Practice Manager Quality Assurance | Permanent & full-time | Wellington basedat Ministry of Social Development163,784.00 - 203,820.00
Enterprise leadership role shaping the future of technology quality at MSDThis is not a traditional QA management role.This is an opportunity to architect and lead a national Quality Assurance practice that underpins one of the largest and most critical technology environments in Aotearoa.If you are motivated by building high
-performing teams, lifting organisational maturity, and embedding best-in-class quality practices at scale then this is your opportunity.About our team | Mō te tīma:Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.
Improvement Systems & Technology (IST) provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.We're driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders.
IST is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.The QA Practice ensures our technology is robust, secure, reliable, and fit for the future.
We are now ready to take that practice to the next level.About the role | Mō te tūnga:As Practice Manager Quality Assurance, you will set the strategic direction for Quality Assurance across MSD's technology systems.You will build a cohesive, high-performing national practice that defines standards, strengthens capability, and ensures quality is embedded from strategy through to delivery.You will:Define and execute a clear vision for enterprise-wide QA maturityBuild and lead a highly engaged, future ready QA workforceEstablish best-practice frameworks, governance models, and performance metricsDrive workforce planning and talent strategy to ensure depth, resilience, and successionIntroduce structured capability pathways and development frameworksStrengthen quality engineering practices across agile and hybrid delivery modelsChampion data driven assurance and continuous improvementPartner with senior leaders to ensure quality is designed in and not just inspected at the endThis is a leadership role that combines strategic thinking, organisational design, and people development.
You will shape how MSD delivers quality at scale.We're committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:You are an enterprise level practice leader who understands that quality is both a discipline and a culture.You bring:Significant experience leading large-scale QA or technology practicesA track record of building high performing, trusted teamsExperience lifting organisational maturity and embedding best practiceStrength in workforce planning, talent development, and succession designDeep knowledge of modern QA frameworks, tooling, automation, and governanceConfidence operating at executive level and influencing enterprise directionStrong systems thinking and the ability to balance strategic oversight with operational effectivenessYou are energised by transformation.
You enjoy building capability, clarifying standards, and creating environments where quality professionals thrive.Why this role matters:MSD's services are critical to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.Quality is not optional, it is foundational to trust, resilience, and performance.In this role, you will:Build a centre of excellence for Quality AssuranceElevate quality maturity across a national technology functionStrengthen workforce capability for the long termContribute directly to a major public sector transformationThis is an opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on how MSD delivers technology and on the services that support communities across Aotearoa.Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:A copy of the position description can be found here: Practice Manager | Position DescriptionSalary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00
- $203,820.00A salary offer will reflect skills, experience, and internal relativity considerations.Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 18 March 2026.About us | Mō mātou:The Ministry of Social Development 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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.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 recruitmentTo apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
All applications must be made online.
If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nzInternal 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.