Test Lead
Date: 8 Nov 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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Wellington based
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24 Months fixed term/Secondment opportunity
If you're an experienced testing professional who enjoys improving quality, mentoring others, and helping deliver trusted data solutions that make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
About our team | Mō te tīma
MSD – services for the future is a multi-year programme to transform how we operate so we can deliver for New Zealanders and focus our resources and investment on the people who need it. The programme will make significant changes to our underlying systems, processes, and introduce redesigned services that put people first.
The Information, Data, and Analytics team is leading an ambitious work programme to uplift our data and information capabilities to support the Transformation initiatives, while also establishing Enterprise level standards for BAU. MSD operates within a highly complex data environment, and our focus is on creating the foundations that allow data to be managed deliberately and consistently over time. This includes developing an enterprise data model, strengthening stewardship and governance, embedding a standardised data quality framework, and establishing master data management practices.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As the Test Lead, you will play a key role in supporting MSD's Enterprise Data Platform and ensuring the quality, reliability, and readiness of critical data solutions. Working across Strategy and Insights, you will provide expert advice, guidance, and leadership on testing practices to help deliver high-quality data products and services.
You will be responsible for leading the testing activities for enterprise data solutions, including developing the Test Strategy and Test Plan, defining test cases based on business and MDM use cases, and ensuring end-to-end quality outcomes across upstream and downstream systems.
Working closely with Delivery Leads, business stakeholders, data engineers, and solution specialists, you will provide leadership across the testing lifecycle, from test planning and test design through to execution oversight, defect management, and quality assurance sign-off. You will be accountable for ensuring testing activities are aligned to agreed quality standards and that solutions are fit for purpose before release into production.
This role requires a strong Functional Test Lead who combines hands-on senior testing experience with the technical capability to understand complex data integration and data platform solutions. You will define the testing approach, identify opportunities for automation, and guide the implementation of automated testing where appropriate, while remaining focused on delivering business outcomes and quality assurance across the end-to-end solution.
This role combines technical expertise with coaching and mentoring. You will support the growth of testing capability across Strategy and Insights by sharing knowledge, providing practical guidance, and helping teams adopt effective testing practices. You will also stay up to date with emerging testing tools, technologies, and approaches to continuously enhance MSD's testing capability.
As a trusted testing specialist, you will provide assurance on the quality and readiness of solutions, balancing project requirements, timelines, and risks. Your work will help improve confidence in data and technology solutions, support informed decision-making, and contribute to the successful delivery of MSD's wider strategic goals.
To be successful in this role, you will bring strong testing expertise and a passion for improving quality across data and technology solutions. You will have a relevant tertiary qualification in a related discipline, or significant professional experience, along with a proven ability to lead testing practices in complex data environments.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
You will also bring:
- Strong experience across a range of testing methodologies and techniques, with the ability to determine the most appropriate testing approach for different solutions, architectures, and business needs.
- Extensive knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) practices, Risk-based Agile Testing, Test Driven Development, defect management, release management, and quality assurance frameworks.
- Experience developing and maintaining automated test scripts, testing frameworks, and test deliverables using automation, scripting, defect management, and change management tools.
- Proven experience working in data warehouse environments, including data migration testing, integration testing, and supporting the delivery of enterprise data solutions.
- Experience leading and promoting best practice testing approaches, coaching and mentoring others, and building testing capability across teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, assess impacts, investigate issues, and make sound recommendations.
- Strong communication, influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and build effective relationships across the organisation.
- Strong attention to detail, a focus on quality, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while delivering work to agreed time, cost, and quality expectations.
- Experience planning, coordinating, and evaluating testing activities, with a strong understanding of risk management and continuous improvement practices.
- A high level of personal accountability, initiative, and professional judgement, with the ability to work independently while contributing to wider team and organisational goals.
We are looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, takes pride in delivering quality outcomes, and is passionate about helping teams build reliable, trusted, and high-performing data solutions.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $138,125.00 - $171,889.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 19th November, 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
