The Test Manager is responsible for leading and managing testing activities for banking applications running on mainframe platforms . The role ensures high-quality delivery of banking systems by overseeing test strategy, planning, execution, and defect management for core banking and transaction processing systems. Key Responsibilities 1. Test Strategy & Planning Define and implement test strategy, test plans, and testing frameworks for banking applications. Lead testing activities across system testing, integration testing, UAT, and regression testing . Estimate testing effort, resources, and timelines. 2. Mainframe Testing Management Manage testing for mainframe-based banking systems . Coordinate testing activities for applications built on COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS environments . Ensure testing coverage for batch processing and transaction processing systems. 3. Test Execution & Quality Assurance Oversee functional, system integration, regression, and performance testing . Ensure defect tracking, root cause analysis, and resolution. Monitor test progress and ensure adherence to quality standards. 4. Stakeholder & Team Management Lead a team of test analysts, automation engineers, and QA specialists . Collaborate with developers, business analysts, and business stakeholders . Provide regular status updates to senior management and project stakeholders. 5. Defect & Risk Management Manage defect lifecycle using tools such as JIRA, HP ALM, or Quality Center . Identify testing risks and implement mitigation strategies. Ensure critical defects are resolved before production release. 6. Banking System Testing Manage testing for banking applications such as: Core Banking Systems Payments and transaction processing Loan and credit systems Customer information systems Regulatory and compliance systems 7. Test Automation & Process Improvement Implement and maintain test automation frameworks where applicable. Improve testing efficiency through continuous integration and automated testing tools . Establish best practices for testing governance and reporting. Required Skills Mainframe Technologies COBOL JCL (Job Control Language) DB2 CICS Mainframe batch processing Testing Skills Test strategy and test planning Functional testing System Integration Testing (SIT) User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Regression testing Defect management Tools JIRA HP ALM / Quality Center Selenium or automation tools Mainframe testing tools (File-AID, Abend-AID) Soft Skills Leadership and team management Stakeholder communication Analytical and problem-solving skills Risk management Preferred Certifications ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) PMP - Project Management Professional Certified Agile Tester Scrum Master Certification Experience Requirements 10+ years in software testing 5+ years in test management Experience in banking or financial services industry Strong experience in mainframe-based banking systems