Contract & Interim Case Study | Accelerating Digital Transformation through Specialist Contract Talent
Role: Multiple contract roles including Programme Managers, Project Managers, Change Managers and Business Analysts supporting enterprise transformation
Industry: Pharmaceutical Distribution / Healthcare Supply Chain
Location: Ireland
Discovery
Our client, a leading pharmaceutical organisation, reached a critical growth point and needed to accelerate a large-scale digital transformation programme as legacy systems limited scalability and operational efficiency. With a highly sensitive healthcare supply chain, there was zero tolerance for disruption.
The requirement extended beyond technical delivery. The organisation needed experienced transformation specialists capable of operating in a complex, high-pressure environment and supporting a large-scale systems migration. Given the scale and urgency of the transformation project, securing high-impact contract talent was essential.
Reach
We leveraged our contractor channels to identify transformation professionals with expertise in large-scale enterprise programmes. The search focused on contract Programme Managers, Project Managers, Change Managers and Business Analysts with experience in digital transformation and regulated environments.
A structured engagement approach enabled rapid identification and mobilisation of talent aligned to both technical requirements and organisation culture.
Assessment
Candidates were drawn from HRM’s pre-vetted contractor network and assessed for large-scale transformation delivery, stakeholder management, and experience operating within highly regulated pharmaceutical environments. Each contractor was screened by experienced consultants to ensure technical capability and cultural alignment, with a strong focus on maintaining business continuity during systems migration.
Impact
A specialist transformation team was deployed within two weeks, providing the capability required to support the transformation programme without delay. This contract hiring approach enabled immediate access to specialist expertise while maintaining operational continuity. The appointment of experienced transformation professionals ensured a smooth transition, supporting scalable growth and strengthening operational resilience across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Explore the rest of our Contract & Interim case studieshere.
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Get In Touch
To discuss how we can support your Contract & Interim and Executive Search requirements contact:
Arlene Moran – Managing Director – Contract & Interim | arlene.moran@hrmrecruit.com | +353 86 3656648
Ciarán McCaughey – Managing Director – Executive Search | ciaran.mccaughey@hrmrecruit.com | +35383 1420673
Shane Browne – Managing Director – International Operations | shane.browne@hrmrecruit.com | +353 1 6321865
Senior Engineering Project Manager
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Location: Ireland
The Challenge
With a series of business-critical projects approved, the client needed immediate on-site expertise to manage their delivery. Internal resources were unavailable, and the geographical constraints made accessing the right talent particularly challenging.
Our Approach
Following a detailed briefing, we aligned with the client’s technical and cultural requirements. We activated our contractor network to identify consultants with the right engineering background and stakeholder engagement experience, prioritising those available for on-site work.
The Outcome
Within 24 hours, we delivered a shortlist of three qualified professionals. After an initial online screening and a brief on-site visit, the successful candidate was appointed and began work within days.
Site Automation Project Team
Industry Biologics Manufacturing
Location: Ireland
The Challenge
As the client built a new manufacturing facility, they required a specialist automation team to lead the design and integration of their DCS platform. This was a critical early-stage hire, made more complex by the ongoing recruitment of a permanent team and the brand’s relatively low market presence in Ireland.
Our Approach
With the skillset in high demand, we engaged our research function to pinpoint consultants with relevant DCS expertise, located near the project site. Our tailored outreach strategy helped position the opportunity as a compelling career project, sparking interest in a niche and passive talent pool.
The Outcome
We submitted four highly qualified consultants within five days. All four were engaged by the client and have since played a pivotal role in system integration and operational readiness during site start-up.
Supply Chain Consultant
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Location: Ireland
The Challenge
With their supply chain leader approaching retirement, the client wanted to bring in a contractor during the transition period. This allowed them to maintain performance, reassess the role, and ultimately make a better-informed permanent hire.
Our Approach
We delivered a qualified supply chain consultant just hours after the initial client briefing, ensuring immediate continuity for the function.
The Outcome
The interim consultant exceeded expectations and was ultimately offered the permanent role. They remain with the company today in a senior leadership capacity.
EU Head of Quality Control
Location: Ireland
The Challenge
Our client, a large multinational, required an interim solution for a specialist-level position overseeing the externally tested product within the EU. The role was critical to the organisation's operations, yet it proved challenging to identify candidates with the required expertise in Ireland, where most Quality Control professionals had site-based experience.
Our Approach
We leveraged our international network to search for candidates beyond the local market, tapping into our connections across the EU. After thorough research, we identified a highly qualified Quality Control Consultant who had operated in a similar capacity for UK operations.
The Outcome
The selected candidate proved to be an excellent fit for the role, leading to a successful contracting arrangement that lasted nearly four years. The consultant’s performance exceeded expectations until retirement prompted the organisation to seek a permanent replacement.
Global Technical Operations Managers (Multiple Roles)
Industry: Biopharmaceutical
Location: Ireland/Europe
The Challenge
As the client transitioned product manufacturing from CMOs to its internal network, they required multiple technical operations professionals across Europe to support commercialisation for an initial 12-month term.
Our Approach
Leveraging our extensive contractor network, we responded within 48 hours with multiple qualified candidates across various geographies.
The Outcome
Several specialists are now supporting the client’s global operations remotely from Ireland, enabling continuity and compliance in their commercialisation strategy.
Chief Transformation Officer
Industry: Utilities & Energy
Location: Ireland
The Challenge
Our client was investing heavily in automation across multiple business units and needed a transformation leader to drive systems, process, and people change.
Our Approach
We first assessed our internal contractor network but found no immediate availability within the utilities sector. Our research team then mapped the UK contractor market, quickly identifying a highly qualified candidate approaching availability.
The Outcome
The preferred candidate was secured within 72 hours and commenced on-site two weeks later. The nine-month engagement made a significant contribution to the client’s ongoing transformation programme.
HR Transformation Director
Location: Ireland
The Challenge
The client was undergoing a significant HR transformation as part of an organisational restructure. They required a senior HR leader with experience in large-scale change and workforce planning, available immediately on a day-rate contract, with potential to extend.
Our Approach
We worked closely with the client to shape the scope of work and define success. Through our senior HR consultant network and targeted headhunting, we identified candidates with the right mix of transformation leadership and stakeholder management. We also provided real-time market intelligence on availability, compensation, and structuring options.
The Outcome
We placed a specialist consultant within 72 hours, who brought proven expertise in complex change environments. Our insight-led process enabled swift decision-making, avoiding any project delays.
