VP-Level Testing Program Lead - Alpha Implementations

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a senior testing leader to partner closely with Implementation Test Leads and delivery stakeholders to manage all aspects of test execution for Alpha implementations. This role is accountable for end-to-end testing governance, execution oversight, and cross-functional coordination to ensure high-quality, predictable, and scalable delivery outcomes across complex client implementations. These programs span complex business models and data flows across front, middle, and back-office operations involving State Street, Charles River Development, clients, and industry partners.

Why this role is important to us

Alpha is State Street’s front-to-back platform integrating front, middle, and back-office capabilities. Successful Alpha implementations depend on disciplined, execution-focused testing that is tightly aligned with program delivery, performance readiness, and adoption of automation. This role ensures testing is executed as a core delivery function, not a standalone activity, enabling accelerated timelines, reduced risk, and superior client outcomes.

What you will be responsible for

Partner with Implementation Test Leads to manage end-to-end test execution for assigned Alpha implementations, ensuring alignment with overall program milestones and delivery objectives.

• Own and govern all aspects of testing execution, including:

• Test strategy and approach

• Detailed test planning and scheduling

• Execution management across test phases

• Defect management, triage, and resolution governance

• Status reporting, risk management, and executive communications

• Provide strong project management oversight for testing work streams, including dependency management, issue escalation, and change control.

• Act as the primary testing execution interface with Implementation Leads, PMO, business stakeholders, and technology partners.

• Partner closely with the System Performance team to ensure performance testing is planned, executed, and integrated into overall test cycles.

• Partner with the Automation team to drive adoption and execution of automation strategies, ensuring optimal coverage, reusability, and alignment with implementation timelines.

• Ensure consistent application of testing standards, governance, and best practices across implementations.

• Oversee execution across global, multi-vendor and multi-location teams, ensuring clear accountability and delivery discipline.

• Provide transparent, data-driven test reporting to senior leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and mitigation actions.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Alpha testing delivery model, including execution frameworks, metrics, and tooling.

• Support client engagements by setting clear testing expectations, execution plans, and success criteria.

What we value

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to operate at AVP to VP level, influencing senior stakeholders across delivery, technology, and business.

• Proven experience managing large-scale, complex testing programs within financial services or platform implementations.

• Ability to balance hands-on execution management with strategic oversight.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive reporting skills.

• Strong understanding of front, middle, and back office workflows, data flows, and integration patterns.

• Deep appreciation for quality, risk management, and delivery predictability in client-facing programs.

These skills will help you succeed in this role:

• End-to-end test execution and delivery management

• Strong project and program management capabilities

• Defect governance and risk-based decision making

• Cross-functional collaboration (Testing, Performance, Automation, PMO, Technology)

• Experience working in agile and hybrid delivery models (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)

• Ability to lead globally distributed teams and vendors

• Executive-level communication and reporting

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Technology, Finance, Management, or related fields

• 15+ years overall experience, with significant experience in large-scale financial or technology transformation programs

• 8+ years leading cross-functional delivery teams in client-facing environments

Salary Range:

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);

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