Lead Software Engineer

Join a future-focused team driving innovation and transformation across MSD. As a Lead Software Engineer, you’ll provide technical leadership, strategic influence, and help shape a modern engineering culture.

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.

Information 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.

About the role | Mō te tūnga :

As a Lead Software Engineer in the IST Group, you’ll provide technical leadership and strategic influence across teams, ensuring high-quality software delivery.

You’ll guide engineering practices, mentor others, and help shape a future-ready technical culture.

Key responsibilities include :

• Champion and improve software engineering practices across design, testing, building, and review.
• Lead deployment and integration of complex software systems using automation and best practices.
• Guide scalable and maintainable solutions, proactively identifying and mitigating risks. Foster a culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement through coaching and mentoring.
• Collaborate widely with stakeholders to deliver effective, secure, and reliable solutions.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and digital government trends to drive innovation.

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 :

• Proven experience leading software engineering teams and influencing technical direction.
• Strong background in Agile environments, particularly within complex business contexts.
• Expertise in software design, architecture, and development across multiple programming languages.
• Skilled in deployment automation, continuous integration, and systems monitoring.
• Hands‑on experience with modern software engineering stacks and cloud‑native technologies.
• Demonstrated success implementing continuous delivery pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for varied audiences.
• Experienced in stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong problem‑solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Committed to mentoring, coaching, and growing technical capability in others.
• Familiarity with NZ Government standards, policies, and digital service delivery.
• Passionate about building high‑quality, secure, and resilient software systems.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga :

A copy of the position description can be found here.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau : $139,920.00 - $170,089.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te : Sunday 30 November 2025

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 :

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. Longlisted candidates will be required to complete a technical assessment as part of the process.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal 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.

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