Hays Pharma - January 2010
Hotspots
Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research, Medical Affairs and Sales Representatives are the prime hotspots of candidate demand. Following the budget constraints and headcount freezes of 2009, we now see confidence returning and vacancies in these areas rising.
Within Clinical Research specifically, an increase in project activity locally will necessitate additional staff. Within sales, the payment of bonuses at the end of this quarter will see increased candidate movement, while a need for stronger customer support will also create a need for more Sales Representatives.
To attract these skills, employers offer both contract and permanent roles.
Temporary-to-permanent opportunities are also on offer. Employers are more accommodating and are prepared to offer flexible working arrangements. Employers are also aware that as the market picks up they need to have quicker and more adaptable recruiting process in place to secure the best candidates and to be competitive.
The coming quarter
As hiring freezes are relaxed, increased recruiting activity will take place for all job functions on both a temporary and permanent basis. The impact of merger activity during 2009 should become more evident this quarter, as new jobs are created within the new entities. In the last year there was a focus on temporary hiring, but this quarter we expect to see an increase in permanent recruitment.
Employer trends
As demand increases and while certain skills are in short supply, many employers want to be made aware of high-calibre candidates that become available, regardless of whether they have a current vacancy.
Candidate trends
A shortage of candidates exists across the board in Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research and Medical Affairs and for Sales Representatives. Despite the number of high-profile mergers, candidate flow has not increased. As people come to understand their roles in the new companies, this could change. At present, candidates are reluctant to move until either their redundancy or bonus is secured. As the general market improves, candidates will become more comfortable to explore new opportunities.
