Contract - Test Manager - Wellington

Datacom; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in technology solutions is seeking a Manager, Testing Services, to lead the strategy and delivery of quality assurance services across digital systems. This role requires expertise in testing methodologies, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful technology outcomes and quality compliance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing enterprise testing services.
• Proficiency across testing methodologies, automation, and tools.
• Strong coaching and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain test strategies and frameworks.
• Lead and develop a high-performing testing team.
• Plan and oversee all test phases from requirements validation.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Decision-making

Communication

Education

ISTQB Foundation Certification

Tertiary qualification in IT, Computer Science

Job description

Our purpose

Here at Datacom we connect people and technology in order to solve challenges, create opportunities and discover new possibilities for the communities we live in.

Our Why

Datacom works with organisations and communities across Australia and New Zealand to make a difference in people’s lives and help organisations use the power of tech to innovate and grow

Position Purpose

The Manager, Testing Services is responsible for leading the strategy, planning, and delivery of testing and quality assurance services across digital systems and projects. This includes end-to-end test planning, execution, automation, and quality oversight to ensure successful and risk-managed technology outcomes. The role works closely with stakeholders across ICT and business teams to embed quality throughout the solution lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Define and maintain test strategies, frameworks, and automation practices aligned with organisational priorities
• Contribute to policy and continuous improvement of testing standards and assurance processes

Team & Capability Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing testing team
• Build internal capability to support evolving technologies and delivery models (e.g. DevOps, Agile, Waterfall)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide expert advice on testing, tools, methods, and quality risk
• Communicate test outcomes and risks to technical and business stakeholders

Technical & Project Delivery

• Plan and oversee all test phases, from requirements validation to user acceptance
• Apply appropriate tools, standards, and automation to improve test efficiency and coverage
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure testing aligns with organisational delivery frameworks

Service Assurance

• Support delivery of robust, operationally-ready digital services through structured test assurance
• Lead compliance assessments and contribute to supplier evaluations and recommendations

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

• Model and ensure safe practices in all team activities and contribute to organisational wellbeing efforts

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• ISTQB Foundation Certification or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience in managing enterprise testing services
• Proficiency across testing methodologies, automation, and tools
• Strong team leadership, coaching, and communication skills
• Experience in project management and vendor coordination
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement abilities

Desirable

• ISTQB Advanced Test Manager Certification
• Tertiary qualification in IT, Computer Science, or related field

Attributes

• Strategic thinker with hands-on delivery capability
• Adaptable, collaborative, and outcome-focused
• Skilled in managing competing priorities with a calm, solutions-driven approach