Director

Job Description

Job Title: Director SQA (Data)

Work Location: Hyderabad or Chennai (open to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, NCR)

Work Arrangement: Requires a minimum of 9 working days per month from the Chennai office, with the remaining days flexible to be worked from any of the other listed locations.

About The Role

Acentra Health supports a high-volume healthcare data system accessed through multiple web portals. As Director Software Quality Assurance (SQA), you will lead the SQA function with a focus on zero-defect delivery, continuous improvement, and alignment with business objectives. This role demands strategic leadership, hands-on expertise in quality assurance methodologies, and a commitment to innovation and transformation. You will also play a key role in validating AI-driven systems, ensuring the quality of data used in machine learning models, and enforcing AI compliance standards across the software lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities & Technical Leadership

Quality Strategy & Leadership

- Lead the Software Quality Assurance team and ensure accountability for delivery quality, customer relationships, and test strategy.
- Provide strategic direction across program releases, managing resources, cost, risk, and scope.
- Deliver executive dashboards and metrics to monitor and communicate quality performance.

Process & Framework Oversight

- Oversee the SQA process using reusable frameworks for test planning and execution.
- Ensure traceability of test plans and scripts across releases.
- Enforce adherence to established controls, standards, and methodologies.

Automation & Innovation

- Lead and refine the QA program with a strong focus on automation.
- Encourage innovation in all aspects of SQA, including the use of AI-driven automation tools.
- Align QA practices with industry standards and emerging technologies.

AI & Data Validation

- Collaborate with AI/ML teams to validate model outputs and ensure the quality of training and inference data.
- Develop testing strategies for AI-enabled features, including bias detection, fairness, and performance benchmarking.
- Ensure traceability and reproducibility of AI model testing using MLOps tools and frameworks.

AI Compliance & Governance

- Ensure AI systems comply with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and internal governance policies.
- Implement testing protocols to validate transparency, explainability, and accountability of AI models.
- Collaborate with legal, compliance, and data governance teams to align QA practices with evolving AI regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, emerging AI legislation).
- Maintain documentation and audit trails for AI-related testing and validation activities.

Risk & Delivery Management

- Identify and mitigate risks in product releases.
- Ensure successful delivery of program releases with a focus on quality and timeliness.
- Communicate risk mitigation plans effectively to stakeholders and customers.

Transformation & Change Management

- Lead transformation initiatives aligned with Acentra Health's strategic objectives.
- Drive change management within the SQA team and across the organization.
- Collaborate closely with senior management to align QA strategy with business goals.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 18+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance, preferably in the healthcare domain.
- Experience working with AI/ML systems, data-centric testing, and compliance frameworks.

Technical Expertise

- Deep knowledge of SQA methodologies and tools.
- Proven track record in managing diverse testing approaches and automation frameworks.
- Experience with AI-enhanced automation tools and MLOps platforms.
- Strong understanding of data pipelines, model validation, and cloud-based testing environments (e.g., AWS).
- Familiarity with AI compliance standards and regulatory frameworks.

Leadership Role Core Competencies

- Technical Expertise: Deep subject-matter knowledge; mentors others and drives excellence.
- Strategic Thinker: Sets direction, aligns priorities, and influences at scale.
- Type A Energy: Assertive, organized, goal-oriented, and relentlessly driven.
- Confident Communicator: Clear, persuasive, and audience aware.
- Innovative & Impact-Driven: Anticipates challenges, creates solutions, and measures results.
- Systems & Scale Focused: Designs for long-term impact and cross-functional scalability.
- Agile Leader: Adapts quickly, thrives in ambiguity, and leads through change.
- Authentic & Accountable: Leads with integrity, urgency, and ownership.
- Developer of People: Builds talent and champions growth.

Soft Skills

- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Self-starter with effective time and project management skills.
- Analytical thinker and collaborative team player.