We are a leading UK debt purchase business focused on helping customers resolve their financial obligations in an ethical and manageable way. As we continue our growth journey, we are committed to delivering world-class digital experiences for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.

We are seeking an experienced Testing and Release Manager to lead the governance, coordination, and execution of software testing and release processes across the Group.

As a Testing and Release Manager at Perch Group, you will ensure that all system changes - from minor updates to major releases -are delivered securely, reliably, and in alignment with regulatory, business, and quality standards. You’ll design and implement robust testing and release frameworks, embedding best practices in automation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

Working closely with project, change, and technical teams, you’ll streamline release cycles, strengthen governance, and promote a culture where every deployment delivers measurable value with minimal disruption.

This role is ideal for a structured, detail-oriented leader who can balance speed with governance to deliver secure, high-quality, and reliable system changes across the Group.

The role is hybrid, with the opportunity to work from the Blackpool office, with some travel to the Skipton and Manchester offices.

Culture & Environment

At Perch Group, we combine innovation with accountability. You’ll join a growing transformation function where collaboration and communication are key, and where delivering high-quality, compliant, and customer-centric solutions is always the priority. Expect to work with stakeholders across technology, operations, and senior leadership to shape how testing and release excellence underpin our growth.

Key Responsibilities

Testing Management

• Develop, implement, and own Perch Group’s testing framework, strategy, and standards (covering functional, regression, performance, and UAT testing).
• Plan and oversee all testing phases, ensuring alignment with project and change delivery timelines.
• Implement test automation frameworks and drive continuous improvement in testing processes.
• Manage test environments — ensuring appropriate configuration, data, and access.
• Track and report on testing outcomes, defect trends, and quality metrics to senior stakeholders.

Release Management

• Own the end-to-end release management process — from planning and scheduling through to deployment and post-release validation.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent releases across systems and business units, minimising downtime and risk.
• Maintain and communicate a clear release calendar for all technology and business stakeholders.
• Ensure all deployments are version-controlled, approved, and fully documented.
• Champion the adoption of DevOps and CI/CD practices to increase release efficiency, reliability, and traceability.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all testing and release activities comply with change control, audit, and risk frameworks.
• Maintain detailed records of testing results, approvals, and release documentation.
• Support internal and external audits related to change, testing, and release processes.
• Ensure compliance with data protection, security, and regulatory standards (e.g. GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials).

Stakeholder & Team Management

• Work closely with project managers, developers, business analysts, and operations teams to ensure smooth delivery of changes.
• Act as the escalation point for all release and testing issues.
• Communicate status, risks, and impacts of testing and release activity clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship, training, and leadership to testing and release teams, embedding best practices and continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience managing software testing and release processes in complex IT environments.
• Strong understanding of software development and delivery lifecycles (Agile, Waterfall, DevOps).
• Hands-on experience with automated testing tools, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems (e.g. Azure DevOps, Jenkins, Git).
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement structured testing methodologies and release frameworks.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, able to influence across technical and non-technical teams.
• Track record of driving quality, compliance, and efficiency in release and testing practices.

Desirable

• ITIL v4 Foundation (or higher) certification.
• ISTQB Test Manager or equivalent qualification.
• Prince2, AgilePM, or similar project management accreditation.
• Experience working with ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, or similar compliance frameworks.
• Degree in IT, Computing, or a related discipline.

The Application Timeline

• A first stage video call with the internal talent acquisition team (15 minutes)
• A second stage interview with the hiring manager (60 minutes)

Typically, the average successful applicant will be within this timeline for 2-3 weeks. Please note we will close this role once we have enough applications for the next stages therefore you should submit your application ASAP to avoid any disappointment.

If you do not receive a response after 3 weeks of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful as we may experience a high volume of applications.

Why you should be EXCITED to apply...

• From £40,000. DOE + up to 20% of your annual salary, paid as a bonus.
• This role is based at our Blackpool office, conveniently located just off the M55. Travel will be required between the Manchester and Skipton offices based on business requirements (approx twice a month).
• 37.5 hours per week. We offer flexible and hybrid working between our core hours of 8am- 6pm, Monday to Friday.
• The opportunity to complete formal qualifications and learn on the job in a successful, growing organisation.
• And many more benefits to support your wellbeing and professional development.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.

If you have any questions or suggestions of how we can assist you in your application due to disability or personal reasons, please email [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE - All new employees must undergo a full DBS and Credit Check upon acceptance of a job offer with Perch Group.