Testing is gaining an increasing profile in the mobile industry; Java Verified and Symbian Signed are rapidly becoming the benchmark for all new applications. In parallel with this, Sony Ericsson has achieved impressive growth since its formation in 2001 and its Developer Program team is growing too.

"Testing has always been important to Sony Ericsson," says Mikael Nerde, head of Sony Ericsson Developer and Accessory Programs & Content Planning. "Until now however, responsibilities for the various aspects of mobile-applications testing has been shared among the Developer Program team. Our growth as a company and the increasing importance of testing means we have identified the need for a dedicated resource."

The key function of this role will be to represent Sony Ericsson on the Java Verified and Symbian Signed steering groups. To do this effectively the Manager, Application Testing Services will need to liaise with developers both within Sony Ericsson and across the broad mobile developer community.

"We are seeing an increasing demand for applications to be certified, through both Symbian Signed and Java Verified," says Mikael. "These applications are getting larger and more complex, particularly for our UIQ phones. So ensuring that the certification programs best reflect the needs of Sony Ericsson developers and the industry as a whole is very important."

The increasing demand for certification means that the number of independent test houses providing certification is growing. Working with these test houses will be an important feature of the role.

Mikael believes the ideal candidate will probably have experience of test management within the mobile industry, possibly with an operator or hardware manufacturer. "The ideal candidate will know what makes for good testing criteria and processes, both from a strategic and practical perspective," say Mikael. "However, mobile industry knowledge will be essential for them to effectively represent Sony Ericsson on industry bodies."

Ultimately this new role will be at the heart of Sony Ericsson's plans to grow the developer market for Java and Symbian application for its phones. "Sony Ericsson has made strong commitment to certification, to benefit developer and the quality of applications," says Mikael. "For the right candidate this role will be interesting and fulfilling. They will have a high profile in the mobile industry, as they will be defining Sony Ericsson's strategy for application testing."

Applications for are open until 14 January 2007. Details on the role and how to apply can be found at www.sonyericsson.com/careers.

Job Title: Manager, Application Testing Services

Description: The mission of the Sony Ericsson Developer Program is to equip applications developers and content publishers with the tools, information and support they require to effectively deliver top-tier content on Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

The Manager, Application Testing Services is responsible for coordinating and driving Sony Ericsson's involvement in industry-wide application certification programs, as well enabling the use and understanding of internal processes around and managing market requirements on platform security.

Selected tasks for this role are:

• Interfacing with and representing Sony Ericsson in selected industry-wide application testing and certification programs, such as JavaVerified and Symbian Signed.
• Interfacing with and driving relationships with test house, for example Cap Gemini, NSTL and mPhasis.
• Describing and optimizing the internal processes involving these programs.
• Managing and driving Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication's internal steering groups and forum regarding 3rd party testing and certification, for example the Symbian Signed Review Group.
• Updating and managing the different levels of internal access to certification tools.
• Reviewing, giving feedback to and evolving testing criteria both internally and with the industry-wide application certification programs.
• Maintaining and keeping the external information and access points for partners and developer community to certification information and resources up-to-date.
• Responding to questions on how to access certification programs and how to use best practices.
• Preparing and publishing information materials for internal awareness.
• Evaluate requests to change or adapt the certificate levels and platform security variables.

Qualifications:

• A University Master's level degree
• A minimum of 5 years in product/project management, Quality Assurance management or software testing/verification
• Previous contract negotiation experience
• Knowledge within the application testing processes and testing criteria area
• Used to work and perform in a high-pressure and high-demand environment
• A good understanding of application software business
• Fluency in English is a must, both written and spoken. Further fluency in additional languages is a plus
• Previous international experience is highly desired

Relocation services will be provided if needed for the proper candidate.