Job Description

Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Location: Wellington
Business Group Digital Services and Solutions
Branch: Digital Services
Salary: $136,502 – $169,869

Shape the future of digital services for Aotearoa. As a Senior Test Manager at Te Tari Taiwhenua – Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), you’ll provide governance and act as the single point of contact for Quality Assurance across all testing activities within a defined programme or portfolio. This is a leadership role where you’ll influence strategy, lift capability, and ensure quality outcomes for projects that matter to New Zealanders.

About Us

Working at Te Tari Taiwhenua, the Department of Internal Affairs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders. We are on a journey of building modern digital platforms. We do this by putting customers and their whānau at the heart to deliver services in a more joined-up, effective way and provide better responses to our customers' changing needs and expectations.

Te Ara Matihiko, Digital Services and Solutions sits within Te Pūnaha Matihiko, the Digital Services branch, which leads the Department's technology strategy and provides insights and advice to help maximise business outcomes from technology investment. The “Way We Work” is collective, productive, and future-focused.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide governance and oversight for all testing activities across programmes and portfolios.
• Lead and deliver testing for large, complex, and critical projects.
• Ensure strategic objectives and outcomes are factored into decision-making.
• Coach and mentor test managers and analysts to build capability.
• Scan the environment to identify trends, opportunities, and risks related to testing.
• Support the design and delivery of the Testing Practice training programme.
• Act as the escalation point for test-related risks and issues.
• Manage test planning, estimation, and resource allocation (including vendors).
• Contribute to DIA’s testing policy, strategy, and future service offerings.

Skills & Experience

• Experience:
  • Extensive experience in managing testing for technical and business transformation projects.
  • Proven success in leading major service implementation projects.
• Knowledge & Skills:
  • Strong understanding of SDLC, Agile, and modern delivery methods.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Qualifications:
  • Degree in Information Systems or equivalent experience.
  • ISTQB Advanced Level preferred.
  • NZ Citizen

Why Join Us?

If you thrive on cutting-edge projects, genuine challenges, and knowing that what you do matters for the good of New Zealand, this is the role for you.

• Work on projects that impact millions of New Zealanders.
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values innovation and excellence.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment.
• Competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Our Commitment

We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We work collectively to make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders now and in the future.

Ready to lead testing that shapes the future?

Apply now and bring your expertise to a team that takes pride in what we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.

Applications close: 5pm, 2 January 2026.
For more information please contact: Lois.Carlos@dia.govt.nz
To review the full job description, please click here.

At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.