​Role: Site Leadership Team (SLT)

Industry: Pharma & Biotech

Location: Ireland

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Discovery

Our client, a global top-tier Pharma and Biotech organisation, initiated one of its most significant strategic investments: the development of a USD $1 billion+ greenfield Biologics Drug Substance facility in Munster, Ireland. This next-generation site was designed to expand the organisation’s manufacturing network and strengthen capacity for advanced biologics production for one of its flagship therapies.

Recognising that the required leadership capability did not exist within its global network, HRM was engaged to carry out an executive search to identify and secure key members of the Site Leadership Team. The talent requirements were highly specialised, demanding leaders with significant biologics Drug Substance experience and proven delivery within large-scale or greenfield environments. Munster’s regional talent landscape added additional complexity, with a limited local pool of experienced biologics professionals and strong competition from established biopharma employers.

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Reach

Our team partnered closely with senior HR and project leadership to define the site’s leadership framework and map the global talent landscape. Our search focused on major biologics and Pharma hubs across Europe, the United States and Asia, enabling access to the most relevant senior talent. We targeted leaders across operations, quality, engineering and technical services with proven experience in biologics Drug Substance manufacturing and high-growth or greenfield site environments. By positioning the scale and strategic significance of the investment, we secured strong international engagement and attracted candidates with experience aligned to the demands of a next-generation biologics facility.

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Assessment

Candidates were assessed for technical and leadership capability and experience in greenfield builds or major site expansions. Cultural alignment and adaptability were equally prioritised to ensure leaders could operate effectively within a fast-evolving, start-up-like environment, while integrating seamlessly into a global organisation. This ensured that selected individuals could support the site’s progression from design and construction through commissioning and into full operational readiness.

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Impact

We delivered multiple strategic leadership appointments across operations, quality, engineering and technical services, establishing the core leadership infrastructure required to advance the site through its early development phases. These hires brought critical global biologics expertise to Ireland’s expanding life sciences sector, and positioned the organisation to progress confidently toward operational readiness. The leadership team continues to underpin the long-term success and growth of the client’s global biologics network.

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Explore more Executive Search case studies here.

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​Get In Touch

To discuss how we can support your Executive Search and Contract & Interim requirements contact:

Ciarán McCaughey – Managing Director – Executive Search | ciaran.mccaughey@hrmrecruit.com | +353 83 1420673

Shane Browne – Managing Director – International Operations | shane.browne@hrmrecruit.com | +353 1 6321865

Arlene Moran – Managing Director – Contract & Interim | arlene.moran@hrmrecruit.com | +353 86 3656648