Careers Software Quality Engineering Manager

Posted 03/30/2006

The Software Quality Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a diverse team to achieve objectives in the implementation of methodology elements focusing on software quality assurance. Success requires the use of both consultative and direct involvement activities within the development team to reduce the number of software defects generated during the software development lifecycle. This role will also contribute to the strategy and vision of software quality practices within Cardinal Health, Clinical Technologies and Services.

The Manager, SQE is responsible for verification and validation activities of software in support of new product development projects. Full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments. Plans and develops engineering projects concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on major company programs. This involves exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches. Maintains liaison with individuals and units within or outside the organization, with the responsibility for acting independently on technical matters.

This position will be responsible for performance and salary administration for the assigned team, effort and financial forecasting, budget compliance, staff selection, management and development, and execution of Cardinal Health policies and procedures.

The Quality Assurance Manager in consultation with the QA team lead will also be responsible for ensuring the scheduling and delivery of training and mentoring of staff on quality and testing practices. Additionally, the individual in this role will serve as the Quality Assurance Relationship Manager to ensure that the other software Quality Assurance capabilities within the department are utilized by project teams.

This position will serve as part of the overall QA function:

• Plans, assigns resources, and executes test plans for software verification and validation (V&V) to achieve project milestones in support of new product development projects.
• Create, implement, and maintain department and application-level quality assurance and testing strategies related to Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Provide leadership to the QA organization on the practical application of software testing activities to reduce the number of defects that impact production operations.
• Identify and facilitate training to the QA organization on the application of processes that contribute to software quality.
• Facilitate the Quality Assurance engagement process, which includes all formal requests for assistance from the Quality Assurance group.
• Evaluate and recommend testing best practices, tools and training that will help QA reduce software defects during development and production.
• Refine and lead appropriate checkpoint reviews, such as Requirements Traceability and Testing Completion among others.
• Direct staff in the completion of assigned responsibilities. Provide team effort forecasts and reconcile against monthly time reporting. Produce management estimates and reports as required. Assess and review team performance with staff and senior management.
• Develop direct staff. Provide assistance and resources for developing staff.
• In collaboration with engineering management, identify and implement automation tools and technologies.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Education:

8+ years of diverse experience in applying software Quality Assurance processes to improving software development activities in large, multi-environment organizations. Demonstrated success in forming software quality teams, as well as selecting, managing, and developing direct staff. Demonstrated experience in developing software test strategies, test cases, and test execution results. Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering instruction on software quality assurance topics. Innovative and strategic thinking is required, as well as proven success in implementing tactical solutions that result in measurable business benefits. Experience with the practical application of automated testing tools on multiple platforms.

Previous management or supervisory experience is required.

Understanding of Windows OS and networking environment is required as well as proven experience with sophisticated workflow-oriented client/server and Web-based applications. Must have strong hands-on experience and proficiency with relational DBMS vendors, such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. as well as J2EE Application Servers. Practical, hands-on experience testing data interfaces and warehousing solutions is essential.

Must have strong experience with SQA processes and methodologies including, but not limited to, automated and manual test processes, black box, white box and gray box testing, test case design, scripting and execution, and automated test tools such as SilkTest. Must be detail-oriented with ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively. Must work well individually as well as have the ability to manage a team and work across departments. Experience with healthcare data, clinical data or HL7 data format is a plus.

Desired experience and skills also include advanced operating systems and support tools, previous software development experience, working knowledge of software development process (SDLC) as well as high availability/safety critical test experience such as FAA, FDA, telecommunications.

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical Skills
• Business Acumen
• Change Management
• Drive for Results
• Influencing Skills
• Managing Others
• Organizational Agility
• Process Improvement
• Time Management
• Work is performed in standard office environment.
• Some travel may be required.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits. For immediate consideration, please fax, e-mail or mail a letter of application and resume to:

MediQual^TM, a business of Cardinal Health
ATTN: Human Resources
500 Nickerson Road
Marlborough, MA 01752
Fax: 614-652-4350 (no phone calls please).
E-mail: hr@mediqual.com