Strategic recruitment for rare disease specialists, 17 US positions filled within 18 months 

A global biopharmaceutical company specialising in rare diseases partnered with us to expand their team in the United States. With over 1,800 employees across 30 states, the Swedish-headquartered company needed to fill critical roles to advance their mission of transforming lives through innovative treatments. 

Key stats 

• 17 positions filled across various US territories, including the East Coast, Central and West Coast 
• 6 senior hires 
• 11 backfill hires 
• 3 weeks average time to hire 

The situation 

The company urgently needed to fill two critical Hematology Clinical Account Manager (CAM) vacancies. They partnered with us following a recommendation from their Global Head of Talent Acquisition, recognising our expertise in life sciences recruitment. 

Working closely with the VP of Sales for Hematology in the US, we focused on filling roles in Washington, D.C., and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company faced significant challenges in sourcing high-calibre candidates and positioning their brand to highlight its true potential, advantages, and value proposition against competitors. They specifically required experienced senior professionals with deep knowledge of the hematology-oncology landscape and strong networks essential for success. 

Following a recent organisational realignment, several CAMs resigned, further damaging market perception and making it harder to attract top talent. This prompted hiring managers to reach out to us for support in filling the newly vacant positions. 

The solution 

We quickly engaged with hiring managers, leveraging the expertise of our dedicated market specialists. Our comprehensive search strategy focused on headhunting top talent within the Hem/Onc space, not just active job seekers, but also passive candidates from our existing network who wouldn’t have been identified through traditional channels. 

We carefully screened candidates based on therapeutic experience, skill set, values, and cultural fit. Within 48 hours, we presented 3–5 qualified candidates, organised all interviews, and provided detailed briefings on the company, its products, and culture. We also managed the closing process to ensure alignment between candidate expectations and company offers.

The result 

Over an 18-month period, we successfully placed 17 candidates across multiple US territories. This included six senior hires to grow the team and 11 backfill hires to maintain continuity. Our swift and strategic approach ensured the company had the talent needed to make an immediate impact in key locations. 

The success of this project enhanced the company’s reputation in the market and led to exclusive partnerships with several Regional Business Directors. Our smooth process and high-quality candidates established us as a trusted recruitment partner for ongoing needs. 

We maintained consistent communication throughout, ensuring a seamless experience for both client and candidates. This high level of satisfaction led to increased collaboration and continued support for additional roles. 

Is your US team struggling to find the right people in a competitive market? 

Contact R&D Partners today to discover how we can help you build an industry-leading team and achieve your organisational goals efficiently and effectively.