Test & Commissioning Manager (Qatar-based, 6-month contract, extendable)

Summary: We are seeking an experienced Test & Commissioning Manager to own the end-to-end testing lifecycle of complex, multi-domain technology programmes. The role covers test strategy, planning, execution and go-live readiness across software, AI, infrastructure, network, OT/SCADA and cybersecurity, while coordinating internal teams, customers and third-party vendors. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong technical breadth and customer-facing delivery experience. Responsibilities: • Define and maintain the test and commissioning strategy, master test plan, schedule, entry/exit criteria, environments and reporting cadence • Lead test planning and execution across system integration, UAT, operational readiness, performance, resilience, security and commissioning • Run workshops with technical leads and customers to define requirements, acceptance criteria, operational scenarios and test cases • Coordinate test resources, environments, data, tools and vendors; manage risks, issues, defects and retesting through to closure • Establish quality gates, requirements traceability and sign-off packs; provide go/no-go recommendations based on readiness and residual risk • Manage and coach test engineers and specialist partners, ensuring consistent methods and documentation quality • Coordinate VAPT activities across remote sites, on-premises, cloud and applications, including evaluation and selection of third-party testing vendors • Align test activities with domain project managers to meet the programme schedule • Report status, defects and risks to programme leadership and customer stakeholders Technical domains covered: • Software: API, cloud, web application and end-user scenario testing • AI: LLM testing, ML model validation, video analytics testing • Performance: load, stress and reliability testing (Master SCADA/OT, web applications, Azure) • Network & WAN: NOC testing, passive and active ICT infrastructure • IT infrastructure: monitoring solutions and service deployment validation • Cybersecurity: VAPT management Qualifications/Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT or a related field (equivalent experience considered) • 8+ years in testing, QA, systems integration or commissioning, including 3+ years leading complex test programmes or teams • Proven ownership of end-to-end test strategy and execution across multiple technical domains, ideally in enterprise, public-sector, critical infrastructure, OT/SCADA or large-scale cloud environments • Strong test management, defect management, requirements traceability, risk-based testing and sign-off experience • Working knowledge of API, web, cloud, performance, network, infrastructure and cybersecurity testing, with the ability to lead domain specialists • Experience working with customers, system integrators and third-party vendors in structured delivery programmes • Excellent communication, workshop facilitation, prioritisation and decision-making skills Preferred: • Certifications: ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, ISEB, PMI, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum; security certification such as CISSP, CISM or CEH • Azure testing, CI/CD, test automation and tools such as Azure DevOps, Jira, Confluence, Postman, JMeter, LoadRunner, k6 • AI/ML evaluation, LLM risk controls, computer vision/video analytics or responsible AI assurance • OT/SCADA, NOC operations, ICT infrastructure, VAPT coordination or regulated/mission-critical environments