Team Lead External Applications

Department of Conservation (DOC); Auckland; On-site; NZD 109,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Department of Conservation leads the development of external applications, websites, intranet, and Microsoft platform solutions to support DOC’s customers and partners across Aotearoa.

The role focuses on steering platform strategy, governance, and security while building a high-performing team and collaborating with Māori partners and business leaders to deliver reliable, customer-focused digital services.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading application development, digital platform, or systems administration teams.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft platform technologies, enterprise applications, website platforms, Dynamics, or comparable SaaS solutions.
• Experience balancing business needs, technical sustainability, risk, and value for money when making technology decisions.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle, DevOps, release management, integration practices, and modern application support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, configuration, support, and continuous improvement of DOC's external applications, websites, intranet, and Microsoft platform solutions.
• Drive platform strategy and roadmaps, prioritising enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and service improvements that deliver business value and customer outcomes.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of developers and system administrators, fostering growth, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Ensure applications are secure, reliable, well-governed, and aligned with DOC's architecture, information management, and security standards.
• Partner with stakeholders, vendors, and Māori to deliver high-quality digital services that meet evolving organisational and customer needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Microsoft stack

SDLC & DevOps

Vendor management

Stakeholder engagement

People development

Te Tiriti knowledge

Tools

Dynamics

Microsoft platforms

Job description

• Shape the digital experiences that connect people with nature, leading the platforms, people, and technology behind DOC's customer-facing services
• $108,946.00 - $150,000.00
• Permanent full time, Wellington location preferred – open to Auckland

Lead the digital platforms that connect New Zealanders with nature, shaping the applications, websites, and services that power DOC’s public-facing experience

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mʼn te tūra | About the role

Great conservation outcomes rely on great digital experiences. As Team Lead External Applications, you'll lead the team responsible for the platforms and applications that support DOC's customers, partners, and communities across Aotearoa.

This is an opportunity to combine people leadership, technical expertise, and strategic thinking to ensure DOC's external applications, including the Microsoft platform, website, intranet, and Dynamics ecosystem, are reliable, secure, and continuously improving. You'll work closely with business leaders, product owners, architects, vendors, delivery teams, and Māori partners to deliver technology solutions that are fit for purpose, customer-focused, and aligned to DOC's long-term digital strategy. You'll also play a key role in growing internal capability and championing the smart use of modern, off-the-shelf platforms to deliver sustainable, high-value outcomes.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading the development, configuration, support, and continuous improvement of DOC's external applications, websites, intranet, and Microsoft platform solutions
• Driving platform strategy and roadmaps, prioritising enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and service improvements that deliver business value and customer outcomes
• Building and leading a high-performing team of developers and system administrators, fostering growth, collaboration, and technical excellence
• Ensuring applications are secure, reliable, well-governed, and aligned with DOC's architecture, information management, and security standards
• Partnering with stakeholders, vendors, and Māori to deliver high-quality digital services that meet evolving organisational and customer needs

Ngā pūkenga me ēi wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven experience leading application development, digital platform, or systems administration teams
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft platform technologies, enterprise applications, website platforms, Dynamics, or comparable SaaS solutions
• Experience balancing business needs, technical sustainability, risk, and value for money when making technology decisions
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle, DevOps, release management, integration practices, and modern application support
• Experience leading vendors, suppliers, and technology partners to deliver successful outcomes
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders across technical and non-technical environments
• A passion for developing people, building capability, and creating inclusive, high-performing teams
• An appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and a commitment to working effectively with Māori and diverse perspectives

He aha ā ā\U0001D0BĀ ĀĀĀ? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more?

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $108,946.00 - $150,000.00, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pāt-a anń, whakapá mai | For further enquiries

Please contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor [e-mail]

Please note, we’re unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.