Manages a software quality assurance team.
Selects and utilizes tools and methodologies to ensure that software tests identify defects and comply with quality standards. Evaluates test results against expected results, implements improvements to process and recommends alternative testing as needed. Drafts, revises and approves test plans and scripts.
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Software Quality Assurance Manager skill and competencie below to view definitions.
Skill definition-Applying computer science and engineering principles, methods, and practices to design, develop, deploy, and maintain reliable software systems.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of testing techniques used to ensure the efficiency and reliability of software products.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in performing software testing to identify code errors, bugs, and inconsistencies.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements new and updated software engineering processes that adhere to regulatory standards.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops software verification plans to ensure intuitive and robust product features.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Conceptualizes new software testing methods to deliver high-quality products that meet organizational objectives.
Skill definition-Checking and testing software throughout the development phase to ensure compliance with defined or standardized quality specifications.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Defines the concepts, methods, techniques, and processes of software quality assurance.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in performing automated testing to ensure software quality.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Conducts software audits to ensure adherence to quality plans, standards, and regulations.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates software quality assurance procedures to ensure compliance with established standards.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates new testing processes and techniques to ensure software products meet client needs.
Skill definition-Using various testing tools and techniques to automate the process of validating the software functionality before releasing it to production.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites different automated tests, such as unit, functional, and integration tests.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in implementing and monitoring continuous automated testing integration.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Conducts automated accessibility testing using a combination of tools and methods.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates applied approaches and strategies for automated testing to identify areas for improvement.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of advanced tools to validate the software functionality automatically.
Skill definition-Designing and developing tests to determine if a part of a software system functions according to its pre-determined requirements or specifications.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists the functions and features of commonly used functional testing tools.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Selects appropriate functional testing methods in analyzing use case scenarios.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Uses various software applications for functional testing to ensure the quality of software development.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Recommends improvement plans and test strategies to enhance functional testing operations.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Promotes the execution of functional testing strategies and methodologies to address business system needs.
Skill definition-Applying specific policies, tools and practices to plan and prepare projected revenues, expenses, cash flows, and capital expenditures.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists the elements and the steps on how to conduct budgeting.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Tracks and reports financial inefficiencies to ensure smooth functioning of our budgeting processes.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works with senior management in creating appropriate budget amounts.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Recommends alternative budgeting strategies for resolving budgeting issues in our workplace.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Introduces technologies, policies, and programs for more effective budget management.
Skill definition-Managing and prioritizing resources and workloads by creating well-organized plans to attain organizational goals and objectives.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists commonly used tools in workplace planning and organization.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Works with specific tools in prioritizing and allocating resources to ensure task accuracy.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Prepares schedules to plan, organize, and complete priorities promptly.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Sets short- and long-term objectives to organize team workload and improve efficiency.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Leads the development of new techniques and strategies to drive effective planning and organization.
There are 6 hard skills for Software Quality Assurance Manager, Software Engineering, Software Quality Assurance, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), etc.
4 general skills for Software Quality Assurance Manager, Automated Testing, Functional Testing, Software Development Life Cycle, etc.
15 soft skills for Software Quality Assurance Manager, Budgeting, Planning and Organizing, Goal Setting, etc.
While the list totals 25 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Software Quality Assurance Manager, he or she needs to be proficient in Budgeting, be skilled in Planning and Organizing, and be skilled in Goal Setting.