Unearthing rare talent for newly-created roles at AstraZeneca

The challenge was on to find niche specialists in a very short timeframe.

The challenge

AstraZeneca was approaching a critical global launch of a new drug in its respiratory franchise. A team of highly skilled Clinical Science Liaison specialists were required in various regions across the United States to help take the drug to market. These were new roles, designed to engage with the clinicians and other key stakeholders in the respiratory community. It was vital for candidates to have a clinical background at the cutting edge of medicines and drug discovery.

Since the role had never previously existed in the business, it wasn’t possible to simply move internal people sideways. AstraZeneca turned to Talentmark because of our deep sector knowledge, track-record for delivery and reputation for being able to unearth hard-to-find, high quality talent.

Our approach and results

Working in partnership with senior members of the Respiratory Medical Affairs team, Talentmark delivered six hires within 12 weeks for Clinical Science Liaisons in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Texas, California and Georgia.

Crucially, we met their very short timeframe and delivered on all the internal KPIs.

While our original remit was to engage with clinicians and respiratory experts, it soon became clear that this expertise alone was not necessarily the best fit for a pharmaceutical business, and that more commercial acumen and business experience was needed. We shared this feedback and insight with AstraZeneca, and it was agreed that our brief should be re-focused accordingly.

The project was delivered by Jon Phillips, Director of Talentmark Resourcing Solutions, who worked closely with AstraZeneca’s Recruitment Process Outsourcing partner, their Senior Medical Affairs Director, their Talent Acquisition Partner and the oversight specialists. The latter was important because of the high priority placed on the project. Crucially, we met their very short timeframe and delivered on all the internal KPIs.