The Role
This is a hands-on Test Lead role responsible for defining, coordinating, and executing testing across bespoke software solutions, integrations, and system enhancements.
You will own the testing lifecycle end-to-end, working closely with Business Analysts and Developers to ensure that requirements are testable, clearly defined, and validated before release.
This is not a purely execution-based QA role. You will be expected to:
- Shape test strategy and test design upfront
- Improve requirement quality through early engagement with BAs
- Drive structure and discipline in test case definition and documentation
- Lead manual testing and UAT coordination
- Begin establishing a foundation for test automation capability over time
The environment is lean, and there is no dedicated QA function above you — you will be accountable for testing quality, approach, and release validation outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Test Strategy & Planning
Define and maintain test strategies across projects and enhancements
- Establish appropriate levels of testing (system, integration, regression, UAT)
- Ensure testing effort is aligned to risk, complexity, and business criticality
- Contribute to release planning and readiness assessments
Requirements & Early Engagement
- Work closely with Business Analysts during requirements discovery
- Help shape testable acceptance criteria and success measures
- Identify gaps, ambiguities, and edge cases early in the lifecycle
- Ensure requirements are structured in a way that supports effective validation
Test Design & Documentation
- Design detailed test cases and test scenarios from functional requirements
- Maintain structured, reusable test documentation using tools such as JIRA and Confluence
- Ensure traceability between requirements, test cases, and defects
- Improve consistency and quality of test artefacts across delivery teams
Execution & Coordination
- Lead manual testing across system changes, integrations, and enhancements
- Coordinate and support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with business stakeholders
- Manage defect logging, triage, prioritisation, and re-test cycles
- Validate fixes and ensure readiness for production release
Automation & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to introduce and mature test automation practices
- Work with developers to explore practical automation frameworks over time
- Contribute to improving test efficiency, coverage, and repeatability
- Drive uplift in QA maturity across the organisation
Stakeholder & Delivery Collaboration
- Work closely with internal developers on daily build and release activities
- Act as a key quality gate in the software delivery lifecycle
- Provide clear communication on testing progress, risks, and release readines
What You Will Bring
- 5+ years’ experience in software testing / QA / test leadership roles
- Strong experience in manual testing and UAT coordination
- Demonstrated ability to design structured, detailed test cases from functional requirements
- Experience working closely with Business Analysts and Developers in delivery teams
- Strong understanding of SDLC in bespoke or custom-built software environments
- Experience using tools such as JIRA, Confluence, or similar test management systems
- High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline
- Ability to operate autonomously in a lean, fast-moving environment
Highly Regarded
- Exposure to test automation tools or frameworks with ability to implement
- Experience in integration-heavy or data-driven environments
- Background in regulated, operational, or industry-critical systems
- Understanding of API-level testing or system integration validation
What success looks like
- Requirements are consistently testable, complete, and validated early in delivery
- Clear traceability from requirements through to test coverage and defect resolution
- Predictable, low-defect releases with reduced production incidents
- Structured and repeatable testing across systems, integrations, and regression cycles
- Efficient and well-controlled UAT execution with business stakeholders
- Improved visibility of release readiness, risk, and quality status
- Progressive uplift in test maturity, including early-stage automation adoption
Why This Role Exists
We are strengthening our software delivery discipline across bespoke systems to improve quality, reduce rework, and increase confidence in production releases.
This role establishes a clear quality function that complements Business Analysis and Development — ensuring that what is built is not only delivered, but validated properly against real business needs.
About Racing Australia
Racing Australia is the peak body for Thoroughbred racing in Australia, responsible for national systems that support the integrity, administration, and operation of the racing industry.
We operate national infrastructure supporting data, identity, and regulatory systems including the Australian Stud Book and Registrar of Racehorses.
This role is based in Melbourne and contributes to systems underpinning a nationally significant industry.
What's On Offer
- Competitive salary package and benefits, including free on-site parking
- Hands-on ownership role with real impact on national systems
- Direct access to senior technical and business stakeholders
- Hybrid working arrangements once established in the role
- Opportunity to help shape testing maturity and future automation capability
Application Requirements
To help us identify genuinely hands-on candidates, please include a short cover note outlining:
- Your experience in manual testing and UAT environments
- How you approach writing and structuring test cases from requirements
- Examples of working closely with developers and/or business analysts
- Any exposure to automation or test improvement initiatives
Applications without this context may not be progressed.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and tailored cover letter via Seek or email to jobs@racingaustralia.horse
