BALANCING SAFETY AND INNOVATION.
With new, wide-ranging legal regulations constantly being introduced and the pressure to innovate never easing, there are few sectors operating in the face of such challenging tension as the chemistry, medical technology and pharmaceutical sectors. It is mostly medium-sized enterprises that inhabit this relatively complex competitive field, which is characterised by an increasing pressure to consolidate. Most clients have ultra-specific requirements, driving up the costs for the preliminary work and development at an astounding rate. This is especially true in the pharmaceutical industry with its long-term projects. Demographic change is another factor to consider in these more conservative sectors that have a strong focus on safety. Our consultants have sector-specific experience, so they understand the complexities and can help you make strategic staffing decisions to consolidate and improve your position in relation to the competition in the long term.
Chemical manufacturers and distributors
Manufacturers and distributors of basic chemicals, special chemicals such as coatings, adhesives, pigments and additives, agrochemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, plastics and polymer chemicals, fine chemicals and intermediates, electronic chemicals, food and drink chemicals, energy and fuel chemicals
Medical technology
Diagnostic devices – imaging/in vitro diagnostics, therapeutic devices such as surgical instruments, implants and radiotherapy; patient monitoring systems such as ECG, ventilators and dialysis machines; wheelchairs, walking aids, orthoses and prostheses, ultrasound therapy machines; telemedicine, lab equipment such as analytical devices and devices and systems for genetic engineering, cell culture; consumables such as dressings, surgical clothing, disinfectants and diagnostic test kits; dental technology such as dental instruments and devices, dentures and implants
Medicines and medical preparations
Prescription and non-prescription medicines with patent protection, generic medicines, biopharmaceuticals, OTC products, veterinary medical products, medical devices and diagnostics, food supplements, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies
TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX SECTORS.
All of the regulatory requirements mean that personnel consultants and recruiters need specific knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the complex competitive field in order to do their jobs properly within the chemical, medical technology and pharmaceutical industries. Safety is traditionally a priority for businesses and employees, so a certain degree of sensitivity is required when filling key positions. Another key skill required is the ability to make jobs based in smaller towns appealing to young, up-and-coming managers. We work with you to assess where your company is now and decide on the specification for the person you need to guarantee its success into the future.
MEETING SPECIFIC CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS.
Companies in the chemical and coatings industries have to adhere to a whole host of rules, regulations and directives relating to the environment, safety and health protection. One example is the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation of the European Union. A lot of valuable resources are used to ensure and monitor compliance with all the relevant regulations.
In the context of carbon footprint reduction targets and new technologies, substantial investment in the development and integration of environmentally friendly products and processes is also required if companies are going to survive in the highly dynamic global competitive field and weather the fluctuating raw material prices. Customer demands are increasing too and becoming more specific, with an increasing need for additional services and support. That means that innovation, flexibility and adaptability are the keys to success in the future. None of that is possible without digital transformation and Industry 4.0 processes. There is structural ageing within the sector, which brings with it a conservative mindset focused on safety. Qualified specialists are in short supply, especially in the core areas of sales, business development, application technology, production and research and development.
TECHNOLOGY BUILT ON TRUST.
Technological innovations, such as AI and robotics, are critical to achieving success in the field of medical technology. Products have to keep up with the rapid pace of progress in technology, but new components also have to be compatible. Clinical trials and evidence basing require significant investments of time and money. Companies also have to follow strict approval processes that are regulated by the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in the EU and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. Networked devices also have the added complexity of IT security and data protection considerations. The intense pressure to innovate sits alongside the need to develop environmentally friendly products and processes in light of the circular economy and carbon footprint reduction targets.
The market is saturated with established providers and start-ups, which means that companies have to position themselves carefully to stand out from the crowd. Access to products in emerging and developing countries is also a logistical challenge. Medium-sized enterprises feel the strain most acutely and there is often a need to invest in building trust in new technologies. Qualified specialists are also in short supply in the medical technology sector, especially in the core areas of sales, business development, application technology, production and research and development.
INNOVATION IN THE PATIENT’S INTEREST.
Much like the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry is subject to strict regulations. The quality standards and requirements are high due to the direct impact on the health and well-being of patients. The sector is known for its strict, laborious and costly approval processes with extensive clinical trials. And yet they obviously conflict with the intense pressure to innovate. Any new preparations have to be proven to be effective and innovative to be eligible for reimbursement, which is critical to their success.
The highly dynamic market with constantly changing requirements is shaped by needs in the healthcare sector, legal regulations (such as the regulations surrounding eligibility for reimbursement and access to raw materials), supply chain stability, digitalisation and personalisation of treatment. What all this means for companies is high costs and high risks, with many active ingredients failing at late stages of clinical research. There are also ethical considerations surrounding the transparency of clinical trials, the use of patient data and the use of animal testing. As recruiters, we find ourselves facing the same challenges here as in the chemical industry. There is structural ageing within the sector and qualified specialists are in short supply, especially in the core areas of sales, business development, application technology, production and research and development.
DIRECT SEARCH WITH PRECISION AND DISCRETION.
It is challenging to stay competitive enough to find just the right executives, managers and specialists in such demanding sectors. This is where our systematic and direct approach comes into its own. We draw on our expertise and our extensive network to identify candidates who are already working in the relevant field. But we also approach people in related areas who we believe have the potential to succeed in your specific sector too. Guaranteeing ultimate precision every step of the way, our whole process is geared towards finding the exact executives and managers who meet your specific requirements and fit in with the culture at your business.
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED SECTOR SPECIALIST.
Marc Honsell’s training and professional experience in industrial enterprises specialising in coatings, chemistry and pharmaceuticals – combined with his many years of experience in selecting and filling executive, leadership and specialist positions – are what makes him the ideal expert for businesses working in the chemistry, medical technology and pharmaceutical sectors. He understands the challenges faced in these fields from his own experience and, over the years, he has built a strong and sustainable network in what has traditionally been a varied competitive field.
