Principal Test Lead - Automation

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Are you a strategic thinker with deep expertise in test automation and performance testing?
• Do you thrive in complex environments and enjoy mentoring others while driving innovation and quality?
• 18-Month Fixed Term Contract based in Wellington
• Salary: $132,417 - $160,472

You must be able to meet MBIE’s Privileged Access requirements to hold this role. These requirements are similar to those for holding a New Zealand security clearance, and involve criminal, credit and background checks. Applicants should generally have a verifiable history of residing in NZ, AU, CA, US and/or UK for the five years prior to commencing employment.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

MBIE is seeking a Principal Test Lead – Automation to lead our automation and performance testing practice across multiple high-impact projects. This is a senior, specialist role within the Corporate and Digital Shared Services branch.

As the Principal Test Lead – Automation, you will:

• Define and lead MBIE’s test automation and performance testing strategies.
• Set and maintain industry-aligned standards and quality controls.
• Provide strategic advice and influence decision-making across digital delivery programmes.
• Mentor and coach Test Engineers, supporting career development and capability uplift.
• Collaborate with business owners, vendors, and leadership teams to ensure alignment with MBIE’s goals.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required:

• 7+ years of experience in test automation and performance testing, with a strong background in leading technical teams and delivering robust testing solutions.
  
• A proven ability to design and implement complex test strategies that align with business and technical goals.
  
• Expertise in modern testing tools and techniques, especially within SaaS environments.
  
• Proven experience with Selenium WebDriver and Playwright, including best practice implementation and mentoring others in their use.
  
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build and inspire a team of passionate test professionals.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with a knack for building trust and collaboration across teams and vendors.
  
• A solid understanding of government operations, including relevant policies, procedures, and decision-making processes within the State Sector.
  
• A track record of successfully leading automation test delivery across complex or multi-stream projects—from planning and strategy to execution and delivery.
  

Pre-requisites 

• A relevant tertiary or professional qualification, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience. 
  
• You must have at least a New Zealand Permanent Resident class visa due to the security requirements of this role.
  
• Have the ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance (Check: Getting and maintaining a national security clearance | Protective Security Requirements)

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Roxana Anderson at roxana.anderson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17756 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025