Job Description
The Japan Research Institute (JRI) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group, is a premier provider of IT solutions and consulting services to the financial industry. We are currently seeking a highly accomplished VP, Principal I, Test Manager to join our team in Singapore and take ownership of quality assurance for our Agency Lending platforms.
In this senior leadership role, you will be responsible for defining and executing the overall test strategy for complex, mission-critical applications within the wholesale banking domain. You will lead a team of skilled testing professionals, working closely with global business teams and technology partners to deliver robust, high-quality software solutions that drive SMBC Group's lending operations. This role demands a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise and a proven track record in managing large-scale testing programs in a financial services environment.
As the Principal Test Manager, you will be the key driver of quality, influencing project outcomes from inception through delivery. Your leadership will be critical in establishing testing standards, implementing automation frameworks, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration across onshore and offshore teams. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in Agency Lending and Loan Syndication systems, combined with the gravitas to operate effectively at the VP level within a global banking organization.
This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic, international banking environment. You will be at the forefront of digital transformation within the SMBC Group, working on high-profile initiatives that shape the future of trade and lending technology.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the comprehensive test strategy and governance framework for Agency Lending and Loan Syndication projects.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of Test Managers, Senior Test Analysts, and Automation Engineers.
- Oversee end-to-end test planning, estimation, design, execution, and defect management for multiple concurrent workstreams.
- Partner with Business Analysts, Developers, and Product Owners to ensure thorough understanding of requirements and acceptance criteria.
- Drive the adoption of test automation tools and frameworks to optimize regression testing and accelerate release cycles.
- Establish and track key quality metrics (KPIs) and provide regular, insightful status reporting to senior management and stakeholders.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the QA practice, promoting best practices in Agile, DevOps, and Shift-Left testing.
- Manage vendor relationships and oversee the quality of deliverables from external testing partners.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 12+ years of progressive experience in Software Quality Assurance, with at least 5+ years in a leadership capacity (VP, Principal, or Head of Testing).
- Domain Expertise: Deep, hands-on knowledge of Agency Lending, Loan Syndication, and related wholesale banking operations is non-negotiable.
- Technical Acumen: Strong proficiency in test management tools (e.g., JIRA, HP ALM / Octane), test automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium, UFT), and CI/CD pipelines.
- Leadership: Proven ability to build, lead, and scale high-performing testing teams across onshore and offshore locations.
- Methodology: Expert-level understanding of SDLC, Agile (Scrum/Kanban), and DevOps practices.
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. ISTQB Advanced Level certification is highly desirable.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to influence and negotiate with senior business stakeholders.
- Preferred: Experience working within a Japanese financial institution or a global top-tier bank.