Rafael Tobia

About Rafael Tobia

Rafael Tobia is a performance-driven, analytical, and process-focused IT Leadership Professional, showcasing proven success in leading test engineering activities based on in-depth knowledge and understanding regarding software development, testing, deployment, and support. He earned a winning reputation for reducing product defect leakage up to 50% per quarter and increasing automated API test coverage for a flagship Tier-1 platform to guide Ratings Analysts globally while supporting a $1Bn+ revenue business value stream. He offers 20+ years of transferable experience in cultivating and implementing best-in-class policies and procedures regarding quality assurance activities while ensuring effective product testing and defect triage. He operates as a highly visible Agile Quality Champion, chairing multiple programs from concept to execution, including facilitating a seamless transition from Waterfall to Agile software delivery to achieve operational excellence. During an accomplished career of continuous growth and success, Rafael acquired advanced expertise across various business domains, including banking, financial services, and global payments, coupled with an ability to design, roll out, and drive adoption of QA and test automation practices. He transitioned 20+ software product delivery scrum teams from primarily manual testing into a structured and disciplined service organization, coupled with an emphasis on the “Whole Team Ownership of Product Quality and Delivery” approach. He facilitates end-to-end system and integration testing while expanding API test coverage and reducing manual testing efforts to ensure system functionality, reliability, performance, and security. He possesses a proven track record of success in consistently exceeding expectations while devising, executing, and improving quality standards, tools, and methods to maintain excellence across new and existing products. As a concept-to-completion driver, Rafael manages multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously while utilizing prioritization, multitasking, and time management skills to complete deliverables on time, under budget, and in alignment with requirements. He utilizes collaborative leadership skills to empower diverse teams toward achieving business goals while steering training and development initiatives to enhance the staff’s technical skills. He leverages technology to cultivate scalable technology-focused solutions, facilitate process improvements, streamline operations, and generate cost optimization while driving organization-wide efficiency.

Experience

1. Senior Consultant, Delivery Leadership

   Slalom

   Jul 2021 — Present · New York, NY, US

   CORPORATE CLIENT ENGAGEMENT | SOFTWARE TESTING | DEFECT TRIAGE | TEST AUTOMATIONSOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION | TEST GOVERNANCE | BUG RESOLUTIONAGILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE | FUNCTIONAL TESTING | CASE DESIGN• Assume a multifaceted and all-encompassing consultation and leadership role, managing various engagements and workstreams simultaneously while supporting clientele regarding end-to-end testing, defect triage, high-priority events, test automation, and software implementation initiatives.• Collaborate with consultants and clients\' QA leadership to conceptualize and implement robust agile testing strategies and quality engineering approaches, including test automation, CI/CD, and DevOps.• Define CI/CD and DevOps viability, performance controls, and test automation strategy in liaison with project execution teams and senior management while supporting all phases of execution.• Manage Salesforce CRM execution project for a large public sector client while coaching QA testers on Waterfall to Agile testing best practices, coupled with streamlining all facets of Agile software development operations.• Develop and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships with leading technology providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Salesforce, Snowflake, and Tableau to achieve business objectives.• Supervise delivery leadership practice of the Business Advisory Services Group in the New York City market.• Lead engagement design and discovery phase while assessing testing tools and automation frameworks.• Contribute toward end-to-end software development and testing lifecycle from ideation to deployment.• Administer education and guidance for clients\' IT organizations to optimize service excellence and efficiency.• Devise test approaches/plans for specific test areas, including functional, integration, and data migration.• Serve as a QA Leader, delivering scalable software product quality and enterprise QA solutions.

Education

• University of the Philippines

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)