Test Analyst - Academic Services - 103926 - Grade 7

The Test Analyst will be required to:

• Structure the tasks defined in the Test Strategy in terms of technical requirements


• Analyse the internal structure of the system in sufficient detail to meet the expected quality


• Evaluate the system in terms of non-functional attributes, e.g. performance and reliability


• Prepare and execute the appropriate activities, and report on their progress


• Conduct technical testing activities


• Provide the necessary evidence to support evaluations


• Implement the necessary tools and techniques to achieve the defined goals


Main Duties

• Lead and manage all aspects of Technical Test at a project level especially User Acceptance Testing. Where necessary providing training, guidance and advice in all Technical Test related activities. Be responsible, in consultation with the Test Manager, for overseeing and co-ordinating your own work. To identify and escalate any work items that may be impacted by resource constraints to the Test Manager.


• To deliver non-functional services (Automation, Performance & Usability). To manage test environments and the implementation of non-functional test tools; to develop non-functional test frameworks and scripts; analyse delivered systems in order to code executable specifications. To act as a technical expert within the team for advice on suitable non-functional test strategies.


• To identify how best to schedule and execute System, System Integration and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), negotiating with key stakeholders for appropriate and timely resources (people, equipment and location). Ensure correct configuration of data and facilitate access for testers/users to appropriate test environments.


• Analysis of documentation (business requirements, functional specifications, design documentation) to identify test conditions. Identification and set up of test data. Creation of the test scripts. Execution and co-ordination of testing activities.


• To prepare detailed test plans highlighting test functions, risks, new functionality and core generic functionality to be tested. Plan the test approach and carry out test activities, ensuring all test documentation is completed and stored correctly. Work with internal departments to define and document testing requirements, using the prescribed delivery model (Waterfall, RAD, etc.).


• Liaison with all stakeholders associated with assigned work items to ensure good and accurate communication on all test related items. Develop own skills. Maintain & develop own knowledge (testing, applications/business processes/role/industry, etc). To deliver briefings and presentations thus sharing best practice. Contribute to the on-going development and organisation of the Team. Work collaboratively with other members of the Team to deliver assigned work, resolve issues and improve processes. Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder.


• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour.


• Supports the University's sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.


• Any other duties commensurate with the grade., Working at this level you will be able to develop and successfully demonstrate the core competencies/transferable skills outlined in each of the areas shown below. As appropriate for the level, our Birmingham Professionals will take ownership for getting things done. You will be expected to be flexible as required in supporting your department and wider University.


Planning and Organising

• plan the running and development of service(s), overseeing resources and inputting into resource planning as appropriate;


• develop, agree and implement standards for delivery for own area;


• manage a team of staff and review, develop and motivate them;


• plan relevant training and development;


• provide professional advice, guidance and support to others within and outside their immediate work area;


• oversee resources and make recommendations about future resource requirements.


Problem Solving and decision making

• review, develop and propose solutions for problems with (for example) staff, budgets, services and/or systems;


• deal effectively with unexpected issues, such as changing priorities;


• deal with sensitive people matters/issues;


• provide specialist advice and recommendations to support decision-making of others.


Organisational understanding

• understand their own and closely-related working areas and how they contribute to the success of the University;


• has an understanding of how the University operates; actively seeks to share this knowledge with others;


• developing empathy with the academic endeavour.


Relationships and communication

• influence decision makers and win support for proposals;


• develop excellent working relationships within and outside of own area and potentially with external stakeholders; co-ordinate activities across a number of areas.


• 
  
  Essential


• University degree or equivalent


• Evidence of Continual Professional Development


Desirable

• Testing / training qualification. E.g. ISTQB Certification


• Project Management Training


• Relevant Experience


Essential

• Proven experience developing a testing strategy and test plans for an enterprise level application


• Proven experience with a variety of Development Methodologies (Agile, Waterfall)


• Solid understanding of IT project management and planning including milestones and critical paths


• Proven experience of being part of a team responsible for systems development lifecycle including analysis, design, build and in being accountable for testing


• Experience of leading large and diverse user groups through testing as part of ongoing testing cycles and UAT


• Proven experience of supplier management to resolve issues and defects


Desirable

• A good understanding of the learning, teaching, business and research needs of staff and students in higher education


• Candidates with practical experience of test automation tools or scripting would be at a distinct advantage


• Experience using and configuring Banner Student applications


Relevant Skills / Aptitudes

• A customer-orientated approach to service design and delivery


• Awareness of departmental and institutional relationships and an ability to work across teams and activities


• An appropriate manner in dealing with senior managers, staff, students, visitors, clients and other contacts


• Good communications skills, interpersonal skills, negotiating skills, organisational skills, presentation skills


• Practical IT skills, including a good working knowledge of Windows, common computer applications, internet and digital information services


• Analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving


• Ability to work calmly and systematically in a busy environment, to prioritise work and to meet agreed deadlines
  
  The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.


We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide-range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham

Background

Academic Services is at the heart of education and research endeavour at the University. Academic Services is responsible for providing support and advice to all staff and to students to enable them to undertake their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. It is also responsible for ensuring that the activities of the University are conducted in accordance with the University's own procedures and regulations and in compliance with external legislative requirements.

Innovation and Development is one of the divisions within Academic Services and the StARS programme is led by the Director of Innovation and Development who is also the StARS Programme Director.

StARS (Student Administration Refresh and Simplification) is a University-wide programme to simplify, standardise and improve our student administration services, enabled by a replacement and upgrade of our student record system. Its vision is to deliver a better experience for students, academics and Professional Services staff; and enables a fundamental shift towards a more flexible set of capabilities and services that are fit for the future., We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .