What Does a Test Manager Do?

Many businesses are electing to hire test managers who can provide the company with various amounts of information. Test managers are found in many different industries like computer software, technology, food processing and manufacturing, just to name a few. The purpose of a test manager is to test the business’ specific products for quality control purposes to ensure that the best product is being produced in the most cost effective way possible. These managers have proven to be a great asset to many companies, allowing them to guarantee the quality of their products to their consumers.

A test manager will be responsible for all aspects of testing the products at hand. They will work to develop the testing techniques by determining what to test and how to test them. They will set testing specifics like where and how to complete it and they will ensure that the testing is handled properly. A test manager job description will include four basic parts including planning, organizing, authorizing and executing all of the testing done for the company. They will be responsible for submitting accurate and usable data to the management team to aid in product development.

To become a test manager, one must have several skills that will help them accomplish their tasks. First, one should have some management skills and be able to lead and supervise a team of employees. They should also have skills in the business field to the point where they are able to understand the aspects of cost-and-demand and cost accounting. This will help them understand the need for testing. One should also have specific knowledge in the field they are working in. For example, if they are testing computer software, they should understand the technology of the software industry.

The job outlook for test managers is very good since many companies — especially manufacturers — such as the software and food processing industries consider this position to be vital to their businesses. One may need to begin by working at a lower level position within the business and work their way up to test manager. They should have a bachelors degree and be able to show their ability to supervise, work with little supervision, multi-task and have a vast knowledge of the specific industrial field. Working as a member of the test team is a great stepping stone to the top test manager position as this will provide the employee vast amounts of knowledge in the testing techniques used.