Lead Automation Test Manager

luvo Talent; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Luvo Talent is seeking an experienced Lead Automation Test Manager to join a major Federal Government agency on a long-term contract. This senior, hands-on role leads test automation strategy, frameworks and quality engineering practices across complex enterprise systems.

You’ll work closely with delivery teams, technical specialists and senior stakeholders to improve automation capability, software quality and release confidence.

Qualifications

• Senior-level hands-on leadership in test automation
• Experience designing scalable automation frameworks
• Proven ability to drive API/UI/end-to-end automation
• Strong knowledge of CI/CD, DevOps and quality gates
• Experience leading teams and influencing stakeholders
• Certifications such as ISTQB Advanced are highly regarded

Responsibilities

• Lead test automation strategy, architecture, standards and governance.
• Design and improve scalable, reusable automation frameworks.
• Oversee API, UI, integration and end-to-end automated testing.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and release processes.
• Establish risk-based testing approaches, quality gates and reporting.
• Improve test data management, environments and automation reliability.
• Lead, coach and mentor technical teams, including code/design reviews.
• Work with senior stakeholders to identify risks and drive improvements.

Skills

Test automation leadership

Automation framework design

API/UI/end-to-end automation

CI/CD / DevOps

Stakeholder influence

Team mentoring

Education

ISTQB Advanced Certification

Tools

CI/CD tooling

Automation frameworks

Source control systems

Job description

• Location: Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide
• Security: Must be eligible to obtain Baseline Clearance
• Location: Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide
• Security: Must be eligible to obtain Baseline Clearance
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid (initial 6 weeks onsite)

We are seeking an experienced Lead Automation Test Manager to join a major Federal Government agency on a long-term contract.

This is a senior, hands‑on technical leadership role responsible for developing and leading test automation strategy, frameworks and quality engineering practices across complex enterprise systems.

You’ll work closely with delivery teams, technical specialists and senior stakeholders to improve automation capability, software quality and release confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead test automation strategy, architecture, standards and governance.
• Design and improve scalable, reusable automation frameworks.
• Oversee API, UI, integration, system and end‑to‑end automated testing.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and release processes.
• Establish risk‑based testing approaches, quality gates and reporting.
• Improve test data management, test environments and automation reliability.
• Lead, coach and mentor technical teams, including code and design reviews.
• Work with senior stakeholders to identify risks and drive continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience leading enterprise test automation or quality engineering initiatives.
• Strong hands‑on automation engineering and framework design skills.
• Expertise in API, UI, integration and end‑to‑end automation.
• Solid understanding of CI/CD, DevOps, source control and quality gates.
• Experience with test strategy, risk‑based testing, defect management and root cause analysis.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, problem‑solving and technical leadership skills.
• Relevant qualifications or certifications (ISTQB Advanced, Automation or DevOps) are highly regarded.

Additional Information

This is an initial 12‑month contract with potential extensions of up to 24 months.

Successful applicants will initially be required to work onsite for six weeks before hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Applicants must be eligible to obtain Australian Government Baseline Security Clearance.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a one‑page pitch addressing the selection criteria.