Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Ramachandra Kolakalapudi

Suwanee,GA

Summary

Accomplished Program Test Manager with a proven track record at IBM, enhancing software quality through expert test strategy development, including E2E integration and test automation using QTP/UFT. Demonstrated leadership in building high-performing teams and boosting client satisfaction. Skilled in regression testing and fostering stakeholder relationships, ensuring project success and continuous improvement.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Test Manager

IBM
09.2023 - Current
  • Test Project Manager for Elevance Health Raven Provider, Pricing and PCP PIC tracks.
  • Developed Test Strategy, Test Plans for each project track and Provided Leadership with Test Development, execution and defects status reporting daily and weekly.
  • Developed and implemented E2E integration test srategy.
  • Boosted client satisfaction with timely identification and resolution of defects and issues.
  • Delivered high-quality software releases through meticulous test case design, preparation, execution, and reporting efforts.
  • Collaborated with development teams to ensure seamless integration between systems under test.
  • Established strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering clear communication channels throughout all project phases.
  • Led root cause analysis efforts to proactively address recurring issues impacting product quality or delivery timelines.
  • Maintained comprehensive documentation for traceability during audits or post-implementation reviews.
  • Optimized resource allocation for successful project completion, managing cross-functional teams of QA engineers and testers.
  • Streamlined processes through continuous improvement initiatives, reducing overall testing timeframes.
  • Monitored and reported on test results and performance data to identify areas of opportunity for improvement.

IT Quality Control Test Architect

Anthem/Elevance Health
10.2018 - 09.2023
  • Enterprise Test Architect providing advisory services for multiple projects. Standardize test strategy, Best Practices, Test Automation based on Anthem (Elevance Health) test automation framework, DevOps and CI/CD integration with continuous automation and managing onshore/offshore teams from multiple locations. Optimize test practices and add value to what we do and how we practice Quality Assurance
  • Built Strong QA capabilities, Manual and Automation testing teams from ground up in offshore at Legato, Carelon Health Systems located in Hyderabad and Bangalore, India
  • Developed Standardized Agile Modelled Test Strategy covering multiple PEGA projects DOFR UI, WGS Claims, HMO E2E and multiple mainframe projects SPS6, Raven, Provider and Pricing Claims
  • Created Test Execution plans for all projects. Designed E2E Test Strategy, Plan and Test Cases and successfully executed E2E testing
  • Established metrics-driven evaluation processes to measure the effectiveness of testing efforts and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Supported incident management efforts by providing expert guidance in troubleshooting and resolving production issues.
  • Championed a culture of quality assurance among peers through training sessions and workshops on best practices in testing methodologies.

Senior QA Advisor

PWC Consulting/Equifax
06.2018 - 10.2018
  • Developed Enterprise wide Test Strategy and Test Execution Plan for EFX Credit Monitoring, Freeze and MVP 2155 Senate bill compliance projects
  • Coordinated with different stakeholders and Leadership teams in socializing and presenting the Enterprise Test Strategy and standardized test planning activities.
  • Documented industry best practices for QA Process Implementation
  • Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring client portfolios and making timely adjustments.

Senior QA Director, TCoE

Trustmark Companies
05.2015 - 01.2018
  • Built Testing Center of Excellence from ground up
  • Streamlined all 3 areas of testing Manual, Automation and Performance Testing), implemented process optimization, put together a Test Strategy both for Platform and Workday, automation framework and test development and execution plans including E2E and Integration testing.
  • Managed Voluntary Benefit Solutions Portfolio from a QA perspective that comprises of multiple consumer facing projects, product enhancements and product releases to multiple clients and platforms.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.

Program Manager, QMO

Aetna
04.2013 - 04.2015
  • Built and Managed Quality Program Management Office (QMO) for a $5+ M program for Testing/QA efforts across multiple inter-related Consumer Facing projects including Healthcare Case Management, Disease Management, Utilization Management and Utilization Review functional areas
  • Developed E2E and End User Test Strategy, Test Execution Plan, Defect Management and Test Metrics Reporting activities
  • Developed proposals for QMO set up and other specific testing needs for Aetna/American Health Holding. Presented solution approach and proposals to Aetna/AHH leadership
  • Leveraged project management processes and tools to define and execute QA projects.
  • Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.


Education

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

Sidda Ganga Institute of Technology
Tumkur, India
01-1976

Skills

  • Test case design
  • Regression Testing
  • Test Data Management
  • Test strategy development
  • E2E Integration Test Strategy Developemnt
  • User Acceptance Testing
  • Defect tracking
  • System Integration Testing
  • Performance Testing
  • Test Automation, Automation Strategy and Framework creation using QTP/UFT and QC/ALM Tools
  • Requirements Analysis

Timeline

Program Test Manager

IBM
09.2023 - Current

IT Quality Control Test Architect

Anthem/Elevance Health
10.2018 - 09.2023

Senior QA Advisor

PWC Consulting/Equifax
06.2018 - 10.2018

Senior QA Director, TCoE

Trustmark Companies
05.2015 - 01.2018

Program Manager, QMO

Aetna
04.2013 - 04.2015

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

Sidda Ganga Institute of Technology
Ramachandra Kolakalapudi