Test Manager - Payroll & HR Transformation

Civiteq is a specialist consultancy working at the intersection of technology, change and public services. We support organisations delivering complex digital transformation programmes, including major ERP implementations. We help them to design, deliver and embed change that genuinely works for people. We're known for our collaborative culture, deep subject-matter expertise and practical, people-centred approach to delivery. We are seeking an experienced Associate Test Manager to support a major Payroll and HR transformation programme. Working closely with client stakeholders, programme teams and technology suppliers, you will take ownership of the end-to-end testing strategy and delivery, ensuring solutions are thoroughly validated and ready for deployment. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong test management expertise, stakeholder engagement skills and experience delivering testing within complex transformation programmes. What You'll Be Doing Defining and maintaining the Test Strategy, approach and governance framework. Planning and managing all phases of testing, including SIT, UAT, End-to-End Testing, Payroll Parallel Runs and Go-Live Readiness. Coordinating business users, suppliers, technical teams and operational stakeholders throughout testing. Managing defects, issues, risks and escalation processes. Ensuring adequate coverage across business processes, payroll requirements, integrations, reporting and compliance obligations. Supporting cutover planning, dress rehearsals and deployment readiness activities. Providing clear reporting and recommendations to programme governance. Essential Experience leading testing activities within large-scale business transformation or ERP programmes. Experience working with public sector organisations, particularly Local Government, or within consultancy environments supporting public sector clients. Strong understanding of test strategy, planning, governance and delivery. Experience managing SIT, UAT and end-to-end business testing. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Experience managing defects, risks and testing dependencies. Desirable Experience within Payroll, HR or Workforce Management system implementations. Experience supporting data migration and integration testing. Experience with best-of-breed business applications. Previous Zellis experience would be advantageous. Contract Details Contract Type: Associate Consultant / Contractor Day Rate: Up to £500 per day IR35 Status: Outside IR35 Duration: Up to 6 months Location: Remote with occasional client travel as required