Demonstrated experience supporting testing on both small and large projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desirable experience

• Exposure to web technologies, especially Java-based platforms.
• Mobile application testing experience.
• Experience with IBM iSeries/AS400, DB2, or RPG.
• Previous use of performance and non-functional testing tools.
• Knowledge of CI/CD and DevOps tooling such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of cloud platforms and microservices, including AWS, GCP, Azure, and containerised testing.

Benefits

• Group personal pension plan with 8% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution.
• Life assurance and group income protection.
• Private medical insurance through Bupa.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Staff discounts on investment products.
• Personal and well-being fund to support physical and mental wellness.
• Retail discount programme across many high street and online brands.
• Voluntary flexible benefits so you can adapt your package to your lifestyle.

Additional information

If you are not contacted within 30 days of applying, you should assume your application has not been successful because of the volume of interest the employer receives. The organisation follows the UK Equality Act 2010 and welcomes candidates from all ages, disabilities, gender identities, marital statuses, pregnancy and maternity statuses, races, religions or beliefs, sexes, and sexual orientations. Reasonable adjustments are available for disabled applicants, and the employer states that it actively works to prevent discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in all forms.