Director, Software Quality Assurance

ITS•Des Moines, IA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

SHAZAM is seeking a testing leader to modernize testing practices, build and mentor high-performing teams, expand test automation, and promote quality throughout the engineering organization. The role sets the vision and strategy for Software Quality Assurance and leads end-to-end testing practices that improve software quality, release confidence, test-estimation consistency, and delivery predictability. It partners with engineering, product, business, and technology leaders to integrate quality throughout planning, development, testing, and release processes. The Director will advance quality engineering capabilities through automation, sustainable frameworks, effective tools, and industry-aligned practices. The role also establishes practical, governed uses of AI in quality assurance and oversees strategic QA vendors and technology partners. Based out of SHAZAM’s Des Moines, Iowa office, this is a hybrid position.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, software testing, or related disciplines.
5+ years leading QA and/or Test Automation teams.
Proven experience leading quality engineering organizations and developing high-performing leaders and technical teams.
Deep understanding of the SDLC and quality engineering throughout the software delivery lifecycle.
Experience advancing test automation, testing frameworks, tools, metrics, and end-to-end quality practices.
Knowledge of AI and emerging technologies, with the ability to identify and champion practical applications in software quality engineering.
Experience managing strategic vendors and technology partners with accountability for service quality, delivery, performance, and cost.
Strong technical acumen and ability to engage at both strategic and technical levels.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills across business and technology organizations.
Demonstrated ability to lead change, develop talent, establish accountability, and drive measurable improvements in software quality and delivery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

Set the vision and strategy for Software Quality Assurance and promote shared ownership of quality across the software delivery lifecycle.
Lead and evolve end-to-end testing practices to improve software quality, release confidence, consistent test estimation, and delivery predictability.
Partner with engineering, product, business, and technology leaders to integrate quality into planning, development, testing, and release processes.
Modernize quality engineering through expanded test automation, sustainable frameworks, effective tooling, and industry-aligned practices.
Establish and advance appropriate uses of AI in Software Quality Assurance, including opportunities in test design, automation, defect detection and analysis, test coverage, execution time, and engineering productivity; ensure governance and measurable value.
Assess current and emerging testing technologies to improve efficiency, scalability, quality, and delivery speed.
Provide strategic oversight of QA vendors and technology partners, setting expectations and performance measures and managing service quality, agreements, delivery commitments, costs, and value.
Define and communicate actionable quality metrics that make risks visible and demonstrate the impact of quality engineering.
Drive continuous improvement across the Software Testing Life Cycle, including earlier testing, defect prevention, automation, and risk-based testing.
Develop and inspire QA leaders and teams through coaching, mentoring, development plans, and clear accountability.