Testing Lead

We are looking for a Test Lead with strong telecom domain experience to own end-to-end test strategy, planning, and execution for large-scale transformation engagements. The role involves defining test approach across functional, integration, automation, and performance testing, leading a team of test engineers, and acting as the primary quality point of contact for delivery and client stakeholders. You will work closely with the Technical Architect/Lead on requirement and design walkthroughs, and with the Delivery/Project Manager on release readiness. Responsibilities *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:102e6ba7-4409-448d-b4b1-a98fe9e7171d-6" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:102e6ba7-4409-448d-b4b1-a98fe9e7171d-6" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant"> Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor a team of QA engineers/testers. Define and implement the overall test strategy, test approach, and test plans . Review business and technical requirements and identify test scenarios and risks. Estimate testing effort, resource requirements, and timelines. Coordinate functional, integration, regression, system, UAT, and end-to-end testing. Ensure adequate test coverage across functional and non-functional requirements. Review test cases, test scenarios, test scripts, and test data. Manage defect identification, triage, prioritization, tracking, and closure. Work closely with development teams to investigate and resolve defects. Monitor testing progress and provide regular status reports to project stakeholders. Identify testing risks, dependencies, and potential release blockers. Define and track QA metrics such as defect leakage, defect density, test execution, pass/fail rates, and automation coverage. Drive test automation initiatives and identify suitable areas for automation. Ensure appropriate use of CI/CD pipelines and automated regression testing. Participate in release planning and provide QA sign-off/recommendations . Establish and improve QA processes, standards, and best practices. Conduct root-cause analysis for production defects and recurring quality issues. Support performance, security, usability, and other non-functional testing activities where required. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Agile/Scrum environments. Mentor team members and support their technical and career development. Promote a culture of quality and shift-left testing practices. Required Technical Skills Strong knowledge of Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) . Strong experience in test planning, test estimation, execution, and reporting. Expertise in functional, integration, regression, system, and end-to-end testing . Experience with defect management tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar . Hands-on experience with test management tools. Good understanding of API testing using tools such as Postman, REST Assured, or similar. Experience with SQL/database testing . Good understanding of web and/or mobile application testing. Experience with automation frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, Appium, or equivalent . Understanding of CI/CD tools and pipelines such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps. Knowledge of Git and version-control practices. Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP is an advantage. Leadership & Management Skills Strong team leadership and people-management skills. Ability to distribute work and manage testing priorities. Strong stakeholder and communication skills. Ability to manage testing under tight deadlines. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to identify quality risks and make informed release recommendations. Experience mentoring and coaching QA engineers. Ability to