Manual Software Tester

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Manual Software Tester

Permanent

North:

South:42700 -47800

Hybrid with requirement to travel to the Bristol office one day every three weeks

Introduction

At AQAGradeMaker our mission is torevoluntisehow assessments are createdmanagedand delivered. As a Manual Software Testeryoullplay a critical role in ensuring the quality of reliable and scalable solutions that drive an assessment authoring and item banking solution trusted by exam providers around the world to createhigh stakesexamination papers and other assessments

Purpose

Collaborating with a close-knit team of talented professionalsyoullbe involved in all phases of the development lifecycle

In this roleyoullbe responsible for:

• Reviewinguser storiesandacceptance criteria giving early feedback to improve clarityidentifyrisksand help prevent issues before development begins.
• Carrying outmanual functionalexploratory edge-case andregression testingto support stable high-quality delivery.
• Investigating and reporting bugsclearly including symptoms contextreproductionstepsand supporting evidence so issues can be resolved efficiently.

What We Are Looking For

You will thrive in this role if you are curiousmethodicaland comfortable working in a collaborative agile team where quality is everyones responsibility.

• Proven experience inmanual testing within an agile environment including testingcomplex user storiesand bug fixes usingfunctional and exploratory testingapproaches.
• Ability to work collaboratively in across-functional team engaging proactively with othertestersdevelopersand business analysts.
• Stronginvestigation and reporting skills with amethodical and pragmaticapproach to understanding issues and supporting efficient resolution.

Whatsin It for You

This role gives you the opportunity to make a visible impact on product quality while working in a supportive team that values collaborationlearningand continuous improvement.

• You will be part of across-functional podwith manual testers automation testersdevelopersand business analysts.
• You will work across thefull development lifecycle contributing early insight as well as hands-on testing.
• A 35hour working week with flexible hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30) plus Christmas closure days
• Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures thateveryone-regardlessof religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or background-is valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgroundsand livedexperiences.

Application Process

To apply pleasesubmityour CV through the AQA careers site.

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Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:

To play a key role in delivering high quality software through thorough manual testing early and ongoing feedback and close collaboration within a cross functional team. The role contributes to reliable and efficient delivery by identifying risks and defects and sharing testing insights as the product :

Were entering an exciting scaleup phase and are looking for people who enjoy working closely with others are comfortable with change and want to make a meaningful impact while the product and ways of working continue to evolve.

As a Manual Software Tester youll be part of a crossfunctional pod made up of Manual and Automation Testers Developers and Business Analysts. Youll be involved across the full development lifecycle; from reviewing user stories and providing early feedback manually testing new features and bug fixes carrying out manual regression testing attending sprint ceremonies and playing an active role in delivering highquality work.

This role is focused on manual testing and while automation experience is not a requirement an interest in test automation or broader quality practices is valued and may be supported over time depending on team and product needs.

Activities:
Review user stories and acceptance criteria providing early feedback to help prevent issues and improve clarity before development begins.
Perform functional testing of new features using defined acceptance criteria alongside exploratory and edgecase testing informed by strong product and domain knowledge.
Apply analytical and problemsolving skills to understand complex functionality and system behaviour assessing risk dependencies and potential impacts of changes across the wider product.
Investigate and report bugs by analysing symptoms and context capturing clear reproduction steps and supporting evidence to enable effective resolution.
Identify usability issues inconsistencies and potential improvements and communicate them effectively to relevant stakeholders.
Take ownership of investigating bugs and unexpected behaviour using available tools and product knowledge and collaborating with others as required.
Perform regression testing to ensure existing functionality remains stable as the product evolves.
Use database queries to validate data and support testing activities where required.
Collaborate proactively with stakeholders engaging in discussions around proposed solutions quality outcomes and adapting to evolving requirements.
Participate in team ceremonies such as daily standups retrospectives story refinement and estimation sessions.
Share testing insights and product knowledge across the team contributing to continuous improvement of quality practices and processes.
Manage own testing activities with a high degree of autonomy taking ownership of quality within assigned work while knowing when to seek collaboration or support.

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate:

Essential Criteria
Extensive experience in manual software testing within an agile development environment.
Experience performing functional exploratory and regression testing applying analytical thinking to assess risk dependencies and edge cases.
Ability to review user stories and acceptance criteria identifying gaps risks and ambiguities early and providing constructive feedback.
An understanding of risk based testing and prioritising testing effort effectively.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate unexpected behaviour and identify root causes.
Ability to work collaboratively in a crossfunctional team engaging proactively with other testers developers and business analysts.
A proactive mindset comfortable working in a fastmoving evolving environment and taking ownership of assigned work.

Desirable Criteria
Ability to validate data using database queries tools where required.
Exposure to or interest in test automation quality engineering or improving quality processes.
Experience contributing to continuous improvement of testing practices tools or documentation.
Experience working in agile environments where testing is guided by acceptance criteria exploratory testing and collaboration rather than detailed test scripts.
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Monthly Salary Salary: 41100 - 45900