Testleder

Testleder is a role in software development and IT projects responsible for leading the testing activities within a project or program. The testleder plans, coordinates, and controls testing work to ensure that the product meets its requirements, quality targets, and delivery deadlines. The role often serves as the primary interface between the testing team, development, project management, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities include defining the test strategy and test plan, designing test cases and test data, managing test environments, and organizing resources and schedules. They oversee test execution, monitor progress, and manage defects, including prioritization and communication with the development team. They ensure traceability from requirements to tests and acceptance criteria, coordinate with product owners or business analysts on acceptance testing, and report metrics and risk to management. They may also drive test automation initiatives and ensure compliance with industry standards and organizational policies.

Skills and qualifications typically include a strong understanding of software testing methodologies (such as risk-based testing, V-model, or agile testing), experience with test management and defect tracking tools, and good leadership and communication skills. A testleder usually has a background in IT or software engineering and may hold certifications such as ISTQB or equivalent, though requirements vary by organization.

In agile environments, the testleder collaborates with the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and cross-functional teams, balancing speed and quality, and helps define the acceptance criteria and definition of done. The role may exist in software, embedded systems, or IT services, and can range from a single project to regional or program-level responsibility.