Engineering Manager, QA

About the role

About Emergent

Emergent is building an AI-native platform that enables users to build software using AI. We operate in a fast-paced environment where product quality, customer experience, and release speed are critical.

We are looking for an Engineering Manager, QA, to lead our Quality Assurance function, strengthen testing practices, and ensure consistent product quality across teams. This role requires strong QA fundamentals, people leadership, excellent execution, and the ability to collaborate closely with Engineering and Product teams.

The ideal candidate can build a high-performing QA team, establish effective testing processes, identify risks early, and ensure quality remains a shared responsibility across the organisation.

Responsibilities

Quality strategy and test planning

- Own the QA strategy and testing approach across product features and releases.

- Define test plans, test scenarios, coverage expectations, and release-readiness criteria based on product risks.

- Ensure functional, regression, integration, exploratory, and end-to-end testing are performed effectively.

- Identify quality risks early during requirement discussions and ensure appropriate test coverage before development is completed.

- Establish consistent QA processes and standards across product teams.

- Ensure testing focuses on customer experience, business-critical workflows, and potential production risks.

Release quality and defect management

- Own QA sign-off and communicate release risks clearly to stakeholders.

- Drive defect triage, prioritisation, root cause discussions, and follow-up on critical issues.

- Ensure production defects are analysed and preventive actions are implemented.

- Monitor defect leakage, regression failures, escaped bugs, and recurring quality issues.

- Partner with Engineering and Product leaders to make informed release decisions.

- Balance release timelines with product quality and customer impact.

People management and team development

- Lead, mentor, and develop QA engineers, helping them improve testing skills, product understanding, and ownership.

- Set clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for the team.

- Conduct regular feedback and career development discussions.

- Hire and onboard QA talent as the organisation grows.

- Allocate team resources based on product priorities and release commitments.

- Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, proactive communication, and continuous improvement.

- Encourage team members to take ownership of quality rather than limiting their responsibilities to executing test cases.

Cross-functional collaboration

- Work closely with Engineering, Product, and Design teams to ensure requirements are testable and quality risks are identified early.