QA Test Analyst

Title: QA Test Analyst Location: Hybrid – Manchester / Leeds - 3 days on site per week, 2 days remote Salary: From £32,000 PURPOSE: The Software Test Engineer will work as part of a dynamic delivery team reporting into the Software Test Lead. In this role, the Software Test Engineer will ensure the quality and reliability of our software by planning, executing, and reporting on testing across a range of projects—from small enhancements to multi-million-pound initiatives. Working closely with cross-functional teams, playing a key role in both manual and automated testing across the full software development lifecycle. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Test Planning & Execution: • Represent QA in both Agile and Waterfall delivery models • Attend Agile Ceremonies, Provide input into test estimates, test approaches, and test completion reports • Create, maintain, and execute manual test cases aligned to project requirements and user stories • Conduct risk-based testing in line with the overall test strategy • Define and input test data into the test environment ensuring accuracy of data before use. • Participation in Analysis / Design Review/Solution Design meetings for gathering information for future testing phases • Work closely with all areas of the business to complete testing on behalf of Internal, External Customers. • Support test activities post-implementation and during warranty periods • Communicate progress to all interested parties within the agreed timescales. Quality Assurance & Governance: • Ensure functional and non-functional testing meets both business and technical quality standards • Adhere to test governance and use of approved tools (e.g., Browserstack for test case management, JIRA for defect tracking) • Own defect management: logging, tracking, prioritising, and retesting • Participate in reviews of requirements, design, and analysis documentation Tooling & Automation: • Identify manual test cases suitable for automation and collaborate with the automation team • Maintain subject matter expertise in Browserstack, Postman, and other core testing tools, supporting colleagues with full system usage • Conduct performance, load testing and support the testing of any other non-functional requirements Continuous Improvement & Collaboration: • Identify enhancements to testing processes, tooling and standards • Collaborate with internal teams and third parties (e.g., executing brokers, service pr software providers) to ensure quality outcomes • Contribute to cross-squad or breakaway squad initiatives as required • Support internal compliance by ensuring adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., FCA) CAPABILITIES: Testing Expertise: • Demonstratable experience of manual testing & software delivery methodologies • Demonstratable experience of test strategies, planning, scripting, execution, and reporting • Familiarity with test automation principles and tools (Javascript, Selenium, JMeter, Appium) Technical Proficiency: • Proficient using test tools such as JIRA, Browserstsack, Confluence, Postman • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications • Basic understanding of systems architecture • Demonstratable experience of the software development lifecycle Collaboration & Communication: • Confident communicator across technical and non-technical audiences • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills • Team player with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision Industry Knowledge: • Understanding of financial products and services, especially investment and execution-only stockbroking • Familiarity with regulatory requirements (FCA) and operational risk management • Understand current and emerging IT technologies • Manual testing experience (3+ years minimum) • ISTQB/ISEB certified (Foundation or Advanced level) • Extensive Testing experience in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies • Background in the Financial Services industry • Experience of Web and Mobile testing • Proven experience managing testing across small and large-scale projects • Ability to prioritise effectively and be committed to the implementation of a project • Ability to set an example of professionalism through personal attitude • Offering a flexible approach to working • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities • Resilient under pressure and ability to manage conflicting demands Desirable: • Web technologies (especially Java platforms) • Salesforce experience • Mobile application testing • IBM iSeries/AS400, DB2, RPG • Experience with performance and non-functional testing tools • CI/CD & DevOps: Familiarity with Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes. • Cloud & Microservices: Understanding of AWS, GCP, Azure, containerised testing. • Group Personal Pension Plan – 8% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution • Life Assurance and Group Income Protection • Private Medical Insurance – Provided by Bupa • 25 Days Annual Leave, plus bank holidays • Staff Discounts on our investment products • Personal & Well-being Fund – Supporting your physical and mental wellness • Retail Discounts – Savings at a wide range of high street and online retailers • Voluntary Flexible Benefits – Tailor your benefits to suit your lifestyle Please Note: We will do our utmost efforts to respond to all applicants. However, due to the high volume of applications we're currently receiving, if you haven't been contacted within 30 days of application, please consider unsuccessful. interactive investor operates in accordance with the UK Equality Act 2010. We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, disabilities, gender identities, marital status, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and making reasonable adjustments where needed to support disabled applicants. We actively prevent all forms of discrimination, harassment, and victimisation—whether direct, indirect, associative, or perceptive.