Team Leader Testing

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 118,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking a senior leader to guide testing across large-scale programmes on a 6-month fixed-term basis into 2027. You will shape workforce planning, recruit and grow talent, and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports learning, innovation and wellbeing.

You will drive testing strategy, align resources with business demand, oversee delivery, governance and quality standards, and champion modern tools and methods.

Qualifications

• Experience leading testing teams in a large organisation, preferably in the public sector.
• Experience managing testing for technical and business transformation projects, including a major service implementation.
• Knowledge and practical experience of software development lifecycle (SDLC) principles.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their relevance to the Department.
• Sound knowledge of risk management.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Support planning of workforce needs and recruit and grow talent.
• Build an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports learning, innovation and wellbeing.
• Oversee delivery, governance and quality standards for testing efforts.
• Champion the latest tools and methods in testing.
• Partner with clients, vendors and senior stakeholders to provide expert advice.
• Drive continuous improvement across testing programs.

Skills

Leading testing teams

Stakeholder engagement

SDLC knowledge

Risk management

Communication skills

Job description

About Us

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we record every life and every death, every marriage and every name change. Our work really does impact the life of every New Zealander. We're passionate about this country and the people that call it home.

The Testing practice sits within Enterprise Digital Services, a branch dedicated to supporting the rest of the Department to succeed by providing corporate services that help business groups and people within DIA to make the best contribution to New Zealand.

The role

Te tūnga. This is a 6 month fixed term role taking you into 2027. It's a fantastic opportunity to support a team while contributing to improve our Testing practice. You will support the planning of workforce needs, recruit and grow talent, and build an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports learning, innovation and wellbeing.

Help shape our testing capability and strategy, align resources with business demand, and oversee delivery, governance and quality standards. You will champion the latest tools and methods, and partner with clients, vendors and senior stakeholders to provide expert advice and drive continuous improvement.

What you bring

• Experience leading testing teams and engagements in a large organisation, preferably in the public sector, and coaching and developing staff.
• Experience managing testing for technical and business transformation projects, including a successful major service implementation.
• Knowledge and practical experience of software development lifecycle (SDLC) principles.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their relevance to the Department.
• Sound knowledge of risk management.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to resolve complex problems and exercise sound judgement in making or recommending decisions.

Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

For you

At Internal Affairs, we're proud of the culture we're building - collaborative, forward-thinking, and open to new ideas. You'll be supported to do your best work, grow your impact, and challenge the status quo where it matters.

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz.

The appointing range for this role $117,734 - $130,815 plus KiwiSaver contributions and other benefits see link above.