User Acceptance Test Lead

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) is located in Topeka, Kansas. We offer hybrid remote work schedules.

Employees in this position are required to work onsite at least two days each week.

KPERS is not just about pensions we are about people! We provide disability and death benefits to protect public employees while they are still working and guarantees them lifetime benefits when they retire.

Our membership includes people from all walks of life in a variety of jobs with one thing in common - serving Kansans.

We are embarking on a five-year modernization of our pension administration system. We are looking for an experienced User Acceptance Test Lead to manage user acceptance testing for software releases for our new system both during implementation and post-launch.

The role requires a detailed understanding of the Retirement System, the ability to develop and execute detailed UAT scenarios, and the ability to lead and influence across all levels and segments of the Retirement System.

Essential Responsibilities

Oversight of testing for new Pension Administration System, including scheduling testing resources and UAT performance and documentation.

Work closely with project leads, subject matter experts (SME), business analysts (BA) and vendor to understand the scope and business requirements of upcoming releases.

Manage a team of quality assurance analysts and SMEs to develop and write detailed test scenarios based on acceptance criteria and business requirements.

Identify and prepare test data and materials for upcoming releases. Manage central repository of UAT documents and materials.

Coordinate with the Technical Team to ensure environmental readiness for testing sessions.

Schedule UAT sessions with various business stakeholder groups and facilitate strong collaboration across various teams and divisions.

Lead in person and virtual UAT sessions with various stakeholder groups across the Retirement System, including orienting testers with UAT execution approach, problem reporting and resolution process.

Instruct and guide stakeholders through different user acceptance scenarios. Assist with UAT execution.

Answer questions that arise during the UAT sessions while owning the follow-up of any questions or action items that cannot be resolved within the session.

Work with project leads, SMEs and quality assurance (QA) analysts to document test results and approvals in alignment with UAT entry / exit criteria and to record and triage reported defects.

Coordinate reporting, resolution and retesting of potential defects, including communication with the contractor and project manager.

Work closely with the other project leads - Business SME Lead, Configuration Lead, Standard Operating Procedures Lead and Training Lead to ensure integration of design, configuration, test and documentation.

Understand and convey the Pension Administration System s vision to tell the story of why a new feature or functionality will benefit the stakeholders and their business units.

Continually evaluate the UAT process, identify opportunities for change, and work with various partners to implement changes to increase overall UAT efficiency.

Education Required

Bachelor's degree in management information systems (MIS), quality assurance, information technology (IT) or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the Retirement System.

Experience Required

Five years of previous test management or related experience is required. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to engage stakeholders and build relationships.
• Experience leading teams with ability to influence decision making.
• Strong knowledge of UAT methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Proven experience in software quality assurance, including manual and automated testing techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to create test script and test plans.
• Ability to document and troubleshoot errors.
• Ability to analyze and understand complex data requirements.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to interact with others in a congenial manner and ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to listen effectively and process information quickly to provide quick and accurate responses in high pressure and critical situations.
• Ability to explain complex information to others in an understandable manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent work ethic.
• Commitment to excellent customer service.
• Experience working in Azure DevOps preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and / or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions.

If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position.

The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference on the Kansas Department of Administration website.

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position.

The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference Learn on the Kansas Department of Administration website.