Quality & Defect Manager

Overview

We are looking for a skilled Quality & Defect Manager to oversee critical quality assurance functions within a significant Central Government initiative. This contract position requires the contractor to drive quality management activities and coordinate defect lifecycles while working with multiple suppliers in a complex, multi-vendor environment. The role demands strong stakeholder management and experience within the public sector to successfully enhance quality outcomes across large-scale technology projects.

Responsibilities

  • Lead quality and defect management activities across a dedicated programme portfolio.
  • Manage the end-to-end defect lifecycle, ensuring timely triage, prioritisation, assignment, resolution, and closure.
  • Coordinate defect management activities across multiple suppliers and delivery partners.
  • Establish and maintain quality metrics, reporting, dashboards, and governance processes.
  • Facilitate defect review meetings, root cause analysis sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor testing progress and ensure quality standards are consistently met throughout delivery.
  • Identify quality risks and implement mitigation plans.
  • Drive continuous improvement in testing, defect management, and quality assurance processes.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Quality Manager, Defect Manager, Test Manager, or similar role.
  • Strong experience working within complex multi-vendor delivery environments.
  • Demonstrable experience delivering within Central Government or wider Public Sector organisations.
  • Extensive knowledge of defect management processes, tools, and methodologies.
  • Experience managing stakeholder relationships across technical and non-technical teams.
  • Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Experience operating within Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery models.
  • ISTQB, Agile, or relevant quality management certifications are desirable.