IBM MQ Test Lead - #2166057

Testing Lead

Sheffield, UK

Contract – Inside.

Seeking an experienced Testing Lead with strong IBM MQ and Messaging Testing expertise to assess the current MQ testing landscape, evaluate test environments and processes, identify gaps, and define the end-to-end testing strategy across a global banking environment. The role will drive test governance, automation, quality assurance, and testing best practices across the MQ estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and enhance testing strategy, governance, test environments, and quality controls across the IBM MQ estate.
• Define end-to-end test architecture, test approach, entry/exit criteria, and quality gates.
• Design and govern testing across MQ, Messaging, Middleware, APIs, and Event-Driven Architectures.
• Ensure full FR/NFR traceability, test coverage, and test case quality reviews.
• Lead SIT, OAT, UAT, E2E, resilience, performance, and integration testing activities.
• Define and implement automation frameworks, standards, and CI/CD testing pipelines.
• Drive automated testing, reporting, defect management, and test data strategies.
• Identify testing risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities while providing remediation recommendations.
• Collaborate with business, engineering, architecture, and programme stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.

Required Skills

• Mandatory: Strong hands-on experience with IBM MQ and Messaging Platforms.
• Proven experience in Test Strategy, Test Architecture, and Test Governance.
• Expertise in Integration Testing, API Testing, Middleware Testing, and Event-Driven Systems.
• Strong Test Automation experience with CI/CD integration.
• Experience managing test environments, defect lifecycle, and quality metrics.
• Knowledge of resilience, performance, and non-functional testing.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Experience within Banking / Financial Services environments preferred.

Preferred

• AI-enabled testing, intelligent automation, and test analytics.
• Exposure to Kubernetes, Cloud Platforms, and Messaging Infrastructure.
• ISTQB or equivalent certification.