Vice President, Test Analyst, Evaluated Bonds

Company Overview

Markit was founded in 2001 as the first independent source of credit derivative pricing and has recently been announced as the fastest growing private company in the UK. Today, our data, valuations and trade processing services are regarded as the market standard in the global financial markets, helping our clients to reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and meet regulatory requirements.

As a private company with privileged relationships with 16 shareholder banks, Markit has unparalleled access to a valuable dataset spanning credit, equities and the broader OTC derivative universe. Our unique relationships with the bank shareholders give us the opportunity to work closely with these leading market makers to develop innovative solutions for the marketplace.

With over 1,000 institutions using our independent services as clients - including investment banks, hedge funds, asset managers, central banks, regulators, rating agencies and insurance companies - we provide round-the-clock support from our offices in London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney.

Position Summary

Markit is seeking an experienced testing professional to join the Evaluated Bonds team and develop a comprehensive and repeatable automated test process. Where tests cannot be automated, they will need to be carried out manually.

Being data orientated, the position requires knowledge of relational database theory, SQL, stored procedures and other data manipulation technologies. Experience of any of the leading automated test tool suites is required, to a code level (rather than record and playback). Ability to build custom test tools would be a considerable advantage, as would knowledge of fixed income.

This person will be involved in several projects and streams, report directly to the Head of Operations for Evaluated Bonds, and help enforce and contribute to the central testing policy.

Duties and Accountabilities

Define the approach and methodology for testing software releases by producing test strategy documentation
Prepare test plans, test scripts and test cases based on functional specifications and user requirements
Manage the testing process by taking responsibility for overall progress and liaise with development and the business to ensure deadlines are met
Execute manual system tests and identify those that can be automated for regression purposes
Develop and maintain an automated regression test suite
Ensure defects and incidents are identified, prioritised and dealt with, and that any new versions of software are released in a controlled and timely manner
Prepare test summary reports and general management reporting
Manage risk and take contingency action where necessary
Input to the company-wide testing framework.

Business Competencies

University graduate or equivalent, preferably in a computing or finance-related degree
Demonstrable system / regression testing experience, ideally in a financial environment with a blend of manual and automated testing
Excellent understanding of software systems and development
Experience working with V and RAD development life-cycle methodologies
Good understanding of relational databases, SQL, stored procedures and other data manipulation technologies
Experience of custom-built test tools (desirable)
Experience of leading small teams (desirable)
Experience and understanding of the testing process, project test lifecycles, and techniques
Knowledge and experience of financial markets, particularly fixed income products and associated services.

Personal Competencies

High standard of written work
Strong analytical and mathematical skills
Able to work independently with minimal supervision
Display energy, drive and stamina Open minded, flexible and willing to adapt to changing situations
Focused on delivery
Must be an excellent communicator both written and verbal
Excellent interpersonal skills
Must be able to work in a team environment.

The Contact

Interested applicants should send their CV and a covering letter to careers.europe@markit.com citing "Vice President, Test Analyst" in the subject line.