Manager Pharmaceutical jobs

Closing date: 21 Jun 2026 21:00 | Work Type: Permanent full-time | Salary range: 208,560 to 312,840
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About the Role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a rare opportunity for a commercially astute, strategic leader who thrives in complexity and is passionate about improving health outcomes for New Zealanders.

You’ll bring a deep understanding of the health sector and pharmaceutical landscape, combined with a sharp commercial mindset and the ability to navigate complex supply market dynamics.

As part of the Pharmaceutical Directorate’s leadership team, you will provide strategic leadership to maximise health outcomes for New Zealanders through access to a comprehensive range of medicines within available funding.

The Pharmaceutical Funding team comprises ~20 staff responsible for the management of medicines funding at both a national level and for individuals with exceptional clinical circumstances. As Manager, you’ll ensure that the Pharmaceutical Funding team delivers robust commercial strategies, effectively engages with suppliers, clinicians and consumer groups, and manages supply issues, to ensure the timely delivery of medicines.

As a leader of leaders, with 4-6 direct reports, you will build team capability, foster engagement, and empower people to deliver high-quality outcomes aligned with organisational goals.

The salary range for this position is $208,560 - $312,840. Most new starters are typically appointed up to the midpoint of the range, depending on the knowledge, skills and experience they bring to the role.

Who are we looking for? | Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

To succeed in this role, you’ll demonstrate:
Strategic leadership – big-picture thinking coupled with the ability to translate strategy into action and leading teams across multiple priorities
Sector expertise – a current, well-informed understanding of the health system the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmaceutical knowledge – insight into medicines (including new and emerging medicines), funding models, supply chain strategies, and sector challenges.
Strong commercial capability – proven ability to drive value through negotiation, supplier engagement, and strategic thinking.
Negotiation & risk expertise – skilled in contract negotiation, with sound judgment around legal and commercial risk.
Analytical excellence – confidence working with complex financial, economic, and clinical data to inform smart decisions.
Systems thinking – ability to understand and model complex market forces to maximise outcomes and value.
Influence & insight – knowledge of Pharmac’s approach to funding is highly desirable

And just as importantly:
An understanding of equitable access to health and achieving better outcomes for high health needs populations.
A leadership style that empowers, connects, and inspires others.

The role has a level of autonomy and applicants will need to be self-driven to manage time-pressured work whilst also working as part of a team.

For more information, please view the Position Description.

About Pharmac Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Ētahi kōrero mō Te Pātaka Whaioranga

At Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga we endeavour to deliver the best health outcomes for all New Zealanders through investment in medicines and medical devices.

We are a close-knit whānau with around 190 kaimahi. We take pride in what we do, work hard, and have fun along the way.

Our values | ngā uruatanga, ground our behaviour and guide our thinking:

Whakarongo - we listen with intent and empathy to understand

Tūhono - we connect with people, communities, the health system and each other

Wānanga - we draw on evidence and people's experiences to improve

Māia - we challenge ourselves

Kaitiakitanga - we safeguard wellbeing for New Zealanders, now and for the future

Joining Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga

We are a whānau centered organisation and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work life balance. To support our kaimahi and their whānau we offer:

Five weeks annual leave
Additional paid leave for our end of year close-down period
An annual $500 hauora payment for eligible kaimahi
Health Insurance corporate discount with Southern Cross
Paid Parental Leave support in addition to minimum legislative requirements
Flexible working - work from home up to two days per week.

At Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga we welcome all staff with a mihi whakatau during their first month. For kaimahi Māori, we offer mihi whakatau on your first day, where your whānau and manuhiri are welcome to attend. As you come through our waharoa, you will be welcomed into our support network.

We strive to represent Aotearoa and the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to championing workplace inclusion and acknowledge that in order to do their best work, we must foster an environment where people are comfortable to be themselves and work in a way that best suits their individual needs.

Who are you? | Ko wai koe?

In your application we invite you to share who you are, your personal values, your whakapapa, as well as your interests and motivations in ing for this role. We are interested to learn about your personal attributes, experiences and the diverse perspectives you could bring to the role and Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga. We acknowledge attributes may extend to having been gained outside of the workforce and encourage you to share these in your application.

Job details
Reference # 16423
Posted on 05 Jun 2026
Closes on 21 Jun 2026 21:00
Expertise Category management – medicines, Pharmaceutical
Job level(s) Management
Work type(s) Permanent full-time