Job Description

About the role

We are looking for a detail-oriented Manual QA Tester to join our growing test team at CDS. As a mid-level tester, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of our diverse client projects across multiple industries through comprehensive manual testing. This role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative agile environment, partnering closely with developers, product owners, and fellow QA professionals to deliver exceptional user experiences.

About CDS

CDS is an agency that enables strategic change in organisations. We help clients create, develop and deliver better services to meet the evolving needs of customers, employees and citizens.


Our experts specialise in technical enablement, operational transformation, experience transformation and business process outsourcing. We improve outcomes by resolving complex insight, digital, data, technology and print challenges.


Consequently, many of the largest, most complex organisations trust CDS to provide solutions that improve health, wealth and safety in the UK. For example:

Digitally transforming the ability to report crime online for UK police forces. Building a new digital platform for the regulator Social Work England. Providing behavioural analysis and insight to drive EE's evolving digital and customer service offering and delivering marketing and operational print management services to the Ministry of Defence

Together with our parent company, Bailie Group, CDS is positioned as a leader in enabling change. We are a multi-award-winning agency recognised by the industries we serve and our peers for our innovations and contributions that truly make a positive difference.

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who can

Design, create, and execute comprehensive test cases and scripts based on business and technical requirements. Perform hands-on testing activities including functional, regression, exploratory, and smoke testing across web and/or mobile platforms. Conduct cross-browser and cross-device testing as needed. Act as the gatekeeper for quality, ensuring only thoroughly tested and validated software is released into production. Log, track, and manage defects through to resolution using Azure DevOps or similar tools. Work closely with developers and stakeholders to ensure timely fixes. Take ownership of the defect management process. Collaborate within an Agile team environment, actively participating in sprint ceremonies such as stand-ups, planning, reviews, and retrospectives. Work with cross-functional team members during sprint cycles to ensure comprehensive test coverage and timely delivery. Be confident participating in client sprint demos and ceremonies. Engage with product owners and team members to review acceptance criteria and functional specifications. Develop a deep understanding of project requirements and system functionality. Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), working closely with business teams to validate that delivered features meet expectations. Maintain detailed test documentation and contribute to continuous process improvement. Ensure comprehensive test coverage documentation throughout the development lifecycle.

Requirements

25 years of experience in manual QA testing roles. Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies. Solid understanding of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes. Experience with test case management tools (e.g., Azure DevOps, JIRA or similar). Strong communication and collaboration skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Able to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language. A proactive and collaborative team player who has earned the respect of colleagues through reliability and positive contributions. Demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills, applying logical reasoning and data analysis to support decision-making. Experience working with Content Management Systems (e.g., EPiServer).

It would also be beneficial, but not essential to be/have

Working knowledge of BrowserStack for cross-browser testing. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) or equivalent qualification. Understanding of accessibility standards and associated testing guidelines. Good understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), and how they integrate with CI/CD pipelines. Familiarity with automation tools and frameworks (such as Selenium, Cypress, or similar) with the ability to create and maintain basic automated test scripts to complement manual testing efforts and improve overall testing efficiency.

Hybrid & Homeworking

To ensure the health, safety & wellbeing of our employees we have minimum standards for homeworking environments which must be maintained. Further details available on request.

Vetting

Due to the nature of this role and the business, you will need to either currently hold UK Government clearance to a minimum of SC level or be able to undergo and maintain this level of clearance.

In return

Attractive base salary 25 days holiday + public holidays Company pension and life assurance scheme Medicash health plan online GP access, support services & discounted gym membership Complimentary fruit, coffee, tea, and Friday drinks at the office Wellbeing events/services in Leeds office Cycle to work scheme Season pass loan for rail & bus travel A business focused on professional development and personal growth opportunities Smart, engaged co-workers and a culture of inclusion, innovation, and opportunity

Recruitment Agency Disclaimer:

Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) operates with Preferred Suppliers list for recruitment agencies which are reviewed periodically. When we choose to work with a preferred supplier, this supplier will be invited to support us in sourcing candidates for specific roles (submitted via a secure online portal).


Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) only pay agency fees where an authorised member of the HR/Recruitment team has provided prior instructions to the recruitment agency to work on our behalf with reference to a particular role. We do not accept unsolicited speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. Receipt of unsolicited CVs via email or any other online platforms does not imply an introduction to Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop); therefore, no ownership of such candidates will be given. In the event that recruitment agencies submit unsolicited speculative CVs, we retain the right to contact, pursue and hire these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers. Should you wish to be considered as a preferred supplier in the future or feel you have a niche skill set you can help with, then please send some company information to Recruitment@Bailiegroup.co.uk


Naturally, we receive a high level of interest from recruitment agencies, and as such, we will only contact you should we wish to discuss this further, please reframe from sending multiple emails. Submission of any unsolicited speculative CVs to Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) will be deemed evidence of full and unlimited acceptance of this statement.

Our inclusive culture

CDS positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We foster an inclusive culture that enables everyone to achieve their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling career with us.