Search & Selection: Multi-Site Team Building

RRxCo was approached by a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) specialising in full-service API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) development and manufacturing solutions. The company focuses on complex and high-value API production, including hazardous chemistry and controlled substances.

Background

This global CDMO supports its clients throughout the drug development lifecycle, from early-phase development to commercial-scale manufacturing. Their primary business objectives are to deliver high-quality, tailored manufacturing services, maintain rigorous compliance with global regulatory standards, and drive innovation in API processes to help clients bring their therapies to market efficiently and safely.

Challenge

The company faced several challenges related to securing talent, with a specific focus on quality assurance, bio-analysis, analytical roles, bio-assessment, environmental health and safety (EHS), head of business, and quality control. The requirements were split across two sites in the North East and North West of the United Kingdom, each with unique challenges. The North West site required skill sets with biologics experience and preferably proven knowledge of Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), while the North East requirements focused more on senior appointments of EHS personnel and candidates with previous API or chemical manufacturing expertise.

Solution

For each requirement, RRxCo applied its Search & Selection methodology, a robust and thorough process. The engagement began with consultation with hiring managers and talent acquisition teams to define departmental requirements and assess skill gaps. These gaps included quality assurance, process development, quality control, EHS, and analytical development roles at various levels. Once requirements for the following six months were fully understood, a market mapping exercise was conducted to identify the most effective, best-in-industry talent. While mapping was underway, detailed job profiles were created for each role, including an overview of the company, the employee value proposition (EVP), team structure, deliverables, and the ideal candidate profile. These profiles ensured a clear and concise message about the opportunity and expectations.

Once job profiles were completed and markets mapped, with all candidates registered in a long list, candidates were systematically approached via phone, social platforms, email, and headhunting. All engagement followed a proven, data-backed process developed through years of experience. Throughout the process, candidates were qualified against both the scope of requirements and the organisation’s culture fit, recognising that personal alignment is as important as technical skill. Candidates were categorised as Not Interested, Rejected, or QIA (Qualified, Interested and Assessed). QIA candidates were ranked from most to least appropriate and recorded in the long list. The top three to six candidates, pre-agreed with the client, formed the short list, which was shared with the employer alongside a detailed coversheet.

First, second, and in some cases third interviews were scheduled, followed by structured feedback and full offer management. This ensured reference checks were completed, contracts were signed, and candidates achieved a successful start.

Search and Selection methodology

• Initial Consultation
  We meet with each hiring manager and talent acquisition to assess skill gaps.
• Market Mapping
  To identify the most effective, best-in-industry talent, we conduct market mapping
• Job Profiling
  This includes an overview of the company, the EVP, team structure, deliverables and the ideal candidate profile.
• Long List
  Candidates are registered in a Long List and contacted systematically.
• Qualifying
  Candidates who qualify against the scope of requirements are then ranked.
• Short List
  We then create a Short List of candidates, which we send to the employer.
• Full Management
  The process from interview to offer to a successful start is fully managed by us.