Senior Test Analyst

Contact person for this position:  Amori Prinsloo

amori@joblinkplacement.co.za

Website: www.joblinkplacement.co.za

Our client in the Banking Sector requires the expertise of a Senior Test Analyst to join their team.  This is a 1-year contract with a strong possibility of extension.

Role Purpose

The Senior Test Analyst is responsible for leading testing activities across complex initiatives, ensuring high-quality software delivery, and providing mentorship and quality governance within the testing function. The role combines hands-on testing with test planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Test Leadership & Planning

• Lead the definition and execution of test strategies, plans, and approaches for projects and releases
• Analyse complex business and technical requirements to define comprehensive test coverage
• Estimate testing effort, identify risks, and provide input into delivery planning
• Ensure testing aligns with organisational quality standards and best practices

Test Design & Execution

• Design, review, and maintain high-quality test scenarios, cases, and data
• Execute and oversee functional, integration, system, regression, and end-to-end testing
• Guide automation testing efforts and identify opportunities for test optimisation
• Ensure non-functional testing requirements (performance, security, usability) are considered

Defect & Quality Management

• Manage defect lifecycle, ensuring clear logging, prioritisation, and resolution
• Perform root cause analysis and recommend quality improvements
• Provide go/no-go recommendations based on test outcomes and risk assessment

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Business Analysts, Developers, Product Owners, and Project Managers
• Translate testing risks and issues into clear, business-focused insights
• Support and coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities

Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

• Coach and mentor Test Analysts and junior QA team members
• Review test artefacts and provide constructive feedback
• Drive continuous improvement in test processes, tools, and practices

Required Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of testing methodologies, SDLC/STLC, and quality assurance practices
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to lead testing efforts independently across multiple workstreams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong attention to detail with a strategic quality mindset

Technical Skills (Typical)

• Test management and defect tracking tools (e.g. Jira, Azure DevOps, TestRail, Zephyr)
• Solid experience with manual testing and exposure to test automation frameworks
• API testing tools (e.g. Postman)
• SQL for data validation and test analysis
• CI/CD and Agile delivery environments (Scrum / SAFe)

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years’ experience in software testing, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead capacity
• ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst or equivalent certification (advantageous)

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, accountable, and delivery-focused
• Confident in challenging quality risks and assumptions
• Collaborative leader and mentor
• Comfortable working in complex, fast-paced environments