Test Analyst III

Role Purpose

The role's objective is to oversee and conduct testing activities of a complex nature to ensure the effective implementation of business solutions. This position is responsible for designing, developing, and administering a suite of intricate tests and evaluations that detect any potential issues with a product before its official release. These tests encompass defect resolutions, functional and non-functional assessments, system enhancements, new applications, incident fixes, and disaster recovery testing (which includes modifications to systems or business products). The individual ensures that the intended solution aligns with specified requirements and standards that informed its design and development and operates within the necessary frameworks. The role also offers technical expertise and assistance regarding testing and evaluations while taking the technical lead on significant and complex projects that necessitate in-depth specialized knowledge. This entails close collaboration with project, testing, and functional teams throughout the organization to deliver client application support and ensure the smooth operation of IT activities. The position executes operational processes of considerable complexity and scale.

Role Description:

Lead, Coordination and Execution of Test Case Generation and Review (High Complexity and Scale)

• Collaborate with the Test Manager/Senior Test Analyst and the Application Specialist to determine testing requirements by converting functional and business specifications into actionable test plans and cases.
• Identify and document critical test scenarios and cases of significant complexity.
• Establish test prerequisites, criteria, and document expected outcomes.
• Review final test cases with the Test Manager and secure sign-off.

Test Prerequisites Compilation

• Identify and acquire necessary testing materials (test data) and the required testing environment.
• Ensure the setup of the test environment (e.g., test server access and test logins) and prepare a test results pack for recording and sign-off.
• Review final test cases with the Test Manager and obtain sign-off.

Test Execution and Recording

• Adhere to the outlined test case/specification and document test outcomes.
• Compare actual results with expected results.
• Log the pass/fail status of each test case.
• Report, document, and assign identified defects.
• Retest and update on resolved defects.
• Coordinate and conduct regression tests.
• Maintain the test environments by performing end-to-end system testing, including performance testing in certain complex projects.
• Ensure that the above tasks are completed by the relevant Testing Team.
• Quality assure, guide, and lead the team in these responsibilities.

Lead, Coordinate, and Maintain High Quality and Accuracy

• Comprehend the applications under test and verify that they meet the necessary expectations as defined by the business. Guide and lead the appropriate testing team accordingly.
• Lead, coordinate, and ensure quality assurance of all pertinent testing activities.
• Manage, lead, and actively maintain test documentation to reflect current system operations. Identify opportunities for continuous enhancement.
• Champion, lead, and support improvements in testing processes and initiatives.

Lead, Coordinate, and Ensure Test Status Updates

• Provide direct feedback and guide the Testing Team to relay feedback to the development team, ensuring that work is conducted per the schedule and quality standards.
• Inform management of any adverse trends in software quality during pre- and post-production phases.
• Offer estimates and feedback to management for project scheduling purposes.
• Ensure effective communication with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate, manage, prepare, and maintain test tracking reports.

Lead, Coordinate, and Ensure Test Closure Activities

• Quality assure, lead, and confirm test completion—ensuring no outstanding high-risk issues, that defects have been fixed and retested, or deferred/accepted as permanent restrictions.
• Ensure the effective handover of test artifacts to relevant personnel for future use, such as maintenance or support teams.
• Coordinate team involvement and actively participate in highly complex project retrospectives, contributing to and documenting lessons learned.
• Ensure the archiving of test deliverables, including test results, logs, and status reports.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Degree or Diploma in Information Technology or a related field – (essential).
• Formal software testing training (e.g., ISEB, ISTQB CTFL) – (essential).
• Advanced testing certification (e.g., ISTQB CTAL) - (essential).
• Over 6 years of experience as a Lead Test Analyst with extensive demonstrable experience in manual testing, SQL proficiency, and testing within an Agile environment – (essential).
• Expert knowledge in functional testing, system testing, integration testing, and regression testing – (essential).
• In-depth knowledge of structured testing methods and processes – (essential).
• Extensive experience in testing complex user interfaces – (essential).
• Strong understanding of testing concepts and the role of QA within Agile development methodologies/Scrum management techniques – (essential).
• Familiarity with API testing, automated testing tools, and Remedy or similar CM experience – (desired).
• Testing experience within a retail environment – (desired).
• Knowledge of systems performance testing and user acceptance testing – (desired).
• Experience with automated testing tools such as QC and QTP/Selenium/Test Complete/Robot Framework or others – (desired).

Key Competencies and Work Ethic (Detailed Competencies and Capabilities Outlined in Framework)

• Technical Leadership Capability – Positively contributes to team morale, mentors team members, and supports their growth to help them meet their objectives.
• Collaborative Partner – Cultivates strong relationships with stakeholders while driving cross-functional teams and projects. Open, honest, and direct, comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. Thinks and acts independently as well as collaboratively.
• Technology Expert – Brings exceptional expertise to drive priorities and introduce new tools and practices. Demonstrates curiosity and adaptability, finding agile methods to implement solutions swiftly.
• Analytical and Detailed – Quickly grasps new concepts and information, explores various options, and integrates multiple data sources to guide decision-making and identify optimal solutions.
• Innovative and Solution-Oriented – Thinks creatively. Exercises sound judgment, makes quick decisions, and generates solutions that facilitate workflow and meet deadlines.
• Results-Driven – Actively pursues results, sets ambitious goals for self and others, and remains focused on exceeding expectations while adhering to quality standards.
• Planning and Organizing – Efficiently prioritizes and executes multiple competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Identifies urgent and important tasks to ensure timely delivery.
• Business Acumen – Understands business operations and the issues and risks that influence technological success and affect commercial viability.
• Communication Skills – Communicates effectively, able to translate complex concepts into clear messages. Employs various influencing styles to address challenges internally and externally.
• Team Collaboration Skills – Fosters a safe team environment that encourages acceptance of failure; understands when and how to involve different parties; actively promotes adherence to company values.
• Flexible and Resilient – Capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple competing priorities while navigating ambiguity and adapting to changing business needs.
• Digital-Centric and Savvy – Enthusiastic about the potential of digital technologies and their value to the business. A self-starter who can quickly learn about our applications, technologies, and processes.

Our Group and all its operating companies are committed to fostering, embracing, and maintaining a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organization. A place where everyone is valued and included.

We are committed to Employment Equity in our recruitment processes, both internally and externally.

Please be aware that by responding to this application and providing your personal information, you provide your express and informed consent for Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd and all its subsidiaries and affiliated companies to process your personal information for consideration of your application for this position. All personal information provided to the Company will be used and/or retained solely for the purposes for which it was collected, after which it will be permanently destroyed. Your information will only be retained if required by law or if you have consented to its retention for an extended period.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information gathered during the application process will be securely destroyed in accordance with South African legislation.