Team Lead External Applications

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

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Team Lead External Applications to oversee the platforms and applications that support DOC's customers, partners, and communities across Aotearoa. You’ll lead a growing team of developers and system administrators, shaping external applications, websites, and Microsoft-based solutions.

In this role you will drive platform strategy, manage roadmaps, and ensure security, governance, and service improvements that deliver value and strong customer

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading application development, digital platform, or system administration teams.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft stack and enterprise apps.
• Experience balancing business needs with technical sustainability and risk.
• Strong understanding of SDLC, DevOps, and release management.
• Experience leading vendors and partners.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
• Passion for developing people and inclusive teams.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti Waitangi principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, configuration, support and improvement of 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

People development

DevOps & release management

SaaS platforms knowledge

Tools

Microsoft platform technologies

Dynamics

Website platforms

Enterprise applications

SaaS solutions

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

Mō te tūragana | 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.

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

Ngą pūkenga me ną wheako | Skills and experience

We are keen to hear from you, if you have;

• 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 ŏp? | 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.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

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

Me he pātai anŏ, whakapā 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.