Group Head of Marketing

About the opportunity

This is a standout chance to create and oversee the marketing function for NZ Clinical Research (NZCR), a major clinical research organisation operating across Australasia. The role reports to the Group Chief Strategy Officer and has been newly established to define group-wide direction for marketing, brand, and global communications.

Backed by strong growth and ambitious expansion plans, NZCR is looking to strengthen its market position, bring consistency to its brand portfolio, and develop a modern marketing capability that supports future growth. The position will be central to improving customer engagement, strengthening communication with employees, and building the organisation’s reputation as a trusted clinical research partner internationally.

Key focus areas

• Set and deliver the organisation’s marketing, branding, and communications strategy across New Zealand, Australia, the US, Europe, and China.
• Guide the development of brand structure, positioning, messaging, and overall market visibility across several business units.
• Create and roll out programmes that improve customer engagement, generate demand, and nurture leads for international clients.
• Establish scalable marketing processes, operating systems, and governance standards across the business.
• Lead internal communications, employee engagement, and employer brand initiatives for a trans-Tasman workforce of around 1,000 people.

What you will bring

The ideal candidate will have a strong record of leading B2B marketing, brand, or communications in a complex environment with multiple sites or markets. This is also a build-from-scratch role, so the ability to pair strategy with hands-on execution is important.

• Proven experience shaping brand strategy, customer engagement activity, and demand generation campaigns.
• Ability to create and improve marketing structures, systems, processes, and governance to support business growth.
• Confidence influencing senior leaders and building trust with technical and operational teams.
• Experience working with customers and colleagues across different countries and time zones.
• Strong comfort with data, including marketing analytics, CRM tools, and performance reporting to support decision-making.
• Exposure to healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, technology, or other regulated sectors would be an advantage.

What is on offer

• The chance to establish and lead a group-wide marketing function from the ground up.
• A wide remit covering brand, customer engagement, demand generation, digital marketing, and internal communications.
• High visibility across the business, working closely with the Chief Strategy Officer, CEO, and senior leadership.
• Direct input into the future brand direction of NZ Clinical Research in New Zealand and Australia.
• Support from private equity ownership and international growth plans.
• The opportunity to build a team, strengthen capability, and make a long-term commercial and organisational impact.
• A purpose-led organisation contributing to clinical research that helps speed up the development of new medicines and treatments worldwide.

Application notes

Applications are to be submitted through this advertisement. The employer will review applications as they are received and respond accordingly.

If you have any questions, you can contact Cameron on +64 22 073 1320 and mention Job ID: 17933 for a private discussion.

Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or already have the legal right to work in New Zealand with a valid visa.

References will be requested later in the process, so they should not be included on the CV when applying.