QA Lead & Test Data Management Specialist - Test Management

CodeNinja is a next-generation technology consulting firm specialising in AI-powered transformation, enterprise software delivery, and Quality Engineering. Headquartered in the Gulf region and operating across the MENA, South Asia, and global markets, CodeNinja partners with Tier-1 banks, government entities, and large enterprises to design, build, and run mission-critical technology programs.

With deep expertise in QA transformation, test automation, DevOps modernisation, and AI/ML engineering, CodeNinja's teams combine global delivery standards with in-market contextual knowledge — ensuring outcomes that are compliant, scalable, and commercially aligned with client objectives.

For the Client's Test Management Enablement & Automation engagement, CodeNinja brings a dedicated 12-person specialist team spanning Test Management, Automation Engineering, AI/ML, and Performance Testing — all governed under a structured 20-week program delivery framework.

About the Role

A senior onsite QA professional who owns the test management strategy and the test data management framework end-to-end. This role combines governance leadership with hands-on TDM execution — acting as the primary liaison with the client's QA team while ensuring test data integrity, traceability, and SAMA compliance across all non-production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Test Management

• Define and own the test management strategy aligned with the client's delivery and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate SIT and UAT activities across multiple application teams and environments.
• Roll out the governance framework including readiness gates, freeze protocols, and phase exit criteria.
• Implement and track the CMMI-aligned test automation maturity model across the client's teams.
• Establish and chair the weekly Technical Review Board with automation leads and DevOps engineers.
• Ensure complete requirement-to-test traceability using Jira/Xray or the client's existing test management platform.
• Monitor environment health, access control compliance, and audit-readiness of all test artefacts.

Test Data Management

• Design and implement the test data catalogue and discovery mechanism across DEV, SIT, and UAT environments.
• Define TDM governance SOPs covering data provisioning, access control, reset/refresh, conditioning, and archival.
• Align data masking and anonymisation standards with SAMA requirements and the client's data protection policies.
• Configure Jira/Xray defect workflows and requirement-to-test traceability across all in-scope applications.
• Establish data ownership models and role-based access controls for test data.
• Support test data conditioning for end-to-end and negative test scenarios.
• Audit and report on TDM compliance and data quality across testing cycles.

• •      10+ years of QA experience with at least 3 years focused on test data management and at least 4 years in banking or financial services.
• Deep understanding of SIT/UAT lifecycle management, environment governance, and release management.
• Hands-on experience with data masking tools and techniques for banking environments.
• Strong knowledge of Jira administration, Xray configuration, and defect workflow design.
• Knowledge of SAMA IT Governance, data protection requirements, and PII handling standards.
• Experience defining and rolling out test automation maturity models (CMMI-aligned or equivalent).
• Experience with SQL-based test data queries, data profiling, and synthetic data generation.
• Strong communication skills for daily interaction with the client's QA teams and senior stakeholders.
• Onsite presence in Riyadh required (Sun–Thu, KSA business hours).

• Preferred Certifications: ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst, CDMP, ITIL v4, TMap Next.

•        Work on high-impact, flagship banking transformation programs with a Tier-1 Saudi financial institution.

•        Be part of a team that's shaping the future of AI-enabled test automation in the MENA region.

•        Collaborate with world-class QA professionals across onsite and offsite delivery models.

•        Access to continuous upskilling — certifications, AI/ML tooling, and emerging QA methodologies.

•        Competitive compensation with performance-linked incentives and career progression pathways.

•        A culture that values technical excellence, ownership, and innovation without bureaucracy.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role at the time of posting. It is not exhaustive and may evolve in line with business needs and project requirements. CodeNinja reserves the right to modify role scope as the engagement progresses.

All candidates will be subject to standard background verification. Onsite positions require compliance with the client's site access, security, and NDA policies. CodeNinja is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background.