Test Manager

Test Manager – Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)

Location:
Canberra (preferred) | Hybrid considered across Australia

Contract:
Until 30 June × 12-month extensions

Security:
Must be able to obtain
NV1 (Negative Vetting Level 1)
clearance

Level:
EL1 equivalent

Expected Start:
18 November 2025

Join a Tier 1 Transformation Program with National Impact

Azooa is preparing a response to
RFQ LH-04644 – Test Manager
under the
DMP2 ICT Labour Hire Panel
on behalf of the
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
.

This engagement supports the
Funding and Disclosure Reform (FAD) Program
— a flagship transformation that's modernising how political funding and disclosure data is managed and reported under the
Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918
.

The FAD Program is enhancing transparency, integrity, and trust in Australia's democratic processes. As
Test Manager
, you'll play a key leadership role ensuring the systems developed under this program meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability.

Why This Role Matters

Behind every major government transformation sits a complex web of technology, data, and regulation — and the AEC's FAD Program is no exception.

Your work will directly influence the accuracy and resilience of digital systems that support election transparency and public accountability.

If you thrive in high-stakes environments where precision, planning, and collaboration make a tangible difference, this is a role where your leadership will truly count.

Your Mission

As the
Test Manager
, you will:

Define, deliver, and continuously improve program-wide testing strategies.

Lead test planning, execution, and reporting across multiple integrated releases.

Partner closely with business stakeholders, product owners, and delivery teams to align testing with program objectives.

Manage testing activities spanning functional, integration, regression, and user-acceptance testing (UAT).

Drive automation adoption and implement scalable test management frameworks and tools.

Champion best-practice quality assurance and ensure vendor-delivered components meet AEC standards.

Maintain transparent documentation, traceability, and defect tracking throughout the lifecycle.

Foster a collaborative, positive testing culture where quality is everyone's responsibility.

What Success Looks Like

Clear, repeatable testing frameworks implemented across all releases.

Confident sign-off on solution quality before deployment.

Effective coordination between multiple technical and business teams.

Comprehensive test reporting that supports executive decision-making.

Zero-surprise releases — just smooth, evidence-backed delivery.

Key Responsibilities (Detailed)

Strategic Test Management
– Develop and maintain the overall test strategy and roadmap aligned with program delivery timelines.

Planning & Coordination
– Oversee test planning for each release, ensuring alignment with scope, risk profile, and resource availability.

Tooling & Frameworks
– Establish and manage modern test tools including Microsoft Test Manager, Jira, and Azure DevOps.

Vendor Oversight
– Review, assess, and approve test artefacts and plans produced by third-party vendors.

Automation & Efficiency
– Identify opportunities for automation and continuous improvement across regression and API testing.

UAT Leadership
– Plan, coordinate, and report on user acceptance testing, engaging business SMEs and program stakeholders.

Issue Management
– Lead issue triage and prioritisation; ensure clear communication and timely resolution.

Reporting & Governance
– Provide structured reporting on testing progress, risks, and outcomes to program governance forums.

Essential Criteria

Experience:
10+ years of dedicated testing experience, with at least 5+ years in test leadership.

Context:
Strong record leading testing in large, complex
government digital transformation
projects.

Technical:
Proficiency with Microsoft Test Manager, Jira, and Azure DevOps.

Integration:
Hands-on experience with backend API testing — REST, JSON, XML.

Platforms:
Experience testing standalone .Net applications and web systems.

Delivery:
Proven success working within
Agile
multi-team environments.

Soft Skills:
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership presence.

Desirable Criteria

Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience implementing or managing
test automation
pipelines.

Familiarity with
ServiceNow
applications and integrations.

About the FAD Program

The
Funding and Disclosure Reform (FAD) Program
was established to enable the AEC to implement and administer legislative amendments to the
Commonwealth Funding and Disclosure Scheme
.

It comprises three collaborating branches:

Program Management Office Branch
– oversees delivery, governance, and reporting.

Regulatory Enablement Branch
– focuses on business processes and regulatory frameworks.

Technology Delivery Branch
– designs, builds, and delivers the digital systems and tools.

Together, they're uplifting the AEC's capability to manage political funding data efficiently, accurately, and transparently — ensuring public trust in Australia's electoral system.

Working Arrangements

Applicants are encouraged to work onsite in
Canberra
, but hybrid arrangements (combination of onsite and remote) will be considered.

Applicants located elsewhere in Australia may also be considered depending on operational needs.

Maximum 40 hours per week.

Engagement Details

• Estimated Start:
  18 November 2025
• Initial Term:
  ASAP – 30 June 2026
• Extensions:
  Two × 12-month options
• Classification:
  EL1 equivalent
• Panel:
  DMP2 – ICT Labour Hire

Submission Format (for shortlisted candidates)

The AEC requires each candidate submission as
one PDF document
including:

A cover page with candidate details, availability, clearance, and short consultant comments (≤ 500 words).

A
one-page pitch
addressing the selection criteria (max 5,000 characters).

A
resume of no more than three pages
.

Azooa will assist shortlisted candidates in preparing compliant documentation for submission.

Why Work Through Azooa?

We partner with Australia's leading government agencies to connect high-impact professionals with meaningful digital projects.

We support candidates end-to-end — from initial expression of interest through to compliant submission and client briefing.

We're transparent, people-focused, and committed to presenting you authentically and competitively.

When you engage through Azooa, you gain not just representation — but advocacy.

How to Express Interest

If you'd like to be considered, please email:

Include:

Your
tailored resume (max 3 pages)
highlighting relevant testing and leadership experience.

Confirmation of your
availability
.

Your
current clearance status
(and ability to obtain NV1).

Any
upcoming leave
(over one week).

Once received, we'll review your background and work with you to prepare a concise one-page pitch aligned with the RFQ criteria.

What Happens Next

Shortlisted professionals will be guided through the RFQ submission process.

Azooa will handle compliance formatting and ensure your documentation meets AEC requirements.

If successful, you'll join a high-performing, collaborative program environment at the AEC, delivering systems that genuinely matter.

Join Us in Delivering Digital Trust

This is more than just another test management role — it's an opportunity to contribute to the integrity of Australia's democratic systems.

Your leadership, your planning, your eye for quality — all will help ensure that the tools supporting election transparency work flawlessly when it matters most.

If you're ready to step into a pivotal role within a national transformation, we want to hear from you.