Software Quality Manager
Also known as: QA Manager · Quality Assurance Manager
Sets the test strategy and quality standards for software development, directs testers and quality specialists and reports on quality and risk to management.
The software quality manager determines how an organisation gets assurance that software does what it promises, from test strategy to defining acceptance criteria. Unlike a lead developer who guards the code itself, they direct the quality process across multiple teams and products. Selection often looks at test knowledge, while convincing product management to postpone a release over a quality risk the business wants to ignore is the hardest task in practice.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract and figural reasoning | N5 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Unravels problems without a known example, formulates a new ordering and shapes it so that peers can build on it. |
| Accuracy and attention to detail Competency (50-framework): Accuracy | N5 | Big Fifty, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Sets the standards for completeness and correctness, has samples checked and addresses teams on structural sloppiness. |
| Directing and steering people Competency (50-framework): Management Knockout | N5 | Big Fifty, Competency Check, 360 Feedback | Assessment centre | Designs the management line for the whole organisation, addresses managers on their style and defines what good steering means here. |
| Working independently Competency (50-framework): Independence | N4 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Competency Check | Personality questionnaire | Determines own approach for a full work package, consults colleagues purposefully when unclear and delivers on time without reminders. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Problem analysis | N5 | 5 | yes | Assessment centre |
| V | Programming | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software design and architecture | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software testing and quality assurance | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| A | Abstract and figural reasoning | N5 | 4 | no | Cognitive ability test |
| V | Modelling and abstraction | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| G | Accuracy and attention to detail | N5 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| G | Directing and steering people | N5 | 4 | yes | Assessment centre |
| T | Version control and collaboration workflow | N5 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | API integration | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
See all 25 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Communication Styles
Preferred communication style
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