Available to hire
I am Mark J Nicoll, a Shift-Left Agile Senior/Lead Software Test Engineer with 19 years of experience delivering high-quality, efficient testing solutions. I specialise in end-to-end testing across front-end, back-end, and APIs, helping teams deliver robust software.
I have a track record of establishing QA practices in low-documentation or ambiguous environments, bringing structure, clarity, and pragmatic quality governance. I also implement API automation with JavaScript in Postman (and Mocha/Chakram/Chai) and have introduced modern UI automation using Playwright. I’m passionate about mentoring testers at all levels, fostering open communication, and driving continuous improvement across teams and delivery pipelines.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Senior Software Tester (Contractor) at Love2Shop
May 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026Developed and automated API tests using Postman to ensure robust functionality and performance. Championed a shift-left approach to quality, focusing on early detection and prevention of defects. Collaborated with stakeholders at all levels to align testing efforts with business objectives. Was asked to lead the testing within the second week of starting, and created a risk-based approach to testing across projects under tight deadlines.
Senior QA Engineer at Waters Corporation
February 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025Embedded in the API team to design tests & automate new endpoints for a high-priority greenfield project, leveraging Postman for exploratory testing and installing Mocha, Chakram & Chai with automated tests to detect defects early and improve release quality.
Senior QA Engineer at ATMOS International
September 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024Focusing on next-generation leak detection SaaS solutions for oil and gas pipelines. Spearheaded regression testing optimization for a new web-based SaaS project, introducing C# Playwright automation that reduced manual testing by 10% in the first few months. Utilized Azure DevOps, NUnit, and Git to deliver robust testing solutions.
QA Engineering Lead at ORCHA (Health)
March 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023As the inaugural QA Lead for ORCHA’s rewrite project for the reviewed medical app libraries, introduced and refined best practices that fostered a shift-left culture across the organization. Led the Integrations & API team to ensure robust backend services that underpin our front-end products. Tested and automated API endpoints (Postman, Newman) and established best practices in collaboration with fellow testers.
Test Lead at The Modern Milkman
June 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022Led a hybrid team of six testers (junior to senior) plus four offshore members, driving a company-wide focus on quality. Championing a shift-left Agile approach by involving testers in early development phases, establishing quality gateways, and breaking down silos between developers and QA—resulting in fewer defects and faster delivery. Onboarded and coached three junior testers with non-technical backgrounds, providing guidance that accelerated their growth. Oversaw testing for the admin website, driver app, and customer-facing websites/apps (Android & iOS), ensuring end-to-end quality in an agile environment.
Senior Software QA Analyst at Sorted Group
April 1, 2017 - June 30, 2021Led a team of four developers while maintaining hands-on QA responsibilities in a high-growth environment. Coordinated daily stand-ups, managed sprint commitments, and resolved blockers. Automated 130+ Postman APIs, migrated test plans to Azure DevOps, introduced Blue/Green release processes, and established a SharePoint testing hub with documentation. Mentored junior and mid-level testers to strengthen QA skills and team performance.
Software QA Analyst at Zuto
December 1, 2014 - April 30, 2017Championed a greenfield CI testing process within a Kanban environment and led the web team QA for launches with minimal issues. Mentored testers on new technologies and ensured regulatory compliance in a finance-driven setting.
Software QA Analyst at Manheim Retail Services
March 1, 2008 - December 31, 2014Tested database- and image-driven web applications for the motoring trade; performed manual and automated testing (Selenium IDE) with SQL queries, SoapUI, and Test Track Pro for defect tracking and evidence logging. Contributed to a culture of innovation that garnered industry awards.
Test Analyst (Secondment) at RAC (Motoring Services)
January 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008Supported testing for motoring services with a focus on QA and process improvements; automated processes in line with business needs.
Education
Qualifications
Inspired: How to Create Products Customers Love
January 11, 2030 - April 29, 2026Leadership & Management – Theory & Skills
January 11, 2030 - April 29, 2026Industry Experience
Retail, Healthcare, Software & Internet, Energy & Utilities, Professional Services, Financial Services
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
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