Program Test Lead - LWDW

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Program Test Lead to join a specialist project team delivering a major transformation programme across the water sector.

This is a fixed‑term role until the end of 2026, with potential for extension through 2027, ideal for someone who enjoys working in complex programmes, partnering closely with business users, and ensuring systems are ready for real‑world use.

What you’ll be doing

As the Program Test Lead, you’ll lead and coordinate System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) across a multi‑organisation digital partnership programme. You’ll make sure new systems are tested thoroughly, issues are resolved, and solutions meet business needs before go‑live.

You will:

• Support the vendor lead SIT testing with expertise and align SIT to UAT where appropriate.
• Lead the UAT approach across multiple workstreams, including Assets, Work Orders and GIS
• Develop and manage UAT plans, schedules, and test scenarios
• Adapt test plans and approaches as needed, responding to programme changes and emerging challenges
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with business users and subject matter experts involved in testing
• Track testing progress, risks, and defects, and report clearly on readiness
• Work in partnership and full collaboration with delivery partners, technical teams, programme leadership, and subject matter experts
• Support go‑live decisions by providing clear go / no‑go recommendations

You’ll work as part of a collaborative, multi‑organisation programme team, contributing to shared outcomes across the partner councils. This role plays a key part in ensuring quality outcomes, working in a fast‑paced and collaborative programme environment.

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

You’ll bring strong testing leadership experience and the confidence to work across technical and business teams.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Extensive experience in test management or test lead roles, ideally in large or complex system implementations
• Proven leadership of User Acceptance Testing
• A strong understanding of testing methods, defect management, and quality assurance
• Experience working with business users to define and run test scenarios
• The ability to communicate clearly and translate technical issues into plain language
• A track record of strong teamwork and collaboration with stakeholders, programme leaders, and technical teams
• Confidence working in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments

Experience with ERP systems, asset management, GIS, utilities, or local government is beneficial, but not essential.

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

Tauranga City Council is one of Tauranga’s largest employers, and we are always looking to attract great talent to join our driven, passionate, and community-focused team.

We always strive to ensure that you feel valued and supported in the workplace.

To highlight that our people are our greatest asset, we offer a wide range of benefits that include 5 weeks annual leave, flexible hours and work from home options, as well as career development opportunities.

You can find out more about working at Tauranga City Council here.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Richard Lennox at Richard.lennox@tauranga.govt.nz 

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

Applications will close Sunday 22nd February

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities.
If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz

• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
• Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Program Test Lead - LWDW