Test Analyst - Human Resources - University of Salford

Information Technology Services
Test Analyst
Grade 7
Overview, Job Description and Person Specification
Page 1 of 8

Overview
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides technology and information services for staff, students and
associates of the University of Salford – an audience that includes 18,000 students, 2,500 staff, and 55,000
alumni members and over 41,000 associates.
Responsibilities include:
• The provision and maintenance of the core network infrastructure
• Delivery and development of corporate systems, hardware and software
• Academic and administrative computing services including web, internet and email services
• Library, information and user support services (physical and virtual)
• The Learning Technologies Centre and Blackboard virtual learning environment
• Telephony services (including VOIP)
• Audio visual media, graphic design and print services
• Customer response centre (Service Desk)
ITS Senior Management Team reports to the Information Services Committee, which in turn reports to
Senate and Council. ITS have the following functional units:
• Service Delivery and Operations (SD&O)
• Administration and Planning (A&P)
• Programme and Project Management (PPM)
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Job Description
Job Purpose
The Test Analyst will be responsible to the Test Manager for the provision of Testing Services. S/he will
create all necessary Test documentation including Test Strategies, Test Plans, Test Scenarios and Test
Scripts. They will be responsible for the execution of tests and the recording of appropriate test evidence in
a structured manner.
As well as provided Testing Services to assigned projects, the Test Analyst will contribute to the
development of test strategy and test services throughout I.T. Services. S/he will work in a team orientated
environment and will contribute to the overall strategic direction of I.T. Services and the University.
The culture and ethos of the role is directed towards outstanding customer service.
Responsibilities
• Refine and implement the test strategy (and associated standards and procedures) for each
assigned project.
• Create and execute test plans, test scenarios and test scripts for both functional and user
acceptance testing, using recognised software tools where appropriate (e.g. Quick Test Pro).
• Recording and documenting test evidence in clear and simple language in a format or software tool
(e.g. Quality Centre) determined by the Test Manager.
• Assist the Test Manager in the provision and development of Testing Services across I.T.Services.
• Assist the Test Manager in the cascade and implementation of agreed test standards and
procedures. Further to monitor their effectiveness and provide feedback to the Test Manager.
• Take ownership and manage test incidents to a successful outcome.
• Communicate progress on releases and provide accurate high quality reports of test coverage.
• Effectively contribute to the delivery of a continuous improvement plan for the software test process,
including researching on appropriate tools and methodologies that will benefit the organisation.
• Lead and assist business analysts, systems analysts, designers and university staff/departments in
defining and executing user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Proactively participate in furthering your professional development, maintaining growth in
professional skills and knowledge deemed essential to the role.
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• Bring to the attention of managers any matters relating to health and safety of self or others.
• Promote equality and diversity for students and staff and sustain an inclusive and supportive study
and work environment in accordance with University policy.
• Undertake other such duties, at any location, as requested by the Director of ITS or his nominee.
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Person Specification
Notes A = Application form, I = Interview, P = Presentation, T = Test
Qualifications / Education / Training
The successful candidate should: Essential /
Desirable
Tested
by* A/I/P
1. Hold a graduate qualification (or have a professional equivalent). Essential A
2. Hold a valid ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing. Essential A
3. Demonstrate at least three years recent experience of performing IT testing
activities in a similar role.
Essential
A, I
4. Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development. Essential A, I
Background & Experience
The successful candidate should have: Essential /
Desirable
1. Proven experience of producing accurate and detailed test plans and test
scripts.
Essential
Tested
by* A/I/P
A, I
2. Proven experience of executing test scripts and recording evidence in an
appropriate format or software tool (e.g. Quality Centre).
3. Proven experience in performing manual test processes for the correct
expected behaviour prior to release to end users.
4. Proven experience of managing test incidents to a successful resolution,
ensuring effective communication on progress, providing accurate reports of
test coverage.
5. Proven experience of performing functional and user acceptance testing with
users of the system being tested.
6. Proven experience in using recognised testing software/tools to assist with
definition of testing and recording test evidence (e.g. Test Director, Quality
Center, QTP, OpenSTA or similar).
7. Proven experience of defining, documenting and validating business and
functional requirements.
8. Experience of developing and performing tests on non-functional
requirements.
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Desirable
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
9. Knowledge of querying and updating relational databases using SQL Desirable A, I
10. Proven experience in creating a test environment and test data. Desirable A, I
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11. A good understanding and exposure of working in a formal change
management process within a development environment.
Desirable
A, I
Knowledge
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
12. A thorough understanding of the importance of Quality Assurance and
practical involvement in reviewing project documentation.
13. Experience or understanding of the structure and organisation of higher
education institutions and their core activities.
Essential /
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Tested
by* A/I/P
A, I
A, I
Skills & Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
14. Excellent communication skills; verbal, written and presentations. Ability to
write in a clear and concise manner and record information accurately.
15. Working effectively as a team member, making others aware of information
that may be useful to them and effectively interacting with people across ITS
and the wider the University.
16. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to approach
and resolve problems in a thoughtful and practical manner.
17. Able to continuously look for opportunities for improvement and contribute
ideas to help shape the future direction testing methods.
18. The ability to deliver consistent high quality work, even at a very detailed
level.
Essential /
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Tested
by
A, I
A, I
A, I
A,I
A,I
19. Being organised with the ability to plan, prioritise and track activities. Essential A,I
20. Results focused - keeping to schedules, delivering work on time. Essential A,I
21. Strong customer focus – demonstrating good listening techniques to gain a
thorough understanding of customer needs and delivering a prompt and
efficient service.
22. The talent to build rapport and establishing relationships easily and quickly
to make others feel at ease.
Essential
Essential
A,I
A,I
This Job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It may be changed from
time to time to meet changing circumstances. It does not form part of your Contract of Employment.
Page 6 of 8

ITS Programme Management Structure (proposed
2010)
Assoc. Director
Programmes /
Projects
PMO
Manager
Architect &
Design
Manager
Lead Business
Analyst
Test
Manager
Applications
Manager
Planning &
Projects
Officers
Chief Architect
Business
Analysts
Test
Analysts
App. Dev.
Team Leader
App. Supp.
Team Leader
Project
Managers
Solution
Architect
Test
Analyst
(ftc)
Analyst
Programmers
Support
Analysts
Project
Co-ordinators
Technical
Designer
Page 7 of 8

University Management Structure
University Council
Executive Director
Information Technology
Services
Office of the PVC Academic
Pro Vice Chancellor
Academic
Executive Director
Enterprise and
Development
Office of the PVC R&I
Pro Vice Chancellor
Research & Innovation
Executive Director
Estates and Property
Services
Office of the PVC E&RA
Office of the PVC Inst Serv
Pro Vice Chancellor
Enterprise & Regional Affairs
Pro Vice Chancellor
Institutional Services
Registrar and Secretary
Executive Director
Human Resources
Academic Services
Student Life
Student Information
Vice Chancellor
Corporate Services
Executive Dean
Arts, Media and Social Sciences
Executive Director
Finance
Governance Services
Planning and Performance
Change Management
Executive Dean
Business, Law and Built Environment
Commercial Services
Executive Dean
Health and Social Care
Executive Dean
Science Engineering and the Environment
University Strategic Leadership Team
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