Life sciences recruitment in Ireland is booming, driven by €80 billion in pharmaceutical exports alone annually (KPMG, 2024). Its strategic location within the European Union, skilled talent and favourable regulatory environment have attracted top multinationals like Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly, among others. While numerous Irish life sciences start-ups like Deciphex and Nuritas are also making their mark globally, scaling teams in this competitive market remains a challenge.
How We Helped Build Talent for a Global Bio-Pharma Start-Up in Ireland
A well-funded biosimilar start-up, backed by one of the world’s largest healthcare organisations, was setting up its European headquarters in Ireland. With global supply chain responsibilities and a focus on the US market, speed and precision in life sciences hiring were critical.
The Challenge
Hire two Executive Director-level leaders within six weeks
Required senior talent with start-up resilience and Big Pharma experience
Maintain discretion and build trust quickly
Why They Chose Next Generation
The SVP leading the build had worked with Sarah MacMullan for over a decade. Sarah had supported his career with CV advice, consultations and earned his trust. He chose Next Generation for our ability to:
Engage C-suite candidates discreetly
Understand the profile, experience and personality needed in a start-up
Move fast without sacrificing quality
Our Approach:
Two confidential shortlists of five candidates delivered within two weeks
Discreet, insight-led outreach to passive senior talent
Hands-on support throughout offers, negotiations and onboarding
The Outcome:
Two senior hires secured within six weeks
75% faster time-to-fill than traditional retained search
Confidentiality maintained throughout
Executive team in place, ready to scale global operations
Building Scalable Life Sciences Teams: Key Strategies
1. Strategic Talent Planning:
Start with a clear roadmap. What roles will you need in the next 6, 12 and 24 months? Align hiring with clinical and commercial milestones to avoid costly delays later.
2. Multi-Disciplinary Executive Teams:
Early executive hires shape company culture and workflows. Prioritise adaptable leaders who can operate cross-functionally and thrive in ambiguity.
Find candidates with a blend of start-up and big pharma experience. Look for commercial acumen, not just technical excellence.
3. Balance In-House Hires with Flexible Talent:
Consider contractors or project-based hires for regulatory, clinical or operational tasks. This gives you agility without long-term cost commitments.
4. Leverage Life Sciences Recruitment Specialists
Partner with expert recruiters like Next Generation who understand the life sciences start-up ecosystem and can assist with talent advisory, workflow planning and hiring support from start to finish.
Scaling a start-up in Ireland in MedTech, pharma or other life sciences fields offers immense opportunity, but only if you build the right team at the right time. A strategic talent partner can mean the difference between momentum and a missed opportunity.
Contact us today to learn more about how Next Generation can help your life sciences company.
