INTERNAL - FQA Lead

The FQA Lead is responsible for the successful delivery of assigned projects to agreed quality standards, schedules and budgets. The role provides day-to-day leadership of the test team, ensuring projects are effectively planned, executed and delivered in line with client expectations.

The FQA Lead works closely with the Project Manager, FQA Manager and client, acting as a key point of contact for project-related communication, status reporting, issue resolution and delivery. The role also supports a positive, productive team environment through effective leadership, coaching, performance management and clear communication.

• →Partner with the Project Manager to plan, manage and integrate projects within agreed schedules, budgets and delivery requirements.
• →Develop and implement project test strategies and plans, ensuring effective execution against client expectations.
• →Lead, brief and manage assigned test teams, delegating work clearly and efficiently.
• →Monitor project progress, risks, quality and productivity, proactively addressing issues before they impact delivery.
• →Maintain regular communication with Project Managers, clients and internal stakeholders, providing accurate status and end-of-day reporting.
• →Manage client feedback, translate requirements into actionable internal tasks and appropriately challenge or decline requests when required.
• →Ensure project deliverables meet agreed requirements and quality standards.
• →Maintain the quality, consistency and accuracy of defect reporting and oversee defect databases in line with Keywords processes.
• →Set, monitor and achieve project and team objectives.
• →Regularly evaluate Testers, Seniors and AQAs, providing constructive qualitative and quantitative feedback.
• →Support performance management and disciplinary processes in partnership with the Project Manager and HR.
• →Provide guidance and support to Associate Leads on team and operational issues.
• →Coordinate staffing and tester allocation with Resource Planning.
• →Create build requests and deployment notifications as required.
• →Maintain project documentation and internal knowledge bases.
• →Ensure compliance with Keywords policies, processes, hardware/software requirements and security standards.
• →Resolve operational and technical issues, escalating appropriately where required.
• →Lead by example and demonstrate Keywords’ values and expected standards of professional behaviour.
• →Perform other duties reasonably assigned by management.

• Strong understanding of QA strategy, test planning and defect lifecycle management.
• Experience using defect tracking, test case management, Agile and project management tools such as JIRA, TestRail, Confluence, SharePoint or equivalent.
• Experience with mobile, PC, console, portable console and VR platforms and associated hardware/software.
• Familiarity with platform-specific testing tools, including Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and other development environments.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, Excel and Teams.
• Advanced Excel skills, including tables, charts, data handling, formula troubleshooting and functions such as TEXT, FIND, LEFT, RIGHT, INDEX and UNIQUE.
• Ability to use data and reporting to support decision-making and project management.

• Relevant experience in a QA leadership role within the video games or related industry.
• Strong understanding of outsourcing operations and the commercial environment in which Keywords Studios operates.
• Understanding of risk management within QA and project delivery.
• Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with clients and internal teams.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities.
• Self-motivated, analytical and solutions-focused, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken.