Testing Leadership & Strategy Lead

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

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.