Test Manager NEC Housing Implementation

Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney, is searching for a meticulous and strategic Test Manager to join our housing transformation programme.

We are implementing the NEC Integrated Housing System (IHS), and we need a testing expert to ensure this critical platform is functionally sound, reliable, and perfectly tailored for our staff and residents.

The Role

As the Test Manager, you will report to the Programme Manager and take full ownership of the end-to-end testing strategy. You will lead the "de-risking" of the implementation, ensuring that from the first line of migrated data to the final User Acceptance Testing (UAT) sign-off, the system is fit for purpose.

• Strategy & Planning: Develop and own the overarching Test Strategy, covering SIT, UAT, Regression, and Performance testing.
• UAT Coordination: Collaborate with Delivery Managers and BAs to translate complex technical requirements into real-world test scripts for housing officers.
• Defect Management: Chair regular triage meetings to prioritise fixes with the NEC technical team and internal support.
• Data Validation: Work closely with the data workstream to ensure legacy information surfaces correctly in the new NEC environment.
• Strategic Reporting: Provide "Go/No-Go" recommendations to the Programme Board based on objective metrics and residual risk.

What We're Looking For

We need someone who can bridge the gap between technical developers and frontline housing staff.

• System Expertise: Direct experience with NEC Housing or similar large-scale Integrated Housing Systems (IHS).
• Testing Mastery: Deep knowledge of the full Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), specifically managing UAT within a local government or housing association context.
• Technical Tooling: Proficiency in management software such as Jira, Azure DevOps, or ALM.
• Communication: The ability to explain a "Severity 1 Defect" to a Housing Officer and "User Experience friction" to a Developer with equal clarity.

Key Deliverables

You will be responsible for producing high-impact documentation that guides the project to success, including:

1. Test Strategy Document: Defining the "What, How, and When," including formal sign-off criteria.
2. UAT Test Script Library: A comprehensive set of real-world scenarios, such as end-to-end void management.
3. Final Test Summary Report: Providing evidence-based assurance that the system is ready for "Go Live".

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.