Head of Software Quality Assurance

As the Head of Software Quality Assurance at Avaloq, you will oversee the QA team and manage the QA process to ensure that our software products meet the highest standards of quality. This includes defining and executing our QA strategy for the wealth domain, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, and implementing effective QA systems. You will also monitor the quality of software products continuously and establish QA metrics and KPIs.

To qualify for the Head of Software Quality Assurance role at Avaloq, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, more than 8 years of experience in software quality assurance and at least 2 years in managing QA teams and strategies is essential. Successful candidates should have a track record of driving end-to-end test strategies and collaborating with teams across different geographies.

Avaloq is committed to fostering a supportive work-life balance for all its employees, including the Head of Software Quality Assurance. We offer hybrid and flexible working arrangements, allowing our team members to maintain personal commitments while contributing to our innovative culture. This approach enables you to flourish both professionally and personally in a thriving work environment.

Avaloq seeks a candidate for the Head of Software Quality Assurance role who is not only technically proficient but also a strong leader. Ideal candidates will have excellent decision-making and communication skills, a great eye for detail, and a passion for mentoring and motivating their teams. They should strive for continuous improvement and be adept at analyzing data and reviewing processes to enhance quality standards.

While previous experience in wealth management technology is not explicitly stated as a requirement for the Head of Software Quality Assurance position at Avaloq, having relevant experience can certainly be a strong asset. A solid understanding of the financial services sector and the unique needs of our clients will definitely aid in executing QA strategies effectively.

When developing a QA strategy, it's important to first understand the goals and requirements of the project. Conducting a risk assessment helps prioritize testing efforts. Collaborating with stakeholders from development to product management ensures alignment. Lastly, continuous feedback loops should be established to adapt and improve the strategy over time.

Handling conflicts within the QA team requires open communication and a calm approach. I encourage team members to express their concerns and actively listen to all perspectives. Facilitating discussions that focus on solutions rather than problems helps to foster trust and collaboration, ultimately leading to a more cohesive team.

I have extensive experience with various automated testing tools such as Selenium, JUnit, and TestNG. Automation has been key in ensuring comprehensive testing coverage while optimizing efficiencies. I advocate for selecting the right tools based on the project requirements and team expertise to maximize the benefits of automation.

Essential metrics for monitoring software quality include defect density, test case pass rate, and requirement coverage. Additionally, measuring the time taken to resolve defects and the frequency of deployed releases can provide insights into the effectiveness of the QA process and help identify areas for improvement.

To ensure continuous improvement in QA processes, I implement regular retrospectives and feedback sessions with my team. Using data and metrics to analyze past performance helps us identify successful practices and areas that need enhancement. Encouraging a culture where team members can share insights and suggestions fosters an environment of ongoing learning.

When mentoring junior team members, I focus on understanding their strengths and weaknesses first. Providing tailored guidance through regular one-on-one sessions, pair programming, and constructive feedback helps them develop their skills effectively. Encouraging them to take on challenging tasks also fosters their growth and confidence.

In a recent project, I noticed that there was resistance to adopting new automated testing practices. I organized a workshop to showcase the benefits of automation in reducing repetitive manual testing time. By demonstrating the time savings and increased coverage, I was able to advocate successfully for a change in our testing approach, leading to improved efficiency.

Prioritizing testing efforts under tight deadlines requires a focused strategy. First, I assess the critical functionality defined by stakeholders and prioritize testing those areas. Utilizing risk-based testing principles helps determine which features require thorough testing and which can afford fewer resources. Maintaining clear communication with the development team on testing scope is also vital.

Collaboration is integral to my QA leadership style. I believe in fostering an open environment where team members collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders. This collective effort ensures clarity of project goals and fosters a shared accountability for quality outcomes, leading to better product delivery.

I adapt my QA strategy by first analyzing the specific requirements and challenges presented by each project or technology. This includes aligning the testing approach with the development methodology being used—whether Agile, Waterfall, or DevOps. Flexibility in applying different tools and techniques helps in meeting project-specific objectives and ensuring quality.