Test Operations Manager

Test Operations Manager 
Farnham, UK 
£Goodk + bonus + bens

The Test Operations Manager is responsible for the planning and reporting of Product Validation programs. Including efficiency, safety, and compliance to industry standards and regulatory requirements.  

The role requires a strong leadership presence to coordinate between cross-functional teams, maintain testing schedules, optimize resource allocation, owning accountability for delivering to tight schedules. 

This role reports to the Product Assurance Director and has management responsibility for the Product Validation team via the Test Team Manager (direct report). 

Key Responsibilities 

Test Program Management: 
• Working closely with Technical Authorities, functional managers and Project Management to  ensure relevant plans are generated, monitored and reported for key testing programs, incorporating effective use of resources (People, Equipment and external test houses). 
• Ensuring that conflicting programs are coordinated, deconflicted and prioritised proactively. 
• Monitoring and reporting the impact of unplanned work to test programs. 
• Ensure lessons learned from test programs are effectively implemented into future planning and execution. 

Cross-functional Collaboration: 
• Work closely with Quality and Systems Engineering teams to ensure testing activities meet 
required standards. 
• Ensure timely dissemination of test results to key stakeholders for decision-making purposes. 
• Provide updates on test progress, roadblocks, and findings to management and technical teams. 

Budget & Resource Management: 
• Develop and manage budgets for test operations, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. 
• Develop a method for monitoring and reporting resource usage 
• Identify opportunities for optimizing the allocation of Engineers, Technicians, equipment and facilities to maximize test resource efficiency, output quality and productivity. 

Leadership
• Lead the Product Validation team and oversee the responsibilities within the team, such as timely delivery of work orders, health and safety compliance, equipment management. 
• Engaging with the team to promote professional development and continuous improvement.

Relevant Knowledge & Experience 

Essential: 
• Previous experience in managing and motivating a team in a fast-paced environment
• Good technical degree in Engineering or Science 
• Development Engineer background with strong Data Analysis skills 
• Strong understanding of vehicle / product testing methodologies and familiarity with testing processes and methodologies. 
• Experience in automotive and industry standards such as IATF 16949
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (inc. MS Project, Excel, Teams, SharePoint

Desirable: 
• Deeper IT system experience (JIRA or SharePoint Admin level) 
• Reliability analysis / prediction experience 
• Experienced in working direct with Automotive OEM customers 
• Experience of Homologation or automotive standards qualification

Benefits Package
• Discretionary Bonus - up to 15%
• Life Assurance 
• Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Learning & Development
• Relocation package