Head, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
The University of Waikato |
Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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Executive Summary
- Lead and grow a high-impact School at the centre of a rapidly growing health education portfolio at the University of Waikato.
- Play a key role in implementing a graduate-entry Pharmacy programme and the delivery of a refreshed undergraduate biomedical sciences major.
- Provide senior academic and operational leadership to a growing multidisciplinary team, managing staffing, timetabling, resources and programme delivery at scale.
- Lead and coordinate pharmacy and biomedical sciences contributions across a range of health programmes, including the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, opening in 2028.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a pivotal opportunity to lead and grow the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waikato during a period of significant expansion and innovation within the Division of Health. With a new graduate-entry Pharmacy programme launched in 2025 and the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine welcoming its first cohort in 2028, the School is central to the University’s ambition to deliver high-quality, future-focused health education that responds to workforce and population health needs across Aotearoa.
The School is positioned for continued growth in student numbers, staffing and programme breadth, alongside the evolution of new teaching models that leverage blended, digital and virtual delivery approaches. This is a role for a leader who is energised by teaching and research, who enjoys building capability and momentum in a dynamic academic environment.
THE ROLE
As Head of School, you will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership for the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences disciplines. You will lead a growing team of academic and clinical staff, with responsibility for staff performance and development, complex timetabling, resource allocation, budgeting and programme delivery.
A core focus of the role is ensuring high-quality, innovative teaching and learning outcomes, including the design and delivery of scalable curricula using emerging digital and virtual modalities.
Working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor Health and the Divisional Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategic planning across the Division, including embedding pharmacy and biomedical sciences expertise within interdisciplinary health programmes. You will also foster strong relationships with professional bodies, placement partners, iwi, and sector stakeholders.
THE CANDIDATE
You will be an experienced academic leader with a strong background in Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences or a related health discipline. Preference will be given to candidates who can be registered as Pharmacists with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. You will bring sound judgement, operational discipline and the ability to manage complexity across people, timetabling, resources and accreditation.
You are open, flexible and pragmatic in your approach to teaching delivery, with demonstrated experience implementing innovative and blended learning models rather than being wedded to a single mode of education. You value collaboration, are comfortable working across disciplines, and are motivated by developing people, programmes and student outcomes at scale.
Importantly, you will bring a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity in health education, and the interpersonal capability to lead inclusively, build trust with staff and students, and represent the School with credibility nationally and across the health sector.
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with David Price from the HardyGroup
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
The University of Waikato
Our story
The University began with just over 100 students in 1964, and celebrated its first 20 graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in 1967. We have grown a lot since then and now have more than 13,000 students annually from all over New Zealand and the world.
The University of Waikato opened in 1964 after many years of energetic lobbying by a group of Hamilton locals, determined to have a university in their city. To begin with, facilities were sparse, but in early 1965 new buildings were officially opened by then Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson. Sir Don Llewellyn was the founding Vice-Chancellor.
By the 1980s, Waikato was the fastest-growing university in New Zealand. Computer Science became an increasingly popular study choice, and the thriving Department was elevated to a School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences in 1987.
The University always had a close relationship with its neighbouring teachers’ college and, leading the way for others to follow, became the first university in New Zealand to combine with its regional teachers’ college. Through its teaching programmes, the University began to establish a presence in Tauranga.
Our vision
Ko te tangata | For the people
A research-intensive university providing a globally connected, innovative and inclusive student experience in an environment characterised by a commitment to diversity, respect for Indigenous knowledge, and high levels of community engagement.
Our values
Ko te mana o Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato ka herea ki tō tātou:
- Tu ngātahi me te Māori
- Mahi pono
- Whakanui i ngā huarahi hou
- Whakarewa i te hiringa i te mahara
The University of Waikato places a high value on:
- Partnership with Māori
- Acting with integrity
- Celebrating diversity
- Promoting creativity
Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a School that will have a lasting impact on health equity, education, and workforce innovation across Aotearoa. You will influence the next generation of health leaders and contribute to research and partnerships that directly address the most pressing health challenges of our time.
At the University of Waikato, we value integrity, creativity, diversity, and our enduring partnership with Māori. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive and mana-enhancing, and we welcome applications from candidates with the skills, authority, and vision to help us achieve our goals.
Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.
Strategic Priority
A key strategic priority for the Division and University is the establishment of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM), which will welcome its first cohort of students in 2028. This new medical school will embody the University’s motto, Ko Te Tangata – For the People, with a focus on advancing health equity through culturally responsive medical education, particularly in regional and rural communities.
The NZGSM will distinguish itself through genuine and close partnerships with health service providers. Its teaching and research will reflect national workforce needs and the aspirations of regional and rural communities. A high proportion of its graduates are expected to pursue careers in primary care, and all graduates will be recognised for working effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Role Specification
The role of the Head, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences is to provide strategic and academic leadership as well as general management. This involves planning strategically for the future, providing thought leadership on the national stage, and effectively managing the people, resources, teaching, postgraduate and research programmes, including accreditation and quality assurance.
The Head is responsible for meeting all requirements for reporting to the Pharmacy Council, including fitness to practice of all graduates from the Master of Pharmacy.
The Head is expected to be an effective and supportive member of the Division’s Leadership Team, working in close cooperation with the Pro Vice-Chancellor, other Heads of Schools and Heads of Programmes, Associate Deans and managers of central support divisions.
Having regard to the aims, objectives and long-term strategic goals of the Faculty/School, the Division and the University, the primary objectives required of an Associate Professor include the following:
Academic Leadership and Administration
- Provide academic and business leadership within Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences.
- Monitor and report on all the requirements of Pharmacy Council for the accreditation of the Pharmacy programme at the University of Waikato.
- Create an environment that promotes the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences programme meeting the needs of, and providing a quality service to staff, students, University management, stakeholders and any external funders of its research.
- Maintain effective communications and relationships with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato and all healthcare providers of student placements.In conjunction with staff, develop and implement an operational plan for the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences programme that aligns with the Division and University Plans and the University Strategy.
- Manage finances and resources, including preparing and monitoring the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences budget and planning and managing physical resources.
- Manage staff within Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences:
- Implement and maintain Human Resource strategies and policies.
- Plan for the most suitable workforce and manage appropriate staffing levels.
- Implement performance management and professional development, including coaching and feedback, so as to develop staff. - Develop opportunities and initiatives that support the Division’s and University’s strategy, including contributing to the Divisional Leadership Team and acting as a key advisor to the Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Research and Scholarship
- Maintain an active research programme. Conduct high quality research and contribute to knowledge development through scholarship and publication. This will include involvement in research projects and attendance and presentation at academic conferences and may include leadership of a research team and/or obtaining internal or external research funding for specific projects.
- Act as a mentor to other staff and assist with the development of a successful and excellent research culture and research-led teaching programmes.
- Develop and maintain a research plan that advances the research capabilities and standing of the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences programmes.
- Successful involvement in professional/business/community/iwi activities relevant to the discipline.
Teaching
- Lead curriculum design and guide high-quality and relevant learning outcomes.
- Manage the promotion, planning and delivery of teaching and research and postgraduate programmes, and monitor the quality of these programmes.
- Develop and maintain networks and relationships within and external to the University that enhance the Division’s ability to provide relevant and quality teaching and research programmes related to Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
- Prepare and deliver high quality research-informed lectures and/or seminars and, as appropriate, conduct and/or co-ordinate tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, or workshops.
- Undertake teaching and research at an appropriate level.
General
- Participate in the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment for self and others including students. Comply with and undertake responsibilities set out in the University’s Health and Safety Policy.
- Any other duties as required that are consistent with the position held, other than in exceptional circumstances such as rehabilitation after injury or sickness.
NOTE: Staff have an annual objectives, development and reflection (ODR) meetings with their manager. New staff normally attend such an interview approximately three months after taking up their appointment.
1. Strategic and Academic Leadership
Proven experience providing academic and operational leadership within a Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences or closely related discipline, with the ability to set direction, lead through growth, and contribute as a senior member of a broader divisional leadership team.
2. Teaching-Focused Growth and Programme Delivery
Demonstrated success in leading teaching-intensive programmes through periods of expansion, with a clear commitment to high-quality curriculum design, student experience, and scalable delivery models rather than a primary focus on building research precincts.
3. Accreditation and Regulatory Management
Substantial experience managing professional accreditation processes (including external regulators), quality assurance, and compliance requirements, with the capability to meet all obligations of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand and similar bodies.
4. People, Timetabling and Resource Management
Proven capability in managing a sizeable academic and technical workforce (typically 15–20 staff or more), including workforce planning, performance development, complex timetabling, budget management, and effective use of physical and digital resources.
5. Innovative and Flexible Teaching Delivery
A strong track record of embracing and implementing innovative teaching approaches, including blended, online, and emerging digital or virtual reality delivery methods, with openness to evolving models rather than adherence to a single mode of delivery.
6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Curriculum Contribution
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, including contributing meaningfully to interdisciplinary curricula such as early medical education, and building effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Inclusive Leadership
A genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and inclusion, with experience embedding culturally responsive practice into leadership, teaching, partnerships and student outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific learners.
Essential
- A PhD, or equivalent qualification in Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences or a relevant field
- A postgraduate teaching qualification or equivalent
Preferred
- Registration as a Pharmacist in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Recent or current clinical practice and the ability to provide clinical teaching in a practice setting
Personal Qualities
- Self-motivation and a pro-active approach including a demonstrated commitment to innovation.
- Demonstrated capacity to work effectively as a member of a team, and, where relevant, to lead others.
- Proven ability to maintain a professional approach while under pressure.
- Ability to relate effectively and sensitively to students and staff from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
- Commitment to a culture of openness, flexibility, and cooperation to achieve excellence in academic programmes, research and service.
- A commitment to equal opportunity and to the University’s partnership with Māori as intended by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Reports to: Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health
- Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health
- Other Heads of School/Programmes
- Associate Deans
- Division Director
- Division Managers
- Academic staff members
- Technical staff members
- Students
- Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
- Māori Pharmacists Association – Ngā Kaitiaki o te Puna Rongoā,
- Other Pharmacy professional organisations
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato
- Key Pharmacy and primary care stakeholders across the Te Manawa Taki region
- External clients and organisations, contractors and suppliers
- Other external stakeholders
Please discuss with Hardygroup Consultant
Service Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Division: Division of Health
Tenure: Continuing
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 25th January 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5335
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga: M: +61 (0)49 410 1082 / E: azuniga@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
David Price
National Manager, HardyGroup New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211
E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
Living and Working
in Hamilton, Waikato
Living and Working in Waikato
Waikato, New Zealand, offers a blend of rural and urban lifestyles with key economic drivers in agriculture, dairy, and manufacturing. The region is known for its fertile land and is a hub for agricultural research and innovation, with opportunities in related sectors. It also has a major urban center in Hamilton, which provides various services, a university, and diverse job prospects.
Waikato
The Waikato region is located on New Zealand’s North Island, stretching from the Coromandel through Lake Taupo in the centre, heading on down to King Country in the Island’s southern half. Just under half a million people live in the area, with Hamilton the main centre – a city of innovation and technology, giving it the nickname ‘Hamiltron’.
Hamilton
Discover the vibrant city of Hamilton and its thriving workforce. Experience top-notch dining, a buzzing nightlife and an active outdoor lifestyle. Find where to live and work in Hamilton and enjoy the perfect work-life balance. With a range of job opportunities to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Hamilton Population and Demographics
Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city. It’s currently one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country. The population of Hamilton is youthful and innovative – around half of its residents are under the age of 30. It’s also a very culturally diverse city, home to more than 80 ethnic groups.
Hamilton Weather and Climate
Hamilton’s climate is generally mild, warm and temperate. The average temperature in summer is 21C and 14C in winter. On average, the warmest month is February and the coolest month is July. There is a significant amount annual rainfall in Hamilton, which helps keep the city green.
Hamilton Entertainment & Things to Do
There is a wide array of things to do in Hamilton and the Waikato region. The city centre is packed with restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos where you can have a fun night out. The vibrant nightlife scene is a draw for many travellers and migrants – and on the weekends, you’ll find various markets selling gourmet food and locally-crafted artwork and goods. The city also hosts events like sports matches, concerts, festivals and comedy shows that attract hundreds of locals and visitors every year.
Hamilton is also well known for its stunning parks and gardens. The Hamilton Gardens is the most popular attraction in the Waikato region. This award-winning attraction is well-loved by tourists and locals alike. The Garden takes you on a journey through a gallery of local and international species, with beautifully-manicured examples of traditional gardens from Japan, Italy, China, and much more that each tell their own unique story. Other fun places to spend time include the Hamilton Zoo, the Waikato Museum and Water World.
Hamilton also has close proximity to other regional destinations. Tourist hotspots like Auckland and Rotorua are within a couple hours’ drive from the city – so on your weekend breaks, you can venture out of Hamilton and explore more of the central North Island.
For more information on Living in Hamilton visit.
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