Siobhan Bates
Leighton Buzzard,Bedfordshire
Summary
Experienced Application Manager known for driving software development projects to successful completion. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and project coordination, leveraging agile methodologies to drive successful project deliveries.
Committed to delivering technical solutions that align with business requirements while fostering team leadership and effective communication.
A seasoned Test Analyst of 6 years, with experience in lifecycle system development. In-depth knowledge of testing methodologies, from planning to execution. Consistently striving to grow abilities and passionate in aiding the growth of others.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
IT Business Applications Manager
Polar Speed Distribution (a UPS Company)
09.2023 - 01.2026
- Led and managed a team of solution specialists, effectively scheduling workloads and prioritizing tasks to meet project deadlines.
- Enhanced internal testing processes by aligning them with GAMP5 standards, improving compliance and quality assurance.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to gather, document, and validate business requirements, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Partnered with development teams to translate client requirements into actionable technical solutions.
- Owned solution design documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness based on client specifications.
- Directed test planning for large scale projects and recurring monthly releases, ensuring comprehensive coverage and timely execution.
- Produced detailed end-of-cycle and test closure reports, providing clear insights for all levels of testing.
- Oversaw release planning in coordination with external developers, ensuring adherence to test plans and release deadlines.
- Managed ServiceNow production support tickets, balancing incident resolution with ongoing project timelines.
- Delivered successful implementations both on-site and remotely, ensuring smooth deployments and minimal disruption.
- Collaborated with project managers and stakeholders to define requirements and drive successful project outcomes.
- Led application development initiatives, resulting in measurable improvements in business performance.
- Supervised and optimized software testing processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
- Analysed system and software requirements to meet operational and business needs.
- Customized Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications to align with user requirements and enhance functionality.
- Delivered end-user training on Microsoft Dynamics 365, improving adoption and maximizing system utilization.
- Fostered a positive team culture through open communication and collaboration.
- Upskilled team members by designing and delivering targeted training workshops.
- Planned and managed all project test stages, coordinating with external teams and contributing to checkpoint meetings.
Test Analyst
Polar Speed Distribution (a UPS Company)
02.2020 - 09.2023
- Created comprehensive test documentation and ensured adherence to testing phases.
- Developed test specifications, executed tests, and collated evidence effectively.
- Generated and distributed end-of-cycle and closure reports across all testing levels.
- Reviewed requirements documentation, validated against actual software behaviour.
- Assisted subject matter experts in crafting test scripts and executing tests.
- Identified defects early in the cycle; expedited resolution process.
- Provided on-site training and user guides for new features.
- Supported major deployments with both on-site and remote assistance for users.
- Collaborated with external developers to resolve defects prior to deployment.
- Led testing efforts for the largest Dynamics deployment in company history.
- Developed and maintained test scripts for long-term use.
- Collaborated with developers in troubleshooting post-implementation issues, minimising disruptions.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer sessions amongst team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated closely with developers, fostering a harmonious work environment for swift issue resolution.
IT Helpdesk Coordinator
Polar Speed Distribution (a UPS Company)
01.2016 - 02.2020
- Serve as primary point of contact for IT department, logging all IT support requests and incidents while maintaining documented procedures.
- Troubleshot potential problems before escalation, preventing major disruptions.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
Power Management Centre Coordinator
Virgin Media
02.2013 - 08.2014
- Manage all non-technical coordination documentation and organisation of activities, ensuring adherence to NGN224 and ISO9001 standards.
Helpdesk Administrator
KCE FM Limited
10.2008 - 02.2013
- Commenced tenure at KCE FM Ltd in October 2008 as office assistant, swiftly advancing to more dynamic role within three months after demonstrating capabilities.
- Maintained preventative maintenance schedules for two portfolio of clients.
- Enhanced company reputation by ensuring consistency and accuracy in all contracts.
Education
A Level -
Richmond Upon Thames College
GCSE -
Sacred Heart High School
Skills
- Software testing and quality assurance
- Project management
- Release management
- Software development lifecycle
- Agile and waterfall methodologies
- Application implementation and support
- Stakeholder engagement
- Business requirement gathering
- Team Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations
- Microsoft Power Apps, CRM, BI
- Azure Data Factory
- Azure DevOps/ Jira / Service Now
Certification
- Agile Foundations: Fundamentals - Skillsoft
- Software Testing Foundations: Testing throughout the SDLC
- Introduction to adolescent mental health - The Open University
- Working towards - Tester Foundation ISTQB
- Working towards - Professional Scrum Master Level 1
References
References available on request
Timeline
IT Business Applications Manager
Polar Speed Distribution (a UPS Company)
09.2023 - 01.2026
Test Analyst
Polar Speed Distribution (a UPS Company)
02.2020 - 09.2023
IT Helpdesk Coordinator
Polar Speed Distribution (a UPS Company)
01.2016 - 02.2020
Power Management Centre Coordinator
Virgin Media
02.2013 - 08.2014
Helpdesk Administrator
KCE FM Limited
10.2008 - 02.2013
A Level -
Richmond Upon Thames College
GCSE -
Sacred Heart High School