Job Description

Description

You must submit a supporting statement with your application, without this, your application will not be shortlisted.

This role reports directly to the Test Manager and works as part of the QA team within the IT Solutions team. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented QA

Test Analyst

to join our QA team. Working within both, a

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)

environment and/or Waterfall project environment, you will support the delivery of high-quality software solutions by ensuring features and functionality meet defined acceptance criteria.




This is an excellent opportunity to begin or grow your career in software testing, collaborating closely with developers, business analysts, and product owners to help deliver value to our customers. This role should be keen to work within a dynamic business and a multi-disciplined team covering a vast array of systems and technologies under test and become a key driver in the improvement of the QA mission and drive the wider understanding of software testing.




The main objectives will be:

Test Design & Execution

Develop and execute manual test cases based on user stories and functional requirements. Validate system functionality across different test phases (functional, regression, integration, etc.). Log, track, and retest defects, ensuring timely resolution.

Agile Collaboration

Participate actively in Agile ceremonies including Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Planning, Reviews, and Retrospectives. Collaborate with team members during backlog grooming and ensure user stories are testable and meet the Definition of Done.

Quality Assurance Support

Work closely with developers and product owners to understand requirements and promote a quality-focused culture. Assist with ensuring testing is integrated early in the development lifecycle.

Documentation & Reporting

Document test outcomes clearly and contribute to the development of test reports, summaries, and knowledge bases. Maintain test artefacts to ensure traceability and compliance.

Test Data & Environment

Assist with test data preparation and environment setup. Ensure environments are ready for testing cycles and communicate any issues or blockers.

SAFe Agile Participation

Contribute to Program Increment (PI) Planning and collaborate within Agile Release Trains (ARTs) when required. Understand and apply SAFe Agile principles to deliver incremental value.



Some travel may be required for meetings and training, (predominately between Quintrell Downs and Lavington Street in London).

Accountabilities

Deliver Test Coverage Aligned to User Stories

Ensure all assigned user stories have corresponding test cases that meet acceptance criteria.

Execute Manual and Automated Tests

Perform timely and accurate execution of test cases, including functional, regression, and exploratory testing.

Defect Identification and Retesting

Identify, log, and track defects with clear reproduction steps. Collaborate with developers to resolve issues and confirm defect fixes through retesting.

Engage in Agile Ceremonies and Team Collaboration

Actively participate in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. Work collaboratively with developers, business analysts, and product owners to clarify requirements and testing scope.

Maintain Test Artefacts and Documentation

Keep test cases, test data, and test results up to date and version-controlled where appropriate. Contribute to maintaining a clear audit trail for testing activities.

Promote a Quality-First Mindset

Champion the importance of testing and quality assurance within the Agile team. Raise concerns early when quality risks are identified.

Comply with SAFe and Organisational Practices

Adhere to the principles of the SAFe Agile framework, including aligning with PI Planning outputs, team iteration goals, and ART deliverables. Follow organizational standards, including data privacy, security, and compliance requirements.

Continuously Improve Skills and Testing Processes

Actively seek feedback, training, and development opportunities. Identify opportunities for test process improvements and contribute ideas during retrospectives.

Key skills and experience required -

(E) - Essential
(D) - Desirable

Attention to Detail:

Strong focus on identifying inconsistencies, errors, and edge cases

(E)

Analytical Thinking:

Ability to break down requirements logically and identify test conditions

(E)

Communication Skills:

Clear written and verbal communication, particularly in defect reporting and test documentation

(E)

Problem-Solving:

Proactive approach to identifying issues and suggesting improvements

(E)

Adaptability & Willingness to Learn:

Enthusiastic about learning new tools, technologies, and Agile ways of working

(E)

Experience operating in a dedicated software tester role within multiple programmes/project of work

(D)

Ability to plan, design, execute and report upon all levels of testing

(D)

Ability to lead on Bug Management and Triage activities

(D)

Formal IT qualifications (ITIL, ISTQB, etc) of foundation or above

(D)

Knowledge of automation technologies

(D)

Knowledge of project management methodologies

(D)

Involvement in implementing and governing testing processes and best practice

(D)

Good knowledge of all testing levels within Functional and Non-Functional testing disciplines

(D)

Employee Benefits

Hybrid Working - Minimum of 5 days per month in the office 10% Performance related bonus 30 Days holiday and maximum of 8 public holidays (pro-rata) Sick pay 4 Discretionary Christmas Closure Days Contributory pension scheme Life Assurance cover Service time - 3 Volunteer days per year Free onsite parking & Bike racks Annual leave purchase scheme - up to a maximum of 10 days (subject to national minimum wage requirements) Student Discount (access to Totum, Unidays & Student Beans) CycleScheme TechScheme Opportunities for formal training and professional certification Free access to Linkedin Learning Free access to Future Learn short courses Potential for internal promotion and advancement

Equality, diversity & inclusion

We are an inclusive and welcoming employer that encourages a wide range of applicants. We embrace diversity and want everyone to be able to bring their whole selves to work and succeed.

This is in line with King's College London (KCL).

About King's Service Centre

King's Service Centre is home to an innovative and forward thinking service team supporting the services of King's College London University.

We've brought highly skilled career opportunities to Cornwall since 2015, through recruiting locally, investing in staff training and development, and Apprenticeships.
King's Service Centre provides first-line support to the 50,000 strong King's College London community of students, academics, researchers and professional staff - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Support provided includes;Estates & Facilities Service Desk IT Service Desk HR & Payroll Service Desk Residences Service Desk Student Service's Service Desk King's Online IT Technical support Business Operations
The roles available at King's Service Centre are varied, from Service Desk Analyst and Business Administrator, to Network Engineer or Project Manager.



For all our roles we are open to discussing the possibility of part time work, reduced hours, hybrid working and flexible start and finish times. Unfortunately, we cannot promise to agree to your original request, but we do promise not to judge you for asking and to consider the possibility.