H25_5049

Chief Executive

Applications close: Sunday 13th April 2025

Inspirational, Strategic and Empathetic Leader
Strengthen High Trust, Open and Innovative Organisational Culture
Lead Meaningful Response to Review Recommendations
Develop an Outward Focused Organisation

PHARMAC

Pharmac was established in response to the high prices New Zealand was paying for publicly funded pharmaceuticals and it was assessed that the creation of a single buying agency was the best way to evaluate pharmaceuticals, negotiate prices and develop the capabilities needed for pharmaceutical management

Thirty years on Pharmac remains the only agency of its kind in the world that both decides what medicines to fund and manages a fixed budget for those medicines. The success of the model and approach has resulted in increased numbers of funded medicines, increased numbers of people treated with funded medicines, spending kept within the medicines budget and growth of the budget at an affordable rate.

What has not changed over the course of time is Pharmac’s enduring commitment to delivering the best health outcomes from New Zealand’s investment in medicines and medical devices. Nor has its focus on enabling the equitable access and use of medicines and related products through influencing availability, affordability, accessibility, acceptability and appropriateness.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Pharmac is an amazing organisation with committed and intelligent staff, who want to do their best to deliver better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

In response to external reviews, Pharmac needs to make significant changes to its operating and engagement model and the Chief Executive, in partnership with the Board, will drive the development of a new vision and lead the strategic change needed.

The Chief Executive will also lead the shift towards an outward focus, developing and implementing engagement and partnering strategies that build confidence in the organisation, promote transparency, and are empathetic and understanding of the needs of consumers and patients.

This role will foster a positive organisational culture, where staff and important stakeholders are inspired to come along the path of change and will also be responsible for the effective management of operational performance and the decisions about the management of medicines and medical devices.

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be recognised as an inspirational, strategic and empathetic leader of gravitas. In alignment with their contemporary leadership profile they will be able to evidence a successful track record of leading organisational culture change and encouraging open communication, innovation and trust.

They will also be politically and commercially astute, with experience of working with boards, government agencies, and key partners. A strong background in relationship building and meaningful stakeholder management will be key, enabling by being an outstanding communicator and listener, fostering partnerships to achieve shared goals.

Experience in, or an understanding of the New Zealand health system and the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries while not strictly necessary would be advantageous. However, at their core the successful candidate will have a passion for improving health outcomes of New Zealanders.