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Quality Assurance Manager/Architect

Location:
Venice, FL
Salary:
148000
Posted:
May 09, 2025

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Resume:

Craig Thornton

Venice, FL ***** 678-***-**** ***********@*****.***

QA Manager/Architect

Automation Testing Agile Methodologies Database Management Process Improvement

Highly accomplished and results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing frameworks to ensure software quality and optimize development processes. A Strategic thinker with a proven track record in utilizing industry-leading test management tools such as Jira to manage test plans, track defects, and collaborate across teams to streamline testing process. Demonstrated success in driving change and improving testing practices to meet evolving needs of modern software development environments. Proficient in leading testing teams and fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and quality assurance professionals to align testing strategies with business goals and project timelines. Possess deep technical expertise in utilizing programming languages such as C# and Python to refine complex automation solutions. Strong problem-solving capabilities, innovation in testing solutions, and contributions to Software Development Life Cycle.

Areas of Expertise

CI/CD Pipeline Integration Automation Best Practices Web Service Testing Scrum Framework Service Virtualization Training & Development Test Planning & Strategy Continuous Learning Team Collaboration Leadership

Professional Overview

Quality Assurance Director § Merkle / Comet Global Consulting 2015 to Present

Streamline Testing Expert leveraging expertise in landing page setup, business rule validation, log file troubleshooting, and web service testing using tools such as Postman, REST Client, SoapUI, C#, python and VB.NET.

Leveraged expertise in distributed enterprise environments to integrate unit, integration, UI, and API testing frameworks using tools such as Selenium, QTP and WATIN while directing development of scalable QA automation strategy.

Utilized expertise in JIRA, ALM, SQL and Oracle Server to develop and execute test cases, evaluate requirements and acceptance criteria, and create test scenarios to ensure project alignment and validation.

Enhanced performance across all levels by leading organizational change, mentoring teams, and applying in-depth knowledge of statistical QA methodologies and contextual quality assurance practices.

Improved application testing efficiency through Continuous Delivery and Testing frameworks with ability to quickly master technical concepts, solve problems in fast-paced environments, and develop custom testing tools.

Quality Assurance Manager § iHG § Alpharetta, GA 2014 to 2015

Optimized quality control infrastructure through collaboration with Quality Center administrators to ensure continuous system improvement, smooth operations, and adherence to industry best practices.

Tracked team performance, identified process inefficiencies, and elevated quality standards across all deliverables by designing data-driven QA metrics framework.

Drove enhanced consistency, precision, and operational efficiency across product delivery lifecycle by leading development and execution of comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) processes for iHG Mobile team.

QA Automation Consultant § Cigna § Chattanooga, TN 2014

Ensured high-quality code delivery, facilitated test execution during build and deployment stages, and collaborated with software developers to integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipeline.

Provided strategic mentorship, enhanced automation architecture skills, and fostered standards-driven approach to support professional growth of QA team members.

Led eight-week consultancy to overhaul multifaceted offshore QA automation system by implementing scalable architecture, sustainable design principles, and high-efficiency execution protocols.

Quality Assurance Manager § McKesson § Alpharetta, GA 2012 to 2014

Evaluated opportunities in mobility and performance testing and led development of advanced data management solution. Ensured thorough system validation, enhanced testing efficiency, and developed solutions for web service testing

Established robust QA processes for test case development, led adoption of automation across all applications, and drove execution of prioritized automation strategies to form and lead automation team.

Elevated testing standards and efficiency by enhancing Paragon QA, developing streamlined ALM processes, providing extensive training to the entire QA team, and establishing a focused manual testing unit.

Senior Technical QC Engineer 2011

Conducted comprehensive gap analysis between HCCT and table frameworks and identified critical opportunities for process enhancement and optimization to improve overall operational efficiency.

Integrated two distinct BPT automation frameworks, including Clinicals and ERM, through hands-on interface testing at client sites to validate system performance and enhance user experience.

Optimized testing workflows by creating Business Process Testing (BPT) scripts, validating system functionality against business requirements, and automating backend integrations with Oracle databases.

Senior QA Specialist § Cox Communications § Alpharetta, GA 2008 to 2011

Researched innovative testing solutions, maintained up-to-date knowledge of latest Quality Center and QuickTest Pro releases, and led creation and maintenance of advanced automation lab.

Developed advanced Automation Framework, enhanced project automation solutions, defined critical reporting metrics, and optimized processes for ongoing Quality Center maintenance and upgrades.

Cultivated expertise in advanced automation practices by facilitating code reviews across multiple projects, contributing customization of Quality Center, and providing mentorship and training to team members.

Early Career

Senior Automation Expert § CAS Services § Johns Creek, GA

Provided expert mentorship in QuickTest Pro, crafted comprehensive test cases, collaborated in revision of requirements, and played pivotal role in integrating Requisite Pro with Quality Center. Led enhancement and optimization of QA processes to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness across organization.

Created over 700 QuickTest Pro scripts and backend automation tools to integrate with SQL databases, validate data in XML files, and implement an advanced automation framework.

Contributed to defect review sessions for continuous improvement by streamlining testing process, reducing test cycle duration by 50% (from 10 to 5 days), and enhancing capability to test multiple applications.

Senior QA Analyst § Cox Communications § Alpharetta, GA

Spearheaded creation of LoadRunner scripts and conducted performance evaluations across multiple projects.

Refined test cases, collaborated on requirement revisions, developed automated test scripts using Quick Test Pro, established the automation framework, and trained team members.

QA Team Lead § AIG § Atlanta, GA

Directed UAT testing coordination for business and client-server projects, conducted daily team status meetings, and utilized Quality Center to generate detailed metrics on defects, test execution, and test case reporting. Fostered high-performance environment and achieved departmental objectives by leading procurement of software testing tools and providing ongoing mentorship and leadership to test team.

Led cross-project collaboration with automation team by directing automation initiatives for NextGen and Exceed projects, creating automated scripts, and developing robust testing frameworks, libraries, and global repositories.

Enhanced QA processes, conducted interviews for quality improvement, and led the QA lifecycle, including risk assessment, test case execution, NextGen Lab management, and tool research.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering § The Ohio State University § Columbus, OH

Other Involvement: Coached youth baseball, softball, and soccer teams for several years. Served as Treasurer on the HOA Board of Directors



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