Daljit Kinghorn
Reading
Summary
Accomplished QA & Release Manager with extensive experience at Yell, specialising in quality assurance, release planning, and process improvement. Demonstrated expertise in test management and team leadership, driving successful outcomes through agile methodologies and continuous integration. Proven track record in cybersecurity principles and risk assessment, enhancing organisational security posture. Career progression from Test Analyst to senior roles reflects a commitment to excellence and professional growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
QA & Release Manager
Yell
2022.06 - 2025.07
- Coordinated release schedules and deployment plans across multiple teams to align with project timelines.
- Implemented automated tools and practices to speed up release cycles and enhance efficiency.
- Established metrics to evaluate the success of software releases and report findings to senior management.
- API testing using Postman, and Swagger.
- Mobile app automation, manual test maintenance, and execution.
Information Security Officer (Secondment)
Yell
2021.11 - 2022.05
- As part of my BSc Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship programme, I joined the InfoSec team to gain a greater insight into Information Security.
- Conducted risk assessments, third-party supplier assessments, and vulnerability analyses to identify potential security threats and weaknesses.
- Attended a number of breach and attack simulations to understand how well we were equipped in case of such events.
- Reviewed security policies and audits to identify inaccuracies and recommend appropriate remediation measures.
- Took ownership of reviewing security testing tools.
QA & Release Manager
Yell
2018.09 - 2021.10
- Coordinated 2-weekly release schedules and managed deployment activities to ensure timely delivery of software updates.
- Chaired release readiness reviews, ascertaining all aspects of the release are on track for successful deployment.
- Managed risk assessment activities for software releases, identifying potential issues and proposing mitigation strategies.
- Managed release processes for software development, from planning through to deployment and post-release support.
QA Test Team Lead
Yell
2015.07 - 2018.08
- Led QA team in executing comprehensive testing strategies and methodologies to enhance product quality.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss testing progress, challenges, and solutions, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Oversaw defect management processes, prioritising issue resolution based on impact and severity assessments.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration with development and product teams to resolve quality issues promptly.
Automation Test Engineer
Yell
2013.04 - 2015.06
- Designed and maintained automated tests for both frontend applications and APIs.
- Utilised testing tools such as Selenium WebDriver and ALM Defect Management Tool, and incorporated approaches such as Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD).
- Executed automated regression tests prior to release cycles to identify software anomalies.
Test Team Lead
Yell
2008.09 - 2013.03
- Assisted in recruiting software testers and building up the team.
- Conducted training sessions to enhance team skills and promote testing best practices.
- Supported team of testers with daily tasks, regularly reviewed their test plans and defects and provided feedback.
- Participated in personal project testing to gain practical experience and support team objectives.
- Incorprated Scrum and Agile methodologies.
Senior Test Analyst
Yell
2006.12 - 2008.08
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve defects, ensuring high-quality deliverables throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Participated in requirement gathering sessions to ensure test cases align with business objectives and user expectations.
- Analysed test results and created detailed reports that informed stakeholders of potential risks and areas for improvement in applications.
Test Analyst
Yell
2004.11 - 2006.11
- Collaborated with project managers, software developers, and stakeholders to identify system requirements and refine testing strategies.
- Designed and executed detailed test plans to validate software functionality against business requirements, and technical specifications.
- Performed end-to-end system integration testing.
- Initially followed waterfall methodology.
QA Tester
KWI LTD
2004.09 - 2004.11
- Supplied specialist physical asset management and financial energy trading software to enhance operational efficiency in energy and gas industries.
- Executed end-to-end testing of trading platform, ensuring all components functioned effectively and met client specifications.
QA & Test Specialist
Amazon.co.uk
2002.08 - 2004.08
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to analyse requirements and design effective test cases for new features.
- Conducted thorough regression testing and reported defects in a timely manner to ensure software reliability.
- Executed local and global projects by conducting thorough testing throughout lifecycle using both black box and white box test techniques.
Associate Quality Assurance Engineer
Izodia PLC
2001.10 - 2002.08
- Conducted functional and technical specification reviews to ensure alignment with project objectives.
- Devised comprehensive test plans and strategic approaches for specific development deliverables.
- Facilitated efficient data entry and management to enhance operational workflows.
- Conducted peer reviews of test cases and documentation to drive improvements in quality assurance practices.
Software Tester
Sword Group (formerly Cimage Novasoft LTD)
2000.09 - 2001.09
- Executed comprehensive testing of cimage's electronic document management records management and workflow solutions.
- Created release documents and packaged software in various file formats, along with user documentation, ready to be shipped to clients.
Education
BCS Level 4 - Cyber Security
QA Ltd Apprenticeships - Awarded Distinction
2021-01
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of Salford - Awarded 2:1 with Honours
2000-01
Higher National Diploma - Business and Finance - Marketing stream
University of Salford - Awarded Distinction
1998-01
GNVQ - Business and Finance
Mackworth College - Awarded Distinction
1996-01
Skills
- Project management
- Risk assessment
- Agile methodologies
- Quality assurance
- Cybersecurity principles
- Team leadership
- Release planning
- Continuous integration
- People Management
- Process Improvement
Certification
- Skills Matter Certificate in Agile Testing: 2009
- ISEB Practitioner Certificate in Software Testing: 2006
- APMP Certificate in Project Management: 2004
- ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing: 2002
Timeline
QA & Release Manager
Yell
2022.06 - 2025.07
Information Security Officer (Secondment)
Yell
2021.11 - 2022.05
QA & Release Manager
Yell
2018.09 - 2021.10
QA Test Team Lead
Yell
2015.07 - 2018.08
Automation Test Engineer
Yell
2013.04 - 2015.06
Test Team Lead
Yell
2008.09 - 2013.03
Senior Test Analyst
Yell
2006.12 - 2008.08
Test Analyst
Yell
2004.11 - 2006.11
QA Tester
KWI LTD
2004.09 - 2004.11
QA & Test Specialist
Amazon.co.uk
2002.08 - 2004.08
Associate Quality Assurance Engineer
Izodia PLC
2001.10 - 2002.08
Software Tester
Sword Group (formerly Cimage Novasoft LTD)
2000.09 - 2001.09
BCS Level 4 - Cyber Security
QA Ltd Apprenticeships - Awarded Distinction
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of Salford - Awarded 2:1 with Honours
Higher National Diploma - Business and Finance - Marketing stream
University of Salford - Awarded Distinction
GNVQ - Business and Finance
Mackworth College - Awarded Distinction