QA Lead

ABOUT IFG

IFG Companies, founded in 1985, is one of America's largest privately held, property and casualty A-rated insurance groups in the United States. As a private company, IFG is focused on profitable growth through superior underwriting of a range of products and service to its producers and insureds.

POSITION SUMMARY

The QA Lead role is to develop and execute exploratory as well as automated regression tests in order to ensure a high level of software product quality. The responsibilities include estimating, planning and coordinating testing activities and driving the full-time and consulting resources to conduct full quality assurance on all strategic applications. The QA Lead will also ensure that quality issues and defects are appropriately identified, documented, tracked and resolved while engaging extensively with the Software Engineering team.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review requirements specifications and technical design documents to provide timely and meaningful feedback and decisions
• Evaluate the testing technology architecture in place and propose updates, if appropriate
• Create detailed, comprehensive and well-structured test plans and test cases
• Estimate, prioritize, plan and coordinate testing activities
• Design, develop and execute automation scripts
• Identify, record, document thoroughly and track bugs
• Perform thorough regression testing when bugs are resolved
• Catalog and maintain test scenario library
• Present testing results and progress to management team
• Forward Plan the release windows and cycles across a portfolio
• Manage risks and resolves issues that affect release scope, schedule and quality
• Measure and monitor progress to ensure application releases are delivered on time and within budget, and that they meet or exceed expectations
• Coordinate release content and effort based on the service request backlog, pending service requests, third party applications, or operating system updates
• Conduct Release Readiness reviews, Milestone Reviews, and Business Go/No-Go reviews
• Communicate release details and schedules to the Business as required
• Negotiate, plan and manage all release activities
• Work with release engineers to understand impacts of branches and code merges
• Maintains the release schedule for all core services and ensure alignment across key partners and vendors
• Continually work towards making improvements in the release process
• Lead and co-ordinate the Go-Live activities including the execution of the deployment Plans and checklists.
• Develops scripts and automation tools used to build, integrate, and deploy software releases to various platforms
• Participate in CCB (Change Control Board) meetings to discuss release scope and/or roadblocks
• Maintains a release repository and manages key information such as build and release procedures, dependencies, and notification lists
• Researches new software development and configuration management methodologies and technologies and analyzes their application to current configuration management needs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 8-10 years of experience in information systems operations environment in systems analysis or development
• Strong technical depth and ability to create complete regression scripts with Cypress
• Advanced knowledge of software development lifecycle
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional work teams toward task completion
• Demonstrated effective leadership and analytical skills
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• General PC knowledge including Microsoft Office with expert level knowledge of Excel, working knowledge of QA testing software, QA methodologies, tools and processes
• Experience in writing clear, concise and comprehensive test plans and test cases
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently within a quickly changing environment with strict deadlines; to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to summarize and present test results and progress to management
• Exceptional customer service orientation

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Formal training in project management practices preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Physical demands are considered to be that of an office environment, climate controlled, with minimal physical exertion. This position requires prolonged sitting, ability to utilize a computer and interactions with others in meetings or via phone.

BENEFITS

• We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, education assistance and paid time off.

IFG Companies is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. M/F/D/V