Lead Software Engineer

Job Description

Z has a clear purpose: Powering better journeys, today and tomorrow. As one of New Zealand’s largest transport energy companies, we have a commitment to delivering safe, secure, and reliable transport energy – with the opportunity to deliver new journeys, with new energy solutions in a changing world.  

We are proud to be the Kiwi contingent in the Ampol Group, an independent Trans-Tasman energy company, with trading offices across the globe, which are united behind our shared purpose. While many of the challenges and opportunities we face go beyond national boundaries, together we have the scale, influence, and capability to deliver for our customers, communities, and our people. 
 
As a Kaiārahi Kaipūhanga Pūmanawa Lead Software Engineer you’ll provide technical leadership and direction for software engineering projects across the Supply space, and potentially Retail. The role will guide engineering teams, influence technical decisions, and ensure solutions align with Z/Ampol engineering practices and standards. 

The role is primarily focused on technical leadership, while remaining technically capable of supporting debugging, unblocking delivery, and stepping in to update or deploy code where required. 

You will have the opportunity to 

• Lead technical direction and architecture across software engineering initiatives. 
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership throughout delivery lifecycles. 
• Drive coding standards and adoption of Ampol engineering practices. 
• Conduct code reviews to maintain solution quality, security, and performance. 
• Own, prioritise, and reduce technical debt across applications and platforms. 
• Champion practical AI adoption to improve engineering productivity and quality. 
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and unblock teams to support delivery. 
• Collaborate with architects, product teams, and stakeholders on solution outcomes. 
• Drive engineering excellence through automation, testing, and operational best practices. 
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, platform modernisation, and continuous improvement. 

What you’ll bring to Z 

• Proven experience leading and mentoring software engineering teams in complex environments. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing capabilities. 
• Extensive hands-on experience with C#, .NET, and modern software engineering practices. 
• Strong Azure cloud expertise across application, platform, and integration services. 
• Experience designing and delivering event-driven architectures at scale. 
• Proven capability using Terraform and Infrastructure as Code practices. 
• Strong experience with GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, and modern DevOps tooling. 
• Ability to review code, uphold engineering standards, and provide technical direction. 
• Skilled in troubleshooting complex technical issues and driving resolution outcomes. 
• Exposure to Node.js and modern front-end technologies would be advantageous. 

And of course, you’ll be passionate about what matters to Z, embracing and living our values to help us deliver on our aspirations and broader commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Z we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. 

What we can offer you  
 

• A competitive remuneration package including short-term incentive plan, medical insurance for you and your family, enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver 
• Generous leave provisions including enhanced sick leave, parental leave benefits and the option to buy additional leave 
• The balance of hybrid working, enjoy some of your week at home and some in our welcoming office space 
• The opportunity to contribute and be part of a supportive team that is here to make a difference 
• A chance to build your own capability through learning from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people who have a desire to share their insights along with access to upskilling opportunities and career development across the organisation 
• Two days a year to do Good in your Hood, though our volunteering scheme, a chance for you to help others in your community in a meaningful way to you 

The base salary range for this role is $150,000 to $170,000 per annum, plus 15% STI based on company performance, a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution and health insurance through Southern Cross. 
 

Why Z? 

Z has always been a proud Kiwi company. We’re aspirational for our future, confident of our role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s success and deeply loyal to our customers, communities and people.  

At Z we focus on achieving extraordinary outcomes by setting the appropriate context, rather than by telling our people what to do. By doing this, high performing and talented people deliver better results and are more personally fulfilled. 

We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong company values, Tū Kaha Stand Up, Tū Maia Speak Out, Tū Kotahi Side by Side - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.    

One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.  

We’re distinctive in our approach and if you’re up for a challenge, we’d love you to be part of it. If Z sounds like a place you believe you can add value and grow your own capability, then make sure you read Our Why. This is our founding document and provides further insights in what it means to part of the Z whānau.  

If Z feels like a good match for your head and your heart, come join us for one heck of a journey! 

Whakauru | Apply 

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for Z. 

Applications close: Friday, 13/11/2026

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time. 

To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. 

Qualifications

Additional Information

We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong Group values, Whakatika Move as One, Whakaora Make it Happen, Whakamana Make it Count - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.

One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.