Client Overview
Our client, a synthetic immunotherapy biotech, is developing novel therapeutics with the potential to transform patient outcomes. As a small, fast-growing SME, they had recently rebranded and had limited visibility in the market, with only a small operational team to support their critical hiring needs.
The Challenges
The business urgently needed a QA Manager, a hire that was vital for regulatory compliance and project delivery. However, they faced several hurdles:
Limited Talent Network: Almost no reach in the QA space, despite the role being business-critical.
Prolonged Hiring Process: The role had been open for more than 4 months with no progress, impacting team performance.
Budget Constraints: They could only afford to hire at the lower end of the benchmark range.
Funding Challenges: Late in the process, it became clear that permanent funding might not be available, putting the whole hire at risk.
Limited Internal Support: With a stretched HR team, managing candidate engagement was a real challenge.
Our Solutions
We delivered a rapid, flexible recruitment strategy that addressed both the talent and funding issues:
Rapid Candidate Identification: Within 1 week we mapped the market and sourced 33 new candidates, shortlisting 6 for the client.
Streamlined Selection: The client interviewed 2 and made a final decision within 3 weeks, resolving a 4-month hiring gap.
Creative Contract Solution: When funding issues threatened the hire, we used our expertise in both permanent and contract recruitment to design a hybrid solution:
The candidate joined initially as a contractor, reducing upfront cost.
This allowed the client to secure critical expertise immediately, while planning for a permanent transition once funding was secured.
End-to-End Guidance: Neither the client nor the candidate had experience with contract structures, so we guided both parties through the process, ensuring clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Impact
Critical hire secured in 3 weeks, after a 4-month unsuccessful search.
Funding challenge overcome with a contract-to-permanent model.
Candidate retained, avoiding offer withdrawal and reputational risk.
Introduced a new hiring model now used for other critical roles, giving the client a flexible approach to talent acquisition.
Why It Worked
Flexibility & Dual Expertise: Our ability to operate seamlessly across both permanent and contract markets created a solution others
couldn’t offer.•Speed & Market Reach: We tapped into a network of unseen candidates, delivering talent rapidly despite a niche requirement and
limited budget.•Partnership Approach: By managing the candidate relationship closely and providing hands-on support to the client, we built trust and delivered a stable outcome in a complex situation.
•Problem-Solving Mindset: We went beyond “filling a role” — designing a solution that supported both immediate delivery and long-term sustainability.