Senior Data Tester

Lead end-to-end data testing for an enterprise reporting platform.

Bring your automation, reconciliation testing and data quality expertise to meaningful public sector work.

Work with Microsoft Fabric, Azure DevOps and modern cloud-based data practices.

Permanent, full-time role based in Wellington.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa is looking for an experienced Senior Data Tester to join our Information Services team within Enterprise Services. This is a critical role focused on ensuring high-quality reporting platform releases and strengthening the way Customs tests, assures and improves its enterprise data and reporting capability.

In this senior specialist role, you will lead and own end-to-end data testing practices across our reporting platform, with a strong focus on automation, reconciliation testing, data quality and release assurance. Working as the sole Data Tester within a team of Data Engineers, you will operate with a high level of autonomy while also providing guidance and leadership to others in good data testing practice.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga mahi

Reporting to the Product Manager Information and Data, you will help establish, maintain and continuously improve testing and release practices for Customs Data and Reporting platform. You will be responsible for testing reporting platform releases, developing and evolving automated reconciliation testing frameworks, supporting release management processes, and contributing to data quality optimisation across the platform.

You will work closely with the Product Manager and members of the product team to understand the technology roadmap, support agile delivery, and ensure testing artefacts, documentation and release evidence are accurate, well-structured and fit for purpose. You will also contribute to monitoring Azure and Fabric cost consumption, operating within Azure DevOps, and ensuring work is delivered in line with NZISM and Customs Cyber Security Standards.

About you | Ko wai koe

We are looking for someone with strong senior or lead data testing experience, ideally gained within a complex enterprise reporting, data platform or product delivery environment. You will be confident working independently, comfortable influencing others, and able to bring structure, rigour and continuous improvement to testing practices.

You will bring hands-on experience in automated testing solutions, data validation, reconciliation testing and monitoring data quality in enterprise reporting environments. Experience with Microsoft Fabric lifecycle management, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, SQL-based validation, Power BI or Fabric report development, Python or PySpark would be highly valued.

You will also have excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. A collaborative, agile mindset is important, as is the ability to work autonomously, solve problems, adapt to new technologies and support others to build capability.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Arai o Aotearoa

At Customs, our work matters to the safety and success of Aotearoa New Zealand. We protect and promote New Zealand through world-class border management, using modern tools, people and innovative approaches to support secure and efficient trade, travel and border outcomes.

You will be part of a collaborative and purpose-led environment where technology and data play an important role in strengthening Customs capability. We support flexible working, offer on-the-job learning and formal development opportunities, and foster an inclusive workplace where people can contribute, grow and do meaningful work.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident. *

This means:

a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR

a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application. You may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Due to the nature of Customs work, you must have a clear Police record. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a drug test as well as being subject to random, ongoing drug tests during their period of employment with Customs. (These requirements apply to all successful applicants for roles at Customs and Customs employees.)

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV outlining your skills and experience, via our online process. If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Corporate Recruitment Advisor) at Suzanne.leahy@customs.govt.nz

Applications close at 11pm, Sunday 9 August 2026.

We encourage you to apply early for this position as we will be assessing applications as they are received and potentially interviewing earlier than the closing date.

Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.

Please apply directly online as we do not accept applications sent to email addresses.