Country Manager, New Zealand

Role summary

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The Country Manager, New Zealand leads Novartis’s business and country strategy, overseeing commercial performance, market access, stakeholder engagement, financial results, and organizational effectiveness. The role requires significant senior leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences sector, strong knowledge of the New Zealand healthcare environment, and a record of delivering business growth in a regulated market. Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, ethical judgment, customer focus, financial accountability, and the ability to influence government, healthcare professionals, employees, and external partners. Strong communication, people leadership, and collaboration skills are essential, along with a commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing innovative medicines.

About the employer

Novartis is a global medicines company headquartered in Switzerland and focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative treatments. Its work spans areas such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, immunology, neuroscience, oncology, and hematology. The company combines pharmaceutical research, advanced technologies, data, and global commercial capabilities to address significant health challenges. Novartis operates in many countries and works with healthcare professionals, regulators, governments, patient organizations, and research partners to improve access to medicines. In New Zealand, its activities are shaped by local healthcare priorities, regulatory requirements, and funding decisions. The organization emphasizes scientific innovation, ethical business practices, patient impact, inclusion, and performance. Senior country leaders are expected to connect global strategy with local market needs while building a high-performing and accountable organization.

Working in New Zealand

New Zealand offers opportunities in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, technology, agriculture, engineering, education, tourism, and professional services. The North Island contains Auckland, the largest commercial center, as well as Wellington, the capital and a major public-sector hub. The South Island is known for Christchurch, Dunedin, agriculture, tourism, and growing technology and engineering sectors. New Zealand culture is generally friendly, inclusive, and informal, with strong respect for work-life balance, outdoor activities, and Māori heritage. Lifestyle benefits include beautiful beaches, mountains, hiking, and a clean environment, although housing and living costs can be high in Auckland and Wellington. Skilled professionals typically need an appropriate work visa, often supported by an accredited employer; eligibility depends on occupation, salary, qualifications, and experience. Plan for immigration processing, healthcare arrangements, tax registration, housing, and school needs before relocating.