We are seeking an experienced QA Test Lead to spearhead end-to-end testing strategies and execution for our Group Retirement Services (GRS) initiatives. In this role, you will lead quality delivery across multiple concurrent GRS programs-ensuring the rigorous validation of complex business processes from enrollment to retirement payouts. Combining deep domain knowledge of Canadian pension products with strong technical and leadership capabilities, you will drive testing governance, bridge technical and business teams, and ensure seamless software delivery across our entire digital and recordkeeping ecosystem.
In this role, you will- Lead End-to-End (E2E) Testing Strategy for Group Retirement Services (GRS) initiatives, ensuring seamless validation of business processes across enrollment, contributions, investments, fund transfers, withdrawals, statements, and retirement payouts.
- Own the QA delivery lifecycle from requirements analysis through test planning, test execution, defect management, and production validation for multiple concurrent GRS programs and projects.
- Develop comprehensive test strategies and test plans covering functional, integration, system, E2E, regression, data migration, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities.
- Coordinate testing across upstream and downstream systems, validating interfaces between administration platforms, recordkeeping systems, fund management applications, CRM, digital channels, and third-party vendors.
- Lead cross-functional teams comprising QA analysts, business analysts, developers, product owners, and business stakeholders to ensure complete test coverage and timely delivery.
- Manage defect triage and resolution processes, driving root cause analysis, risk assessment, prioritization, and closure of critical defects to achieve release readiness.
- Validate regulatory and compliance requirements related to Canadian retirement and pension products, ensuring adherence to CIRO, CAPSA, privacy, and audit standards.
- Drive test automation and quality engineering practices, identifying opportunities to improve regression coverage, reduce testing cycles, and enhance overall release quality.
- Provide testing governance and reporting, including test metrics, quality dashboards, risk assessments, executive status updates, and go/no-go recommendations to senior leadership.
- Support production deployments and post-implementation validation, ensuring successful release execution, defect-free customer experience, and stabilization of GRS applications in production environments.
Required skills:- Overall 10+ years QA experience with strong background in the Canadian Financial Services Domain, specifically focused on Group Retirement Services (GRS), pension products, and associated regulations (CIRO, CAPSA).
- Extensive experience in End-to-End (E2E) Testing, Test Strategy & Test Planning, Functional & System Integration Testing, and UAT Coordination.
- Proficiency in SQL & Data Validation to verify backend transactions, data migrations, and recordkeeping accuracy.
- Demonstrated expertise in Defect Management, root cause analysis, risk mitigation, and release readiness governance.
- Strong hands-on experience with test management and agile tracking tools such as JIRA or Azure DevOps, coupled with exceptional Stakeholder Management capabilities.
Preferred skills- Experience driving test automation frameworks and quality engineering practices to streamline regression cycles.
- Proven track record managing testing across multi-vendor landscapes, legacy administration platforms, and modern digital portals.
We're eager to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in various ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the required skills listed. Your transferable skills and experiences matter-help us see how you the right person for this role.
Total compensation:We regularly assess market data to ensure we offer a competitive compensation package for our associates.
The base salary for this position ranges between CAD 90,000 - 110,000 per year. Where the successful candidate may fall within the range depends on relevant education, work and/or management experience and other business-related and job-necessary qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual performance-based bonus, as well as benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Working arrangementsWe believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible.
Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a Cognizant or client office in Toronto. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various well-being programs.
Note: The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
Applications for this position are reviewed by our recruitment team without the use of artificial intelligence screening tools.
