Testing Team Lead

Introduction We are looking to recruit a Testing Team Lead to work within Testing in the IT department of Clicks Group Services. The role will be based at Clicks Head Office in Cape Town and will report to the Testing Manager. Duties & Responsibilities Role PurposeThe Test Team Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating software testing activities across the project lifecycle to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery. The role combines hands-on testing expertise, team leadership, and quality governance, ensuring testing practices align with organisational standards, delivery objectives, and customer expectations.The Test Team Lead mentors and coaches QA team members, drives continuous improvement, and serves as the primary quality advocate within project teams. Key ResponsibilitiesTest Leadership & DeliveryLead and coordinate all testing activities across the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), from requirements analysis through to release and post-implementation support.Own test planning, estimation, scheduling, and execution across system, integration, functional, regression, performance, and user acceptance testing.Ensure test coverage aligns with business, functional, and technical requirements.Track, monitor, and communicate testing progress, quality metrics, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders.Quality Assurance & GovernanceDefine, apply, and continuously improve QA standards, processes, and best practices.Ensure compliance with established quality frameworks and organisational testing standards.Identify test and quality risks early, implement mitigation strategies, and escalate issues where required.Validate that delivered software meets agreed quality criteria and acceptance standards.Hands-On TestingDesign, review, and execute test cases and test scenarios for complex or high-risk areas.Review defects for quality, severity, and impact; support root-cause analysis and defect triage.Ensure accurate and timely test documentation, reporting, and sign-off.Team Leadership & CoachingAllocate work effectively across the QA team, balancing workload, priorities, and skill development.Mentor, coach, and support team members to improve testing capability and performance.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the QA team.Stakeholder EngagementWork closely with business analysts, developers, product owners, and project managers to ensure quality is embedded throughout delivery.Analyse complex testing and quality challenges and recommend pragmatic, value-driven solutions.Effectively communicate testing status, risks, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Desired Experience & Qualification  Technical & Testing Skills 10 years experience in software testing across multiple SDLC models (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid, etc.).5 years’ experience in a Team Lead/supervisory roleStrong understanding of QA methodologies, test processes, and defect management practices.Experience across multiple testing types including system, integration, regression, and UAT.Working knowledge of SQL is advantageous. Leadership & Professional SkillsProven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a testing team.Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.Strong planning, organisation, and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.Analytical problem-solver with sound judgement and decision-making ability.Highly adaptable and comfortable working in fast-changing environments.Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within cross-functional teams. CompetenciesTeam Development and MentoringProblem-solving and Analytical ThinkingRisk Assessment and Mitigation`Test Planning and Test StrategyEffective Communication:Effective Communication: