Lead, Quality Assurance

Primary function
The Quality Assurance (QA) Lead’s role is to develop, establish, and enforce quality assurance standards and measures for the information technology department within Legal Aid Ontario. This individual will direct research and development in support of business cases, proposed projects, and systems requirements over the course of software development lifecycles. The QA Lead will apply proven analytical and problem-solving skills to help validate IT processes through careful testing in order to maximize the benefit of business investments in IT initiatives.

Home Location: Toronto Provincial Office
Secondary Location: n/a

Reports to: Manager, IT Quality Assurance & Corporate Business Analysts

Key accountabilities
Strategy & Planning
• Lead the development, establishment, and enforcement of quality assurance measures and testing standards for new applications, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout their development/product lifecycles.
• Ensure that software quality measures comply with regulatory standards, industry standards, and accepted best practices.
• Create methodologies and processes for the collection and analysis of data for ensuring software, systems, and product quality.
• Direct the analysis of formal test results in order to discover and report any defects, bugs, errors, configuration issues, and interoperability flaws.
• Direct the analysis of documentation and technical specifications for any new application under deployment or consideration to determine its intended functionality.
• Develop change control processes, practices, and guidelines for new and existing technologies.

Acquisition & Deployment
• Determine the selection and appropriate usage of automated test tools and data collection tools.

Operational Management
• Develop and write test plans and scripts for tracking defects and fixes in product development, software application development, information systems, and operations systems.
• Apply established metrics to determine the readiness, quality, and operability of software, systems, and products due for release to clients and/or within the enterprise.
• Create and communicate test plans and scripts that will determine optimal application performance according to specifications; revise as needed.
• Conduct internal audits to measure and assure adherence to established QA standards for software development, application integration, and information system performance, and corresponding documentation.
• Coordinate testing of new software to ensure integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, and technical specifications.
• Communicate test progress, test results, and other relevant information to project stakeholders and executive management.
• Co-ordinate with all members of the quality assurance team, and ensure that aggressive deadlines are met.
• Cultivate and disseminate knowledge of quality assurance best practices.

Required skills & experience
Education & Certifications
• College diploma or university degree in software engineering, computer science, or business administration and/or 5 years equivalent work experience. Master’s degree in either of these fields preferred.
• Certifications including Certified Test Engineer (CSTE) or Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is considered an asset.

Knowledge/Experience
• 5 or more years direct experience in overseeing the design, development, and implementation of quality assurance standards for software testing.
• 3 or more years direct experience as a QA Lead for major application integration and/or major application product release.
• At least 3 years direct experience leading all aspects of QA.
• Strong knowledge of system testing metrics, best practices and methodologies.
• Extensive experience with core software applications, including Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft 365, Oracle Service Cloud and/or Oracle Intelligence Advisor, PeopleSoft Enterprise applications, Legal Files, ServiceNow, HR Connect, External Website.
• Direct hands-on experience with ad hoc query programs, automated testing tools, and reporting software.
• Extensive practical knowledge in importing data for use in report software, spreadsheets, graphs, and flow charts.
• Proven data analysis, data verification, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with statistical reporting and analysis.
• Excellent PC skills and technically fluent in programming languages, including Structured Query Language (SQL) and Python.
• Good organizational skills and/or substantial exposure to project-based work structures.

Personal Attributes
• Excellent understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent coaching, listening, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and legislation.

Work Conditions
• 36.25 hours per week with additional after hours/weekend availability required to support system migrations & implementations as required.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and other computer components.