Senior Vice President - Head of Quality Assurance

Job Description

About the Role:

The Head of QA is the enterprise quality authority, responsible for transforming RAKBANK's approach to software quality into a modern, automation-first, AI-driven quality engineering function.

This role will lead the shift from manual, end-of-cycle testing to continuous, embedded quality across the full software development lifecycle. Working closely with Digital, Engineering, and Platform teams, the role ensures all releases meet the robustness and compliance standards required in a regulated banking environment.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Define and drive the enterprise QA strategy, including automation-first and AI-assisted testing adoption
• Establish and lead a Quality Engineering Centre of Excellence, standardising tools, frameworks, and best practices
• Embed quality across the SDLC through shift-left practices, CI/CD quality gates, and squad-level ownership
• Own test automation strategy across UI, API, and data layers; track coverage and ROI
• Implement AI-driven testing (e.g., self-healing automation, intelligent test prioritisation, defect triage)
• Lead non-functional testing (performance, resilience, security, and API contract testing)
• Govern test environments and test data management, including synthetic data and data masking
• Oversee UAT governance and own release quality sign-off (go/no-go decisions)
• Define and report QA metrics (defect leakage, automation coverage, cycle time, incident rates)
• Build and lead the QA function, including capability development and team structure

What We're Looking For:

• 12+ years of experience in software quality engineering
• 5+ years in a senior QA leadership role (Head / Director level)
• Experience in banking, fintech, or regulated financial services environments
• Proven track record of leading QA transformation from manual to automation-led environments
• Strong understanding of SDLC, Agile delivery, and CI/CD-integrated quality practices
• Exposure to AI-driven testing and emerging QA technologies
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or similar
• ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certification (preferred: Expert level or equivalent)

Skills:

• QA strategy and transformation leadership
• Automation frameworks (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, Appium, etc.)
• CI/CD integration and quality gate governance
• Performance testing and resilience engineering (JMeter, Gatling, k6)
• Test data management (synthetic data, PII masking, governance)
• AI-driven testing tools and practices
• Stakeholder management and executive reporting
• Team leadership, mentoring, and capability building

What You'll Gain:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
• Medical coverage for you and your family
• Comprehensive life insurance
• Exposure to high-impact strategic projects
• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development