David Hunter

As an experienced IT Test Consultant, I strongly emphasise productivity and efficiency throughout the testing process. Utilising both iterative and sequential delivery methodologies, I have successfully built and managed testing teams that have contributed to significant quality improvements and increased productivity.

One of the ways I achieve this is by advocating for the "shift-left" ethos, prioritising model office participation to increase confidence and quality throughout the delivery process. By identifying and addressing issues early on in the development process, I demonstrate a reduced risk of delays and a reduction in costs.

My proactive and enthusiastic approach to all delivery phases ensures that assessments, planning, assurance, and acceptance processes are completed smoothly and efficiently. This allows for faster turnaround and more efficient use of resources, and increased productivity.

Throughout my extensive experience in IT Test consultancy, I have carried out capability audits and overseen requirements and acceptance processes, guaranteeing that all essential measures are taken to secure high-quality outcomes. I have achieved success in both areas: preparing and submitting tenders for Defence contracts on behalf of external agencies, producing prequalification and invitation to tender documentation for government contracts, and assessing and moderating tenders.

ATOS                                                                                    Aug 2021 > Present

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Test Assurance/Management, Requirement Analysis, FMEA, Risk Management, Test Governance, Requirements Analysis and Management, JIRA, Xray, and Confluence.

• Developed the tender assessment Phase Test Strategy and Test Plan for tenderer compliance, consistent with advised project schedules and defence strategy.
• Led the creation of an Assurance and Acceptance Management Plan for a high-value £100M+ delivery.
• Defined verification and validation expectations and implemented effective acceptance processes and procedures.
• Implemented collaborative testing framework using industry standards for adoption by a diverse delivery portfolio featuring Accenture, ATOS, Capgemini, and internal departments within HMRC.
• Introduced strategic assurance and decision gates to streamline acceptance procedures, supported by assurance working groups to ensure transparent dependencies and avoid bottlenecks.
• Facilitated stakeholder engagement and adherence to requirements, governance, and industry standards.

Fujitsu                                                                                Apr 2018 > July 2021

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Test Management, Requirement Analysis, FMEA, SAFe®, Team Management, Team Mentor, Test Governance, Defect Management, Release Management, Remedy Service Management, Microsoft Office Automation, TestRail, JIRA, and Confluence.

• Contribution to Bid Team tender submissions for Defence and National Security; tender analysis, impacting, and advising verification and validation commitment promoting corporate and industry standards.
• Utilised corporate processes to enhance customer satisfaction and demonstrate the testing stalwarts of honesty, integrity, and objectivity.
• Managed verification and validation for the MOD's NSOIT(D) delivery, specifically focused on the Operational Network (OpNet) environment.
• Coordinated stakeholders, strategic assurance, and acceptance authorities to meet industry standards.
• Accountable for governance and compliance, establishing and demonstrating framework procedures for collaborative engagements.
• Served as the central point of escalation for issue resolution across multiple deliveries and locations, managing Test Managers and Test Analysts. 

Sopra Steria                                                                      Oct 2017 > Mar 2018

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Requirement Analysis, Team Mentor, Operational Acceptance, Defect Management, Requirements Analysis, Microsoft Office Automation, VMWare, Server 2012/2016, Active Directory, and Network Verification.

• Senior Lead Technical Test Consultant, providing appraisal and direction for the overall Test Strategy.
• Conducted design reviews, derived requirements, and ensured consistency across test deliverables.
• Authored Test Plans, Estimations, and Scripting, and proactively influenced the Test Approach.
• Executed System Testing, System Integration Testing, and End-to-End testing in support of strategic assurance and acceptance goals.
• Collaborated with Project Team and Customer Design Authority to determine project scope and provide robust test estimations.
• Conducted static and dynamic testing, performed defect triage and management, and contributed to impact assessments for stakeholder decisions.

NATS                                                                                 May 2017 > Aug 2017

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Test Assurance, Doors Requirement Analysis and Management, FMEA, Team Management, Team Mentor, Operational Acceptance, Defect Management, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• Senior Test Consultant responsible for authoring the Verification Strategy for a Core Infrastructure service delivery in platform migration support.
• Developed a robust verification strategy, setting expectations, providing direction, and defining methodologies for Core Infrastructure services.
• Collaborated with external suppliers to ensure a consolidated approach to verification aligned with the management framework.
• Produced verification plans for service components and directed verification resources across project deliverables.
• Instrumental in defining and implementing the process for defect management.
• Played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition to operational use of the Core Infrastructure platform.

BT                                                                                       Nov 2015 > Oct 2016

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Test Planning and Execution, Requirement Analysis, FMEA, Risk Management, Team Management, Team Mentor, Operational Acceptance, Defect Management, Release Management, ALM, SoapUI, Jmeter, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• As the Senior Test Consultant for the Assure Cyber Platform (ACP), a critical component in national defence, I supported its delivery by integrating intelligence data from parallel security systems for real-time threat analysis.
• I developed and executed the Testing Strategy for the business-critical ACP solution, ensuring business continuity and resilience testing in a highly secure environment.
• I actively participated in establishing a formal delivery framework, documenting processes and procedures to ensure adherence to best practices.
• My role included defect management, encompassing process definition, root cause analysis, re-testing, regression, and reporting, maintaining the highest standard of quality.
• Through my expertise in test management, strategy development, and defect management, I played an instrumental role in the successful implementation of the ACP solution within a highly secure environment, enabling prompt threat identification and response.

CSC                                                                                    Aug 2013 > Aug 2015

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Test Management, Requirement Analysis, FMEA, V-Model, Risk Management, Team Management, Team Mentor, User/Operational Acceptance, Defect Management, Requirements Management, Release Management, ALM, LoadRunner, UFT/QTP, Sprinter, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• As a Portfolio Test Manager, I was responsible for verifying and integrating solutions for Europe's largest 'Human Resource Solution,' catering to the needs of the UK military, including Joint Personnel Administration, Compensations, Pensions, Casualties, and Veterans payment.
• I managed verification activities using a sequential V-Model delivery approach, with some projects adopting iterative methodologies like Agile and Pilot deliveries.
• Regularly serving as a deputy for the Head of Testing Services, I provided guidance and oversight for maintenance and project deliveries.
• As a Test Manager, I oversaw specialised testing areas such as Automation, Integration, Networking, Performance, and Security testing, and authored comprehensive test artefacts. I also established a formal testing framework encompassing Strategy development, use case design, and scripting.
• Additionally, I led test planning efforts, efficiently balancing departmental resources for both maintenance and project-based activities. I actively drove recruitment processes to ensure the acquisition of specialist resources and played a vital role in delivery governance, streamlining testing interactions with adjacent technical teams and the customer through documentation templates and process flow development.

Central Government                                                        Jan 2010 > May 2013

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Requirement Analysis, Team Mentor, User and Operational Acceptance, Defect Management, Change and Release Management, IBM Tivoli Service Request Manager (TSRM), ALM, QTP, SoapUI, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• As a Test Consultant, I provided compliant testing within a High-Security environment, adhering to ISO standards 29119, 27001, and 12207.
• I successfully managed multiple concurrent projects, overseeing various testing tasks such as requirements analysis, test design, planning, scripting, execution, and reporting.
• I took charge of defect management, ensuring traceability across requirements, design, and testing activities, and coordinating evidence for the body of evidence.
• I presented evidence to change advisory boards, facilitating a smooth transition to operational processes.
• Through close collaboration with project teams, I ensured efficient independent testing activities and implemented and utilised HP ALM for test and defect management. Additionally, I provided proactive test support for corporate applications and specialised toolsets to deliver digital intelligence throughout the Olympic period.

Fujitsu                                                                               Jan 2008 > Dec 2009

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Requirement Analysis, V-Model, Team Mentor, User/Operational Acceptance, Defect Management, Mercury Test Director, VBSedit, Scripting, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• As a Senior Test Analyst, I worked collaboratively with Test Analysts and contracted Test Consultants on hardware and software projects for DII(C) and enhanced security environments.
• I demonstrated proficiency in an ISEB/TMMI-oriented environment, following the V-Model approach to testing standards.
• Created test cases within defined procedures to address reported issues and requested enhancements, ensuring alignment with requirements.
• Executed test cases meticulously and recorded results according to established test plans, including specialized areas of testing.
• My responsibilities encompassed effective recording, reporting, auditing, and generation of management information for project stakeholders.
• Guided on hardware and software suitability for high-profile sensitive contracts involving government customers.

TAC Europe                                                                      May 2007 > Jan 2008

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Network Management, Dameware Toolset, Exchange 2003, Team Mentor, Wireshark, Nmap, Terminal Services, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• Network Manager overseeing capacity management and infrastructure design of a wide area networking environment, including facilitating a multi-domain migration to a single domain operational environment.
• Management of desktop support and web design engineers, ensuring timely delivery of proactive and reactive support within defined service levels.
• Production and presentation of support/infrastructure reports to senior management, providing insights on service levels, integration recommendations, and progress.
• Capacity and change management of a multi-site Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure.
• Network and System Administration, including the development of the IT disaster recovery strategy.
• Implementation and configuration of a secure Terminal Services environment to enable remote user access.

The Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn                        Jan 2003 > May 2007

Key Skills: Solution Delivery, Risk Management, Team Management, Team Mentor, Novell, Microsoft Server 2000, Windows 2kPro, Exchange 2K, Citrix Xpe, and Microsoft Office Automation.

• Started as Desktop Support, and swiftly progressed to IT Manager, overseeing the collaborative management of the Inn's telecommunications and IT infrastructure.
• Managed service suppliers and contractors to ensure the effective operation of technology services.
• Led technological migrations from concept to implementation, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal user disruption.
• Served as the single point of contact for problem reporting and resolution with support vendors.
• Managed procurement, installation, and monitoring of technology hardware and software. Also, participated in long-term strategic technology planning, disaster recovery planning, project management, and contract negotiations with telecommunications and IT suppliers.

Royal Navy (Petty Officer Aeronautical Engineer)     June 1983 – Nov 2002

• Served in the Royal Navy as a Petty Officer (Aeronautical Engineer) specialising in radio and radar technology.
• Played a crucial role in maintaining, and repairing radio and radar systems for all aircraft embarked onboard naval vessels.
• Conducted scheduled inspections, diagnostics, and troubleshooting of complex electronic equipment to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
• Performed routine and corrective maintenance tasks, including component replacement, system calibration, and software updates.
• Collaborated with team members to identify and resolve technical issues, ensuring the continuous operation of critical communication and radar systems.
• Conducted regular equipment testing and verification to maintain compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Played an active role in the training and mentoring of junior technicians, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
• Maintained accurate documentation of maintenance activities, equipment status, and inventory records.
• Adapted to changing environments and participated in deployments and exercises to support operational requirements.
• Received recognition for outstanding performance and dedication to duty during service in the Royal Navy.

• 8 x GCSE Certificates; Inc. English & Mathematics
• ISTQB Certified
• BCS MBCS
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
• Active Directory, and Networking Infrastructure design and security
• Windows Server 2K to 2K16, Windows 98 to Windows 11
• Cisco Certified Network Associate
• Fully conversant with the Software Development Lifecycle under both Sequential (Waterfall, V-Model) and Iterative (Agile, Safe®, KANBAN, Scrum) delivery methodologies.
• Experienced in all aspects of change, defect, release, requirement, and risk management.
• Enhanced Security Clearance – DV until 2026
• Experienced with a wide variety of Test Management toolsets, predominantly:

• ALM
• JIRA
• TestRail
• Zephyr
• Confluence
• Doors
• Testpad
• SoapUI
• Jmeter
• Load Runner
• UFT/QTP
• Microsoft  Office Specialist

Experience

Well-versed across the software delivery lifecycle from capability audits through verification assurance and user acceptance and transition. Notable expertise within the aspects of:

• Solution Delivery
• Test Assurance
• Requirement Analysis / Management
• FMEA
• SAFe®
• Risk Management
• Team Management
• Team Mentor
• Test Governance 
• UAT / OAT
• Defect Management
• Release Management