Case Study: Overcoming recruitment challenges in competitive biotech markets

A Swedish biotech specialising in blood cancer treatments partnered with us to build a European Medical Science Liaison (MSL) team across Sweden, the Netherlands, and Spain. Under significant time pressure due to an imminent product launch, we supported them in making some key hires, enabling them to advance their mission of providing innovative treatments for multiple myeloma.

Key stats

• 7 positions filled across Sweden, the Netherlands, and Spain

• 3 countries supported for product launch readiness

• Average time to hire under 1 month

• 1 week fastest process closure

The situation

This small biotech faced urgent recruitment challenges due to its impending product launches in various European markets. In Sweden, the product had already launched, and team expansion was critical to sustain momentum. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, regulatory hurdles required strategic expertise from the incoming MSLs to navigate a complex pre-launch landscape; and in Spain, where the launch was just one month away, the stakes were even higher, making timely onboarding of top talent non-negotiable.

Operating in a competitive space alongside industry leaders like GSK, Novartis, and Janssen, the company needed a distinctive approach to attract high-calibre candidates. They required professionals who not only possessed strong technical skills but were also aligned with the company’s culture of agility and innovation. They needed to emphasise the opportunity for candidates to take on greater responsibility and make a direct impact, something less achievable in larger organisations.

The Hobson Prior solution

To overcome these challenges, we partnered closely with the biotech’s hiring managers to craft a strategic recruitment plan. Recognising the importance of standing out in a competitive market, we collaborated to highlight the company’s unique value proposition. Our messaging focused on the benefits of joining a smaller, dynamic biotech, including greater ownership of responsibilities, a strong team ethos, and the ability to directly influence the company’s success. We worked closely with the hiring managers to showcase their leadership vision, using it as a compelling selling point to attract candidates.

With time being a critical factor, we streamlined the hiring process by ensuring clear role briefs, securing pre-arranged interview slots, and maintaining efficient communication between all parties. Our consultants leveraged their deep expertise and networks to identify high-potential candidates, even those overlooked by other agencies. We also provided tailored support during the hiring process, from facilitating direct headhunting efforts to acting as mediators in interviews to ensure team alignment and compatibility.

The results

Rapid and strategic placements

All 7 hires completed within one month, ensuring the client met its launch timelines. One role in Spain was filled and the candidate onboarded just two weeks from the initial brief.

Delivering high-impact talent

We placed professionals with strong therapy area knowledge, including a candidate from a top 20 pharmaceutical company seeking a developmental opportunity, proving our ability to align client needs with candidate aspirations.

Flexible solutions for unique challenges

Acted as a mediator in collaborative interviews, providing insight into team fit to ensure seamless integration. Successfully aligned expectations between candidates and hiring managers, smoothing the process even in highly competitive hiring landscapes.

Partner with Hobson Prior for strategic recruitment success

Are you navigating high-stakes hiring challenges in a competitive market? Whether expanding globally or gearing up for critical product launches, Hobson Priors’ expertise in the life sciences industry can help you secure top talent efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to build a world-class team and achieve your organisational goals.