QE Manager - Enterprise Quality Engineering Capability Lead

Overview

Manages the activities of several Engineering and/or Architecture Managers and/or Team Leaders while serving as the Enterprise Quality Engineering (QE) Capability Lead for Test Data Management (TDM), SDLC Quality Controls, and enterprise test tooling and automation. The role is accountable for establishing, institutionalizing, and operating durable QE capabilities across the organization-ensuring solutions are scalable, enforceable, and not dependent on individual contributors or one-off implementations.

Responsible for the budget of multiple cost centers spanning concurrent development streams. Provides both long- and short-term strategic direction for functional teams supporting multiple applications, portfolios, and cost centers. Serves as a primary contact to Engineering, Architecture, Technology leadership, SDLC governance partners, and business stakeholders. Oversees development, performance management, and career planning for all team members.

Primary Responsibilities

Enterprise Quality Engineering Capabilities

• Define, operationalize, and govern enterprise-wide Quality Engineering capabilities, with primary accountability for:

• Test Data Management (TDM) strategy, tooling, and provisioning

• Data protection and Class 4/5 data obfuscation in lower (non-production) environments

• SDLC quality controls, testing evidence, and verification standards

• Enterprise test tooling, test case management, and automation enablement

• Own and drive implementation of an enterprise TDM strategy, ensuring test data provisioning supports major initiatives and aligns to data protection and regulatory expectations.

• Serve as the single accountable owner for SDLC Quality Control requirements related to testing, including:

• Required testing artifacts, evidence, and traceability

• Enforceable standards published in the official SDLC repository

• Clear distinction between mandatory and recommended practices

• Ensure test artifacts (strategy, plans, execution results, traceability) are captured in approved enterprise tooling and traceable to requirements.

• Establish mechanisms to drive sustained adoption and compliance beyond training, including templates, how‑to guidance, evidence expectations, and measurable controls.

• Own enterprise test tooling enablement, ensuring delivery teams can independently create, manage, and scale test cases using approved platforms.

• Establish and operate reusable, scalable test automation frameworks (web and API), ensuring vendor‑independent approaches and multi‑team adoption.

• Maintain accountability for QE outcomes even when execution is shared with vendors; vendor participation does not dilute internal ownership.

• Contribute to broader QE capability operations, including AI‑assisted testing and performance testing, as part of the enterprise QE portfolio.

Technology & People Leadership

• Manage and participate in consults with client management to analyze short‑ and long‑range business requirements and recommend innovations that anticipate future impact.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with business partners and technology peers; maintain a high level of professional communication and collaboration.
• Monitor industry technology trends and vendor solutions; research, evaluate, and initiate change where appropriate.
• Oversee multiple application development and testing efforts, technology infrastructure and/or project management functions. Organize and direct team activities, assign personnel to initiatives, and ensure timely delivery.
• Provide short‑ and long‑term staffing plans aligned to enterprise priorities and capability needs; coordinate activities with other managers as required.
• Implement technology solutions consistent with Division standards, long‑range plans, and documentation requirements.
• Oversee solution designs aligned to business and technology needs; manage escalated issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Develop and manage multiple cost center budgets; recommend and implement policies and procedures that improve departmental performance and effectiveness.
• Drive the growth and career development of team members through coaching, training plans, knowledge sharing, and succession planning.
• Exercise managerial authority related to staffing, performance management, promotions, compensation recommendations, and terminations.

Risk, Compliance & Culture

• Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards in accordance with the Risk Appetite.
• Design, implement, maintain, and enhance internal controls; identify and escalate risk-related issues as appropriate.
• Maintain internal control standards, including timely remediation of internal and external audit findings and regulator‑raised issues.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Oversees teams where the majority of employees are engineers, architects, QE professionals, Scrum Masters, Technology Supervisors, Team Leads, Managers, and/or similar technology roles.

Supervisory / Managerial Responsibilities

• Typically 10-20 direct and indirect reports, with enterprise‑wide influence beyond direct reporting lines.

Education and Experience Required

• A combined minimum of 11 years' higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 4 years' engineering and/or architecture experience and 5 years' leadership experience including people management
• Complete understanding of the system development life cycle (SDLC)
• Demonstrated leadership delivering enterprise‑wide QE capabilities, including operating models and adoption mechanisms
• Proven ownership of SDLC quality controls, enforceable standards, templates, and testing evidence requirements
• Experience with test data management and data protection practices in lower environments, including obfuscation strategies and governance
• Strong execution management skills, including prioritization, dependency management, and institutionalizing solutions beyond direct involvement
• Experience managing complex initiatives, large system enhancements, conversions, and production issue resolution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong analytical, decision‑making, and organizational skills
• Confidence leading multiple teams across geographies and time zones
• Prior experience presenting to senior management

Education and Experience Preferred

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Minimum 12 years of technology management or large program leadership experience
• Hands‑on experience with enterprise test case management repositories and driving adoption at scale
• Experience building reusable test automation frameworks (web and API) with multi‑team and vendor coordination
• Exposure to AI‑assisted testing and/or performance testing capabilities
• Subject matter expertise in supported applications and integrated systems
• Strong understanding of the Bank's application framework, business plan, and strategic objectives
• Proven mentoring, coaching, and enterprise leadership capabilities
• Self‑motivated leader with the ability to motivate and influence others

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $139,700.00 - $232,900.00 (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America