Vehicle Testing Officer - New Plymouth

About the role

AA New Zealand is looking for a customer-oriented Vehicle Testing Officer to join its Motoring Services team in New Plymouth. The organisation has a long history of supporting New Zealanders and is continuing to modernise, expand, and improve the way it works. This role is a chance to contribute to vehicle safety and quality inspections within a trusted national brand.

You’ll be part of a team that values accurate testing, good communication, and service that helps customers understand the outcome of their vehicle inspection. The role suits someone with strong automotive knowledge, a safety-first approach, and a genuine focus on people.

What you’ll do

• Perform Warrant of Fitness inspections accurately and in line with AA and NZTA requirements, procedures, and quality standards.
• Prepare clear written and verbal inspection reports so customers can easily understand the results.
• Recommend AA products and services when they are relevant to customer needs.
• Support the Manager or Team Leader with customer service issue investigations when needed.
• Develop positive working relationships with customers, teammates, and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with updates to equipment, systems, technology, and operating processes, while contributing ideas for better ways of working.
• Follow all Health and Safety rules and practices to help maintain a safe workplace for staff and the public.

About you

To do well in this role, you’ll need a mix of technical capability and strong customer service skills. You should be comfortable working in a practical, hands-on environment and able to explain technical matters in plain language.

Ideally, you will already hold a valid Warrant of Fitness authority, with COF certification considered an advantage. You’ll also need at least three years of recent experience in the automotive industry and a clean full New Zealand driver licence. A strong eye for detail, pride in your work, professionalism, teamwork, and a willingness to keep learning are all important.

Requirements

• Current Warrant of Fitness authority.
• COF certification is beneficial but not essential.
• Minimum three years of recent automotive industry experience.
• Clean full New Zealand driver licence.
• Ability to work confidently in a hands-on, safety-focused setting.
• Strong attention to detail and a high standard of workmanship.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain technical information simply.
• Strong customer service approach and the ability to make customers feel at ease.
• Adaptability to new tools, systems, and processes.
• Professional attitude, teamwork, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Benefits

• Complimentary AA Membership for you and your family/whānau.
• One extra day off for your birthday.
• Two wellbeing leave days each year.
• Access to training and career development opportunities.
• Discounted insurance.

Additional information

The organisation describes itself as evolving beyond roadside assistance and creating new opportunities across a changing business. It also highlights a people-led recruitment process, with every application reviewed by a real person rather than automated screening.

The workplace values diversity and encourages candidates to bring their authentic selves to work. If you need any support to participate fairly in the recruitment process, you are encouraged to share that. Candidates are also invited to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as potential and fit are considered beyond a simple checklist.