Principal Advisor- QA Engineering - Digital Applications & Products

• Work anywhere in New Zealand
• Permanent, Full-time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

The Principal Advisor – QA Engineering provides strategic leadership and expert advice to strengthen the organisation's QA Engineering capability. Working closely with technical teams, senior stakeholders, product and delivery teams, and vendors, this role ensures effective planning and delivery across products, projects, and programmes. You'll drive quality assurance excellence, champion continuous improvement, and ensure QA practices are aligned with organisational goals. Passionate about quality, detail-oriented, and adaptable, you'll play a key role in shaping QA strategy and promoting a culture of high performance and collaboration.

About the Team

The QA Engineering team is a highly skilled and collaborative group dedicated to ensuring quality and excellence across all products, projects, and programmes. Working in close partnership with technical specialists, product and delivery teams, vendors, and senior stakeholders, the team plays a pivotal role in embedding robust quality assurance practices throughout the delivery lifecycle. We focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and alignment with organisational goals to ensure that every solution delivered meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. The team values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence, fostering an environment where ideas are encouraged, and best practices are continuously refined. Driven by passion for quality, precision, and results, the QA Engineering team operates as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, enabling the organisation to deliver impactful, high-quality outcomes for customers and stakeholders.

About you

You are an experienced QA Engineering leader with a deep understanding of software quality assurance, automation, and modern delivery frameworks. With over a decade of experience, you bring proven expertise in shaping QA strategies, mentoring teams, and driving excellence across complex technical environments. You combine strong technical acumen with strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a collaborative approach that empowers teams and stakeholders alike. Passionate about quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, you're committed to delivering high-performing, reliable, and future-focused solutions.

• Over 10 years' experience in software quality assurance engineering with a strong focus on automation and continuous improvement.
• Proven success in leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing QA teams across complex technical environments.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing QA methodologies and frameworks such as Agile, Waterfall, and DevOps.
• Deep understanding of software development lifecycles (SDLCs) and how QA integrates across all delivery phases.
• Strong background in collaborating with cross-functional teams, vendors, and senior stakeholders to align QA practices with organisational objectives.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal before 11:59pm on Tuesday 25^th of November. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jayme Hellyer at jayme.hellyer@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.