We are seeking a strong delivery-focused testing professional to serve as an Implementation Functional Test Lead within the Alpha Global Testing Practice. This role partners closely with the Implementation Test Manager and is accountable for managing end-to-end test execution for a specific function (e.g., Front Office, Middle Office, Back Office, or Data) within an Alpha implementation. The role requires hands-on ownership of planning, execution, coordination, reporting and defect management to ensure high-quality, predictable delivery outcomes. Alpha implementations are complex, multi-functional programs spanning business processes, data, and technology across the investment lifecycle. Functional test execution must be tightly coordinated, well-governed, and aligned with overall program milestones. The Functional Test Lead plays a critical role in ensuring function-level testing is executed effectively, risks are surfaced early, and dependencies across teams are actively managed. What you will be responsible for - Partner with the Implementation Test Manager to manage all aspects of test execution for an assigned function within a specific Alpha implementation. - Own function-level test execution delivery, including: - Test strategy and approach for the function - Detailed test planning and scheduling - Day-to-day execution management across test phases - Defect management, triage, and resolution tracking - Status reporting, risk identification, and issue escalation - Provide strong project management discipline for the functional testing workstream, including dependency tracking and milestone alignment. - Coordinate closely with business, technology, and integration teams to ensure functional scope, data readiness, and environments are aligned. - Partner with the System Performance team to support planning and execution of performance testing activities relevant to the function. - Partner with the Automation team to drive adoption and execution of automation, ensuring functional test coverage, reusability, and alignment with overall test strategy. - Own end-to-end defect management for the assigned function, including defect identification, logging, triage, prioritization, tracking, and closure across test phases. - Lead defect triage forums at the functional level, partnering with business, technology, and integration teams to drive timely resolution. - Ensure defects are risk-assessed, severity-aligned, and impact-aware, with clear traceability to business processes and test scenarios. - Proactively identify defect trends, systemic issues, and quality risks, escalating to the Implementation Test Manager with clear mitigation recommendations. - Maintain strong governance over defect SLAs, aging, leakage, and reopen rates, ensuring transparency and predictability in execution. - Ensure accurate and disciplined use of defect management tools (e.g., JIRA), including reporting, dashboards, and audit-ready documentation. - Ensure adherence to testing standards, governance, and best practices across functional test cycles. - Manage and guide functional test analysts and testers (FTEs and vendors), providing clear direction and execution oversight. - Produce clear, concise test status reporting for the Test Manager and broader implementation leadership. - Contribute to continuous improvement of functional testing approaches, assets, and execution models. - Play an advisory role in projects facing challenges, providing direction, solution and stabilization support. - Proactively drive initiatives, identify gaps and implement improvements across projects. What we value - Strong execution mindset with the ability to operate independently while aligning closely with broader program leadership. - Experience leading functional testing within complex, client-facing transformation or platform implementation programs. - Ability to balance hands-on test leadership with structured reporting and stakeholder communication. - Strong collaboration skills across Testing, Performance, Automation, Technology, and Business teams. - Commitment to quality, risk management, and delivery predictability. These skills will help you succeed in this role: - Functional test planning and execution leadership - Defect management and risk-based decision making - Experience leading defect triage and resolution governance - Project and delivery coordination skills - Experience with agile or hybrid delivery models (e.g., JIRA, Confluence) - Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills - Ability to work effectively in a global, multi-vendor environment - Knowledge of front, middle, and back-office workflows and data flows (preferred) Education & Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or higher in Technology, Finance, Management, or related disciplines - 10-15 years overall experience, with strong experience in functional testing for financial services or technology transformation programs - 4-8 years of experience leading testing workstreams or functional teams across internal and external stakeholders Salary Range: $80,000 - $140,000 Annual The range quoted above applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location above, the applicable range could differ. Employees are eligible to participate in State Street's comprehensive benefits program, which includes: our retirement savings plan (401K) with company match; insurance coverage including basic life, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and other optional additional coverages; paid-time off including vacation, sick leave, short term disability, and family care responsibilities; access to our Employee Assistance Program; incentive compensation including eligibility for annual performance-based awards (excluding certain sales roles subject to sales incentive plans); and, eligibility for certain tax advantaged savings plans. For a full overview, visit https://hrportal.ehr.com/statestreet/Home.