Job Description

At Northwestern Mutual, we are strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We care and make a positive difference.

Whats the role?

The Sr. Quality Transformation Specialist reports to Assistant Director - Enterprise Quality and will oversee test maturity assessments of multiple projects or scrum teams.

This role is to ensure standard quality practices and processes are followed while leading a large scale transformational initiative. This senior role requires a someone who has significant Quality Assurance experience. We are seeking an individual with success in leading the testing of large and complex IT projects and a track record of implementing innovation successfully, across Agile and DevOps.

In this role, you will perform Test Maturity Assessments of NM scrum teams using TMMi methodology. You will assist the EQ Assistant Director in the development of a test maturity assessment framework, setting up of quality standards, defining, collecting and validating metrics. This role will also be responsible for assisting the stakeholders with correcting the identified assessment observations to ensure that we maintain high quality and high availability production system and services.

Role and Responsibilities:

* Perform comprehensive assessment of the current state with reference to TMMi to deliver transformative recommendations adopting Agile and DevOps practices

* Engage with Test Engineering leadership to continuously improve the Modern Delivery services and build capabilities for the engagements

* Lead and manage the observations/recommendations and develop the deliverables for the scrum team accordingly

* Develop and maintains Test Maturity Assessment framework, executes the test governance framework and processes and performs Test Maturity Assessments of Northwestern Mutual applications as advised by NM Leadership

* Demonstrate excellent communication process and conduct assessment interviews, review test artifacts and summarize assessments for a scrum team or group of application.

* Build a short-term and long-term transformation plan based on the assessment results

* Work with Mentoring and training team to ensure they are trained on Enterprise Quality recommended Agile practices and principles

* Define, establish and collect Enterprise Quality mandated metrics/KPIs.

* Drive innovative change throughout the testing program by developing and implementing leading edge, transformative ideas for testing automation, data analysis, and visualization of risks and test results;

* Assist our Assistant Director in collecting and reporting Test Maturity Assessments and quality metrics trending reports monthly/quarterly/yearly

* Assess trends from quality assurance activities and provide mentorship to test team leads or additional training as needed;

* Utilize compliance and quality metrics to drive quality standard improvements as part of the regular continuous improvement efforts.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

* 8-10+ years of experience in Software Testing/Quality Assurance and 4+ years as Test Lead, as well as excellent knowledge of Software Testing, Quality Assurance, and Governance

* Strong experience performing Test Maturity Assessments using TMMi/TPI or any other informal assessment methodologies

* Experience with continuous improvement and root cause analysis techniques

* A self-starter and willing to work with ambiguity

* A change agent and possess the discernment to collaborate with senior business partners and the ability to offer creative solutions to address QA needs

* Significant experience in software development, testing, program management and analysis

* Experience leading and developing internal practice capabilities, contributing to testing methodologies/toolkits, developing thought leaderships / whitepapers and influencing business leads

* Deep knowledge of structured software testing, agile concept, test engineering and quality assurance.

* Hands-on experience with supporting test teams Knowledge of IEEE, ISO and/or ISTQB testing standards.

* Knowledge of Jira and Test Management tools

Desired Skills:

* ISTQB Certification preferred

* Knowledge of TMMi, TPI and TAMAR

* Knowledge of test automation tools and performance testing tools

* History of being a skilled governance analyst with previous maturity assessment capabilities to assist in the evaluation of enterprise test maturity is preferable

* Experience in conducting governance check is preferable

* Six Sigma experience is a plus.

Benefits:

* Whip-smart team that is very friendly and always willing to lend a hand

* Tons of room for career growth, learning and development

* Highly competitive salary

* Outstanding Benefits- PTO, bonus programs, medical, dental, vision, 401k, and pension plans

LI-Post

This job is not covered by the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Certifications:

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We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.