Program Test Manager

About the role – Full-time, Permanent

Join a high-impact transformation role where you will shape enterprise-wide test strategy and elevate QA maturity within a technology-enabled bank. Lead end-to-end testing across complex programs, driving automation, governance, and continuous improvement at scale. Partner with senior stakeholders and build a high-performing QA team to deliver quality outcomes that enhance customer experience. 

Key responsibilities include:  

• Leading enterprise-wide testing for a major transformation program: own the end-to-end test strategy and execution across multiple projects, shaping how quality is delivered in a technology-enabled bank.
• Defining and embedding QA governance at scale by establishing testing standards, quality gates, and metrics that drive consistency, compliance, and measurable improvements in delivery quality.
• Driving modernisation of testing practices – champion test automation, CI/CD integration, and continuous improvement initiatives to uplift QA maturity and accelerate delivery cycles.
• Influencing program success through strategic leadership – partner with senior stakeholders to provide transparent reporting, risk management, and quality insights that directly impact go-live confidence and business outcomes.
• Building and leading a high-performing QA team - mentoring Test Leads and Analysts, foster a collaborative culture, and create a motivated team aligned to delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Orchestrate complex delivery across teams and vendors – coordinating cross-functional streams and external partners, ensuring seamless test execution, strong governance, and alignment to program objectives.

About you 

You will succeed in this role if you have:

• Strong experience in payments, cards, and fraud testing including end-to-end transaction flows, system integration, and user acceptance testing, with a focus on risk, compliance, and production defect prevention. You will bring 4–5 years as a Test Manager leading senior test analysts, with proven success across large, complex programs.
• Strategic and hands-on in equal measure: able to define test strategy and governance frameworks, while also understanding the detail of execution, tools, and methodologies.
• Experienced in test automation frameworks and CI/CD integration, with a passion for driving efficiency, coverage, and continuous improvement.
• People-first leader- a proven ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing QA teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.
• Proactive in identifying risks, managing defects, and enforcing quality gates, ensuring strong governance and minimal production leakage.
• Confident partnering with senior leadership, business owners, and vendors, translating technical insights into clear, business-focused outcomes.
• Comfortable using metrics, reporting, and insights to drive decisions, improve testing maturity, and build stakeholder confidence.

Location

Whilst our primary office locations are in Adelaide and Brisbane, 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, including a cover letter and current resume by COB Sunday, 26^th April 2026.

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