Hiring Project : Global Operations Leadership Build
Our client is a global CDMO specialising in small molecule pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services, operating multiple sites across Europe and supporting pharmaceutical, biotech and consumer healthcare clients with a wide range of drug product development and manufacturing services for both commercial and clinical supply.
Allerton Bishop was engaged by the COO and Head of HR to build a Global Operations leadership team with centralised, strategic leaders across key functions including Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Technical, Engineering, Procurement and Quality. As this was a new organisational initiative, the hiring leaders wanted clarity on options, market availability, and associated cost before committing to offers.
“Andrew provided market insight and first-hand experience of how other international clients had approached similar hiring. This allowed us to be well informed on the type of profiles available and the commercial implications of each option.”
To support informed decision-making, Allerton Bishop presented shortlists across multiple mandates and supported the full process — from structured interview flow and expectation alignment to offer management. Offer management proved crucial; it was pragmatic, data-led and successfully delivered within the original budgets.
Approach
For each leadership role, a 100-candidate market map was delivered within two weeks, enabling timely search progression. In two instances, recalibration was required once stakeholder alignment matured — for those, the market map extended to 200 candidates. This level of iteration is normal for newly created positions, especially when appointing cross-border European leaders with multiple stakeholders involved.
A careful balance was achieved between supplying sufficient market options and meeting hiring timelines.
Outcome
- 5 external hires : Global Heads of Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Technical, Engineering, Procurement.
- 95% of shortlisted candidates interviewed
- 100% of mandate shortlists rated excellent
- 83% of candidates offered accepted and joined
Mandate Feedback
“Andrew makes complex hiring simple. His dedication to work at pace and deliver quality is why we see Allerton Bishop as a strategic partner for leadership and management appointments.”
Summary
💡 Advisory support on international hiring models
🌍 European market insight + stakeholder alignment
📈 Data-led shortlist presentation and offer management
⚡ Fast market mapping + timely delivery
🤝 Strategic partner for multi-hire leadership builds
Hiring a Leader?
Allerton Bishop can help. It’s not just about a CV — our team draws on years of sector expertise to help you find the personality, pragmatism, and leadership style that will suit your business best.
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