PHARMAC Reviews

3.8

80% would recommend to a friend

(10 total reviews)

70% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

10 reviews
3.0
29 May 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Does genuinely good work for the needs of the nation. Flat organisational structure, nice modern office. Good break out areas and quiet spaces. You get direct involvment and contribution to projects that make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. Pragmatic approach to decision making. Good career exposure.Supports training and development.

Cons

Siloed and historically antiquated in its operation, took years to modernise basic processes. Politics between organisational units, with one area in particular the centre of things. Lots of unnecessary cliqueyness and conflict, often tarred by association, through no fault of your own. Although pragmatic in decision making, high workload with little regard to acknowledging the contribution of those who made things happen. While the funding model has done great things for NZ, it needs to adapt to the times, number 8 wire mentality perception needs to change.

4.0
27 Jan 2019

Smart people who care for more than the $, bit parochial about its own success

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Intelligent diverse staff Meaningful work that you can see makes a difference Small size Government but acts more like private sector Unique model internationally Successful in acheiving its goals Great place for those sick of working on 'the other side' of pharma to give back

Cons

Management maturity still being developed - many have grown in the org with no other mgmt experience Have to make genuinely tough calls - someone always misses out as funding for pharmaceuticals is limited budget. Parochial view from having managers with light external experience Salary can't compete with private sector but still week paid and can achieve work life balance if you're step g at managing your time and work

4.0
7 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work is mission-driven and the impact is real — decisions directly influence access to medicines for New Zealanders. Colleagues are highly capable and intellectually curious. It’s a good place early in your career to gain exposure to public health and complex funding decisions.

Cons

The organisation is small, which means career progression opportunities can be limited unless someone more senior leaves. Workloads can become intense during decision cycles or when teams are under-resourced. Salaries are modest compared with pharmaceutical industry or consulting roles with similar technical skill requirements.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 10 Reviews

Glassdoor has 13 PHARMAC reviews submitted anonymously by PHARMAC employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if PHARMAC is right for you.