About Wakefern Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Gourmet Garage® and Di Bruno Bros.® banners. Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices. Summary Working under the direction of the Technology Services Supervisor, the Automation & Process Improvement Specialist is responsible for creating and supporting efficiencies using automated testing tools, scripting, testing support, and optimizing processes related to the hardware and software testing responsibilities of the Retail Services team. Acting as a principal advisor for QA automation, this associate will also be required to help shape automation standards and identify continuous growth opportunities. The ideal candidate will have experience with automated testing tool implementation, tool implementation, scripting, documentation creation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement. Essential Functions • Align with Technology Services Supervisor on the following QA automation-related initiatives that will enable the Retail Services team to be able to take on additional QA testing and support: • Define requirements for new QA automation opportunities, including AI-enhanced and codeless automation and testing platforms • Work with vendors to identify and evaluate potential QA automation and testing solutions • Integrate and implement new automation tools • Develop and maintain automated test scripts for hardware and software systems • Perform coding & scripting as needed to support and enhance the testing performed with automated testing tools • Work with QA automation frameworks and tools such as SmartBear, Selenium, JUnit, Jest, Appium, or comparable solutions • Perform system administration and support activities for all selected solutions • Work with vendors to update existing solutions regularly as recommended to stay current with releases • Execute automated test scripts and test cases and analyze results to identify defects and ensure system reliability • Identify reporting opportunities that align with department needs around QA testing • Collaborate with development and QA teams to define testing requirements and create comprehensive test plans • Identify, document, and track defects using appropriate tools and methodologies • Work closely with development teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues • Continuously improve upon testing processes and methodologies to enhance test coverage and efficiency • Conduct eCommerce related testing (for web sites, mobile apps, etc.) and work with eCommerce teams (development, business, and vendor) to continually enhance and support eCommerce testing automation opportunities • Identify opportunities for the development and/or optimization of software distribution processes • Provide documentation & cross-training to all team members on new and existing solutions • Participate in vendor partnership projects as applicable • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and assist with document creation for testing, training, and support related to team job aids, knowledge base articles, and Retail Services team succession planning • Assist with retail hardware and software QA testing as needed • Stay current with industry trends and best practices in QA automation Additional Functions • Evaluate existing tools (such as Clarizen and Jira) to determine opportunities for use by other Retail Services teams to create structure, workflows, and reporting • Participate in new projects as they relate to hardware and software QA testing and/or implementation as applicable • Evaluate opportunities for tools related to project tracking, implementation, and Field Services team related work • Create and maintain SharePoint sites as needed to organize testing and project related documents Qualifications • College degree preferred or equivalent IT certifications and work experience • Professional certifications in QA testing or testing automation methodologies • Minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in QA automation with increasing responsibility, preferably in environments supporting retail systems, with a focus on both hardware and software systems and the unique testing requirements of retail systems • Experience with providing superuser and system administrator support for QA automation platforms • Strong knowledge of automation tools and frameworks (such as SmartBear, Selenium, Appium, Junit, Jest, Detox, etc.) • Experience with scripting languages (such as Python, JavaScript, Ant, etc.) and programming languages (such as Java, C#, etc.) • Strong working knowledge of tools such as Jira, Zephyr, Confluence, etc. • Familiarity with modern CI/CD practices, containerized environments, and API testing • Knowledge of performance testing and load testing tools • Experience with requirements gathering and vendor solution evaluation and selection • Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft 365 suite, including legacy Microsoft Office applications such as Word for documentation and correspondence, Excel for planning, analysis and reporting, and PowerPoint to aid in creating impactful presentations • Ability to define, document, communicate, implement, and support new processes • Excellent communication and training skills • Willingness for continuous learning and training to support up to date automated solutions Working Conditions & Physical Demands • Ability to sit and work in front of a computer monitor for extended periods of time • Communicate with colleagues, clients, and/or partners by phone, e-mail, web conference, and in person • Willingness to support demanding testing timeframes, and other time-sensitive work, during off-hours and on weekends based on project demands • In office 4x per week Core Competencies • Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication. • Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships. • Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work. • Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology. • Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth. • Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals. Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.