Group IT Test & Release Manager

Group IT Test & Release Manager
Location: UK
Department: Group IT
Reports to: Head of Group IT Solutions & Data Platforms
Panda Ireland is going through a major business and technology transformation, and we are looking for a Group IT Test & Release Manager to help make sure change is delivered safely, consistently and at pace.
This is a key role within our Group IT function, responsible for leading testing, release governance and production readiness across a complex technology landscape. You’ll work across enterprise systems, operational platforms, customer service tools, data platforms, integrations and customer-facing technologies, including systems such as Workday, Freshworks and ERP platforms.
As Group IT Test & Release Manager, you’ll help build a modern, scalable and mature testing and release capability that supports rapid transformation while protecting operational stability.
The Role
This Group IT Test & Release Manager role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical understanding with governance discipline, stakeholder management and hands-on delivery leadership.
You’ll be responsible for owning the end-to-end testing and release lifecycle, ensuring technology changes are properly planned, tested, approved, deployed and validated before reaching production.
You’ll work closely with IT, Transformation, Operations, Finance, Customer Services, suppliers and senior stakeholders to ensure changes are delivered with quality, control and minimal disruption.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll be responsible for:
Defining, implementing and improving the enterprise-wide testing and release management framework
Establishing consistent testing standards, governance processes and quality gates across technology and transformation projects
Owning end-to-end testing activities including test planning, SIT, UAT, regression testing, integration testing, release validation and production verification
Ensuring testing coverage across business processes, integrations, data flows and operational dependencies
Introducing risk-based testing approaches that support fast-paced transformation delivery
Identifying opportunities to introduce automation and improve quality, repeatability and delivery speed
Managing defect governance, including prioritisation, root cause tracking and remediation
Owning and governing the release management lifecycle across multiple platforms, suppliers and delivery teams
Coordinating releases across critical systems including Workday, Freshworks and integrated enterprise platforms
Managing release calendars, dependencies, approvals, rollback plans and operational readiness
Overseeing environment governance, release readiness and refresh cycles
Working with infrastructure, security, platform engineering and third-party suppliers to support successful release delivery
Providing clear reporting on testing progress, release readiness, quality risks and delivery status
Supporting agile delivery teams while maintaining strong governance and operational control
Driving continuous improvement across testing, release and deployment processes
Supporting post-implementation reviews and contributing to lessons learned following incidents or major releasesAbout You
We’re looking for someone with strong experience in test management, release management or quality engineering leadership within a complex technology environment.
You’ll be confident managing multiple releases, working across technical and non-technical teams, and balancing delivery pace with the governance needed to protect business operations.
You’ll bring:
Significant experience in test management, release management or quality engineering leadership
Experience managing testing and releases across complex enterprise application landscapes
Strong understanding of enterprise SaaS platforms such as Workday, Freshworks, ERP or other integrated business systems
Experience working in agile, hybrid or fast-paced transformation environments
Strong knowledge of ITIL change, release and service transition principles
Experience coordinating multiple concurrent releases and delivery streams
Strong understanding of API testing, integration testing, data validation, defect management, environment management and production readiness
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
The ability to work across applications, infrastructure, security, data, suppliers and business teams
A practical approach to governance, with the ability to maintain control without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
Strong attention to detail, organisation and ownershipIt would also be helpful if you have experience in operationally intensive or multi-site businesses, large-scale transformation programmes, ERP environments, Azure DevOps, Jira, ServiceNow, test automation, CI/CD practices, ITIL certification or ISTQB qualifications.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success will mean:
High-quality, low-risk releases delivered consistently across critical business systems
Fewer production incidents and failed changes
Improved testing maturity, coverage and automation
Faster and more predictable release cycles
Strong governance that supports, rather than slows, delivery
Greater confidence from business stakeholders in technology change
Improved operational stability during a period of rapid transformation
Scalable and repeatable testing and release processes embedded across the businessWhy Join Panda?
This is a great opportunity to play a central role in shaping how technology change is delivered across Panda Ireland.
As Group IT Test & Release Manager, you’ll help establish modern testing and release practices, influence delivery standards and work closely with senior stakeholders on critical business transformation programmes.
You’ll be joining a business that is changing quickly, investing in technology and building stronger, more scalable ways of working across the organisation.Gro

About The Company
We are Panda. We value waste.
We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.
At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.
We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.
We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.
And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.
Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.
Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
(DE&I Policy Statement)