Talent in Transition: Staffing Challenges as CDMOs Expand Services Post-COVID

Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) are at a pivotal crossroads. 

Post-COVID, they’re rapidly expanding services, from advanced biologics to gene therapies, fueling innovation but intensifying staffing challenges.

At Harris & Co, with years of global experience placing life sciences and construction talent, we’ve seen firsthand how recruitment strategies must evolve to meet the demands of this expanding landscape.

Navigating a Shifting Skillset Landscape

CDMOs now require multifaceted talent who combine deep technical knowledge with cross-disciplinary agility. The post-pandemic boom in cell and gene therapy manufacturing demands professionals proficient in both cutting-edge science and complex regulatory environments.

Recruiters must look beyond traditional roles to find adaptable candidates who thrive amid rapid change.

Balancing Scale with Specialist Expertise

As CDMOs scale production, the need for niche experts in bioprocess engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain logistics grows. However, these specialists remain scarce, making targeted talent sourcing and retention critical.

Highlighting career growth, advanced training opportunities, and impactful projects helps attract and keep this high-demand talent.

Remote Work: A New Frontier in Manufacturing Recruitment

While manufacturing has traditionally been site-centric, post-COVID hybrid models are emerging for roles like process development and quality control. Offering flexible working arrangements can widen talent pools and appeal to a workforce seeking better work-life balance.

Recruiters must communicate these evolving workplace cultures clearly to candidates.

Cultural Fit in a Fast-Growing Environment

Rapid expansion puts strain on company culture and team cohesion. CDMOs need candidates who are not only technically proficient but also collaborative, resilient, and aligned with evolving organisational values.

Recruiters play a vital role in assessing these soft skills to support long-term retention and performance.

The Essential Insight

Our experience confirms this: as CDMOs grow and diversify, staffing strategies must be agile, targeted, and human-centred. The right talent fuels innovation, operational excellence, and competitive advantage.

CDMOs are transforming the future of medicine—are your recruitment strategies ready for the transition?

Harris & Co partners with life sciences leaders worldwide to place specialist talent who power this evolution. Let’s build the teams driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs.