Technical Lead

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

AA New Zealand seeks a Technical Lead to own Mobility inspection governance, lead a team of technical, quality and training specialists, and ensure WoF CoF and certification meet NZTA standards. You will be the primary technical liaison with NZTA, translating regulatory updates into practical guidance, and using audits and data to raise safety and consistency across a network. The role partners with operations and product teams to embed changes and improve capability. To apply, tailor your CV to show regulator-facing leadership, governance outcomes and stakeholder influence; share concrete examples of embedding regulatory change and collaboration, plus a genuine automotive passion; if you don’t meet every box, reach out we value diverse backgrounds and welcome authentic applicants.

Working with the AA | Me mahi tahi tatou ki AA

For over 120 years the AA have been helping Kiwis on their adventures! Today, we're one of New Zealand's most respected and trusted brands. From our humble beginnings as a motoring enthusiast's club, the New Zealand AA (Automobile Association) has grown into a large, dynamic organisation offering many services and products to more than a million Members.  

And now, we’re building the organisation of the future – more connected, modern, and purpose-driven. We are a business in transformation, with opportunities to work cross-functionally, grow new skills, and make a meaningful impact. We’re investing in our people, platforms, and ways of working to stay ahead of what our Members and customers need.

We’re looking for a skilled and customer‑focused Vehicle Testing Officer to join our passionate Motoring Services team. If you’re committed to vehicle safety, enjoy working with people, and take pride in delivering accurate, high‑quality inspections, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your career with one of New Zealand’s most trusted and iconic organisations.

What You'll Be Doing | Mō te Tūranga

As Technical Lead, you'll be the go-to technical expert for Mobility, providing leadership across compliance, quality, capability development, and regulatory standards. Leading a team of technical, quality, and training specialists, you'll play a critical role in ensuring our inspection and certification services are delivered safely, consistently, and in line with NZTA requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of technical excellence across a national network. You'll have the chance to influence how we deliver inspection services, work closely with industry regulators, and grow your career within an organisation known for developing great people and offering diverse career pathways.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead the technical governance of Mobility inspection and certification services, ensuring compliance with regulatory, audit, and assurance requirements.
• Act as the primary technical liaison with NZTA, building strong relationships and ensuring regulatory updates are effectively translated into operational practice.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support across WoF, CoF, entry certification, appraisals, and other regulated inspection services.
• Lead and develop a team of technical, quality, and training specialists, fostering capability, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee technical training frameworks, ensuring frontline teams have the skills, knowledge, and support required to deliver high-quality services.
• Partner with operational and product teams to ensure new products, services, systems, and regulatory changes are successfully embedded across the network.
• Use audit outcomes, compliance data, and operational insights to identify risks, improve performance, and strengthen service quality and consistency.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness, compliance outcomes, and the customer experience.

About You | Mōu

You're a highly experienced automotive inspection professional with strong technical expertise and a background in regulated environments. Recognised as a trusted subject matter expert, you're confident interpreting complex regulatory requirements and translating them into practical operational guidance.

You'll bring:

• Extensive experience within the vehicle inspection, certification, or compliance industry, with strong knowledge of WoF, CoF, VIRM, and NZTA requirements.
• Experience in compliance, audit, assurance, or quality management environments.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with operational teams, senior leaders, regulators, and external partners.
• Previous leadership experience, or the capability and desire to step into a people leadership role while continuing to leverage your technical expertise.

You'll be a proactive and solutions-focused leader who enjoys developing others, driving positive change, and lifting capability across teams. Most importantly, you'll bring a genuine passion for the automotive industry and a desire to shape the future of inspection and certification services across the AA network.

What We Offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Free AA Membership for you and your whānau
• A day off for your birthday and 2 days wellbeing leave annually 
• Hybrid working arrangement 
• Training available / career development 
• Discounted insurance

Here, we offer a lot more than roadside assistance. We're constantly evolving and advancing into new businesses, offering new challenges and a range of opportunities.

Ready to be the technical expert others turn to? Join us and play a key role in strengthening compliance, capability, and service excellence across the AA network. Apply today.

Our teams celebrate diversity and believe that everyone should be able to bring their true selves to work every day.  We want you to feel comfortable to be your authentic self throughout the recruitment process, please feel free to let us know if there is anything you need to allow you to participate equitably.

We are aware that there will be candidates who are interested in the role but may only feel comfortable to apply if they have ticked all the boxes. We want you to know that if you feel like you don't meet all the requirements, please still get in touch.  We'd love to korero to see if you might be a great fit for the role.