Program Test Manager

About the job
Job Title: Program Test Manager

Location: Toronto, ON

Job Type: Contract (TP)

Duration: Long-Term Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Test Manager to lead the end-to-end testing strategy, governance, and execution for a large-scale enterprise transformation program supporting 100+ applications as part of a multi-billion-dollar strategic initiative. This role will own the overall testing strategy and ensure alignment across all testing phases, including SIT, DIT, Integration, End-to-End (E2E), UAT, and Performance Testing.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing enterprise-wide testing programs, driving testing transformation, implementing automation strategies, and leading cross-functional teams across complex, multi-stream technology initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Define, own, and obtain approval for the overall program-level Test Strategy.
Establish standardized testing methodologies across all testing phases, including SIT, DIT, Integration, E2E, UAT, and Performance Testing.
Define governance standards for test environments, test data, tools, quality metrics, and testing processes.
Lead integrated testing activities across business and technology workstreams for complex enterprise programs.
Manage the complete test lifecycle from planning through execution, reporting, defect management, and final sign-off.
Develop and maintain the Master Test Plan, integrated testing schedule, execution roadmap, and progress tracking.
Ensure Test Leads and Test Analysts align with program strategy, quality standards, and delivery expectations.
Track testing progress, defect trends, defect aging, and cross-functional dependencies while driving timely resolution.
Monitor risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies (RAID) and communicate mitigation plans to stakeholders.
Coordinate testing dependencies including environment readiness, test data availability, and release planning.
Partner with Development, Integration, Infrastructure, Environment Management, and Business teams to ensure successful test execution.
Ensure completion of all test exit criteria, quality gates, deliverables, and executive sign-offs.
Lead release readiness activities, mock runs, Go/No-Go meetings, and production deployment support.
Produce executive dashboards, testing metrics, quality reports, and program status updates for senior leadership.
Drive testing transformation initiatives through Shift-Left testing, automation, continuous testing, and quality engineering best practices.
Promote standardized testing processes, reusable frameworks, and continuous improvement across the program.
Mentor Test Managers, Test Leads, and QA teams to ensure consistent delivery excellence across multiple application streams.
Required Skills & Experience

12+ years of experience in Software Testing and Quality Assurance with significant experience leading enterprise-scale testing programs.
Proven experience managing testing for large, complex, multi-stream transformation programs involving multiple applications.
Strong expertise across:
System Integration Testing (SIT)
Development Integration Testing (DIT)
End-to-End (E2E) Testing
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Integration Testing
Performance Testing
Extensive experience developing enterprise Test Strategies, Test Plans, Governance Frameworks, and Quality Metrics.
Strong experience managing large cross-functional QA teams, Test Leads, and business stakeholders.
Experience with defect management, quality reporting, release governance, and executive-level communications.
Excellent project planning, risk management, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
Strong understanding of Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid delivery methodologies.
Mandatory Skills

Program Test Management
Test Strategy & Governance
Test Planning & Execution
Project Governance
Project Planning
Account Management & Stakeholder Management
Test Management
Test Plan Development
Quality Assurance
RAID Management
Executive Reporting
Preferred Technical Skills

Selenium
Rest Assured
API Testing
Test Automation Frameworks
Performance Testing Tools
Jira
Azure DevOps
HP ALM / Quality Center
Test Data Management
CI/CD Integration
Continuous Testing
Leadership Expectations

Drive enterprise-wide testing strategy across high-impact transformation programs.
Champion testing automation, Shift-Left practices, and continuous quality improvements.
Build strong relationships with business, technology, and executive stakeholders.
Ensure consistent governance, quality standards, and delivery excellence across all testing workstreams.
Lead testing transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce delivery risk, and accelerate time-to-market.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing testing for large enterprise transformation or modernization programs involving 100+ applications.
Experience working in Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Telecommunications, or other large enterprise environments.
ISTQB Test Manager, PMP, Scrum Master, or equivalent certifications are considered an asset.
Strong communication, leadership, and executive presentation skills.
Duration: Long-Term Contract

Employment Type: TP (Contract)