Program Test Manager - Customer Transition

About the role – full-time, fixed term contract for 12-months
 
We’re embarking on one of the largest customer transition programs in our history, and we’re looking for a seasoned Program Test Manager to take the lead. This role is about more than just test execution — it’s about shaping the overall quality strategy for a complex, high-stakes migration that will transform how our bank operates.

As the Program Test Manager, you will bring clarity to complexity. You will set the direction for test strategy and governance across multiple streams of work, while inspiring and enabling a team of internal and external testers to deliver at pace. You will balance strategic oversight with the ability to dive into detail when it matters, ensuring the quality, accuracy, and integrity of every data migration and integration milestone.

What you’ll do

• Own the test strategy — design and deliver a fit-for-purpose test approach across data migration, integration, performance, and reconciliation testing, ensuring dependencies across programs are managed and risks are controlled.
• Lead with impact — build, guide, and uplift a high-performing team of Test Leads, Analysts, and vendor partners, creating a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Communication & reporting – build & maintain a test schedule & associated dashboards/progress metrics, supported by excellent communication & presentation skills
• Champion quality assurance — oversee all aspects of functional and non-functional testing, embedding robust risk-based practices, clear reporting, and audit-ready evidence.
• Drive automation and innovation — enable smart use of automation across regression, data validation, and CI/CD pipelines to increase efficiency and confidence.
• Engage stakeholders with confidence — communicate progress, risks, and dependencies in a clear and solutions-focused way, influencing senior leaders and program sponsors.
• Support transition milestones — play a pivotal role in cutover readiness, production validation, and rollback planning, ensuring business continuity at every stage.

About you

This role calls for a highly experienced Test Leader who has delivered at scale. To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive senior test leadership experience — at least 5+ years as a Program Test Manager or equivalent, leading complex, multi-stream programs, with a minimum of 15+ years in software quality assurance.
• Proven delivery of large-scale data migration or transformation programs — you have successfully overseen test strategy and execution for initiatives involving system decommissioning, cloud platforms, or core banking migrations.
• A strong foundation in quality assurance — not just awareness, but hands-on evidence of embedding robust governance, risk management, and audit-ready practices.
• Leadership under complexity — you have built and led high-performing teams of internal and vendor testers, setting direction, removing blockers, and driving accountability.
• Influence at executive level — you have a track record of engaging and challenging senior stakeholders, balancing technical detail with strategic communication.
• Confidence with modern test approaches and tools — you understand automation, tooling, and CI/CD integration well enough to make informed decisions and ensure best practice is applied.

This is a senior appointment. If your background does not include direct experience leading testing for enterprise-scale migration or transformation programs, this role may not be the right fit.

Location 

Whilst our primary office locations are across Adelaide, Brisbane and Toowoomba, we are pleased to be able to consider applications from employees within Australia for this role. We also encourage you to put thought into how the work may be undertaken given your location and what support you may require.    

Why you’ll love working with us

People First Bank – our new brand – says exactly what we’re all about: people. We're committed to supporting and growing our team and creating an outstanding work environment.

You’ll have access to financial and lifestyle benefits to support your success and individuality:

• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.
• Enhance your salary with discounts on banking, health insurance, and shopping across Australia.
• Advance your career with training, study support, and project opportunities.
• Competitive leave benefits that empower employees to take time for themselves and loved ones.
• Wellbeing support with our Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing leave, mental health app, and mental health ambassadors’ program.
• Make a difference with paid volunteering, Workplace Giving, and diverse community initiatives.
• Be recognised for your contributions through our peer-driven recognition program.

A bit about People First Bank  

In March 2023, People’s Choice and Heritage Bank merged to form Heritage and People’s Choice Limited - Australia's leading mutual bank.  We are now on an exciting journey to bring together our products, services, and technology under a single brand - People First Bank. 

We have over 700,000 members and 1,900 employees, with dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba, an Australian-based contract centre and branches across five states. 

With a vision ‘To deliver positive change through banking’, People First Bank serves members and contributes to the community, while offering an inclusive, flexible work environment. We’re big enough to make an impact; but agile enough to influence and do interesting work.

Apply online now:

If this sounds like you, this could be the next step in your career. Click 'Apply' now and submit your application by Sunday 12th October, including a cover letter and current resume.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and support candidate requests for adjustments to enable everyone to equitably participate in our selection process.