Chief Executive

The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) is the principal government funder of health research in New Zealand. The HRC's major activity is investing in health research:

• Proposed by health researchers in response to health need and scientific opportunity (investigator-initiated research);
• Through training the health research workforce in areas where capacity and capability are needed (Career Development programme); and
• Through targeted funding initiatives that address priority health needs and critical gaps in evidence.

As a Crown Agent, the organisation is accountable to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. The HRC's investment improves health outcomes, strengthens the health system and progress towards health targets, and adds value to the nation's science, innovation and technology system and the wider economy.

Following a recent review conducted by the Science System Advisory Group, the Government has announced that a single body, known as Research Funding New Zealand, would in future be responsible for funding decisions across the sector. Under the new model, public investment in science would be focused on four pillars – the economy, the environment, health and society, and technology. An in-principle decision has been made for Research Funding New Zealand to absorb the Health Research Council into the health and society pillar. For the time being, however, all current research contracts and investment rounds will continue, with the changes being phased in over several years.

The Opportunity:

The HRC is looking for a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation and set the strategic direction for New Zealand's central source of government funding for health research. The Chief Executive will lead the entity to develop and deliver on the strategic plan through setting clear measures, monitoring progress against goals, excellent leadership, management support, feedback, and excellent communication. The Chief Executive will hold responsibility for the financial and operational management of the entity, involving the monitoring and achievement of financial and operational targets, as well as managing operational and compliance risks. They will also be responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the organisation through organisational design that enables the delivery of required outcomes, clear accountabilities, and the information systems required to operate New Zealand's largest single organisation.

Given the system shift that has been announced, which includes HRC's absorption into Research Funding New Zealand over the next few years, the Chief Executive role will also require strong change leadership capability and experience.

Applicants for the Chief Executive role will ideally have:

• A strong background in/knowledge of the health research sector;
• Extensive experience in leading organisations of a similar scale and complexity;
• The ability to articulate a strategic vision for change, and experience leading significant organisational change;
• Advanced commercial and financial acumen;
• A sound understanding of New Zealand's Machinery of Government framework and the wider public service and the statutory framework for the governance and management of Crown Entities; and
• A track record of successfully delivering results and creating a high-performance team culture.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader interested in contributing to an organisation at the core of health research in New Zealand. This person will be resilient, courageous, and eager to set and deliver the strategic vision for the New Zealand health research funding landscape.

Kerridge & Partners is supporting the Health Research Council with this appointment process. To apply for the role, please contact Reuben Panting of Kerridge & Partners at by 5pm on Monday, 17 November.