IT Project Test Lead

About the role

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced IT Project Test Leader to lead testing, validation, training, and cutover activities supporting a large-scale manufacturing facility startup and legacy site transition. This role will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive testing strategies across enterprise and manufacturing systems while ensuring operational readiness, compliance, and successful business adoption. The ideal candidate has deep experience leading complex testing programs in manufacturing environments, including MES, ERP, WMS, infrastructure, and production floor technologies.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the overall testing and training strategy for a new manufacturing facility startup and legacy site closure.
• Coordinate testing activities across enterprise and manufacturing systems, including MES, ERP, WMS, infrastructure, and production floor solutions.
• Ensure IT deliverables align with operational startup milestones and production readiness requirements.
• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).
• Manage testing teams, schedules, defect management, test execution reporting, and stakeholder communications.
• Ensure testing documentation, traceability, validation evidence, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Support data migration validation, system integration testing, operational readiness assessments, and cutover planning.
• Develop and execute training strategies for plant personnel, supervisors, and support teams.
• Oversee creation of training materials, SOPs, work instructions, job aids, and system user guides.
• Support go-live planning and execution, ensuring a smooth transition to production operations.
• Establish and manage hypercare support models, including stabilization plans, issue management, performance monitoring, and executive reporting.
• Partner closely with business stakeholders, project managers, vendors, quality teams, and manufacturing operations leaders to ensure successful deployment and adoption.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience leading testing and quality assurance activities for large-scale IT implementations.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain, or production environments.
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies, defect management, validation processes, and system integration testing.
• Experience with MES, ERP, WMS, production floor systems, infrastructure deployments, and enterprise applications.
• Proven experience leading UAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ activities.
• Experience developing training programs and organizational readiness plans.
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing facility startups, greenfield implementations, or plant expansions.
• Knowledge of GxP, validation, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting cutover planning, data migration, and hypercare operations.
• PMP, CSM, CQE, or equivalent certification preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans offering optional financial protection.
• ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program with company match after 12 months of tenure.
• HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan).
• SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions.
• Corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
• On-demand training program, access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars after 6+ months tenure, plus certification discounts and perks