Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Top Qualified Persons in the Life Sciences

In the highly competitive landscape of the Life Sciences industry, attracting and retaining top talent is a constant challenge. One role that is particularly critical and difficult to fill is that of a Qualified Person (QP). QPs play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products, making them indispensable to any pharmaceutical company. This guide provides hiring managers with practical strategies for recruiting and retaining top QPs, ensuring your organisation remains compliant and competitive.

What is a Qualified Person (QP)?

Qualified Person (QP) is a technical term used in European Union pharmaceutical regulation (Directive 2001/83/EC for Medicinal products for human use). QPs are legally responsible for certifying batches of medicinal products before they’re used in clinical trials or available on the market

In Ireland, to be eligible as a QP, one must complete a degree in Pharmacy or a recognised post-graduate course that meets the educational requirements defined in the EU Regulation 2019/6 and the EU Directive 2001/83/EC. This educational background is typically coupled with several years of experience working within the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities of a QP

The primary responsibility of a QP is to certify batches of Medicinal products prior to their use in clinical trials or their release for sale within the EU or for export. Additional responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all activities associated with the manufacture and testing of the medicinal product have been conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Confirming that product registration and manufacturer’s licence requirements are met.
• Supporting the Quality Management System and the overall quality department.
• Conducting audits as required of:
• Drug substance manufacturers
• Drug product manufacturers
• Drug product testing sites
• The company’s internal quality systems

Qualities of a Qualified Person

A QP must possess a blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and personal attributes to perform their role effectively. Key qualities include:

• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control processes.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of EU pharmaceutical regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure compliance and product safety.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise during manufacturing and testing.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills for effective interaction with regulatory bodies, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Integrity and Ethics: High level of integrity and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

How to Attract a QP to your Organisation:

Within the Irish Pharmaceutical landscape, the skillset of a QP is very niche. Given how crucial they are to any successful pharmaceutical business, QPs are in high demand in this industry. To make your business attractive to top QPs, consider the following strategies:

1. Flexibility

We know from extensive surveying of candidates in the pharmaceutical industry, flexibility with hours or working arrangements is one of their key requirements when looking for a new role.

• Work Arrangements: Offering remote or hybrid working options can significantly enhance your attractiveness as an employer. If you require attendance at the site full time, then you should consider flexibility with hours, such as allowing staggered start and finish times. This can be a major draw for QPs.
• Autonomy: Providing candidates with the flexibility and autonomy to manage their workday can set you apart from other employers.

2. Salary

• Competitive Compensation: QPs, whether permanent or contract, demand high salaries due to the critical nature of their role. It’s important to offer a competitive salary that meets market expectations. Don’t hesitate to push for a higher budget if you find the right candidate, as the cost of hiring an unqualified QP or experiencing delays in batch release can far outweigh the additional salary expense.

3. Interview Process:

• Efficient and Respectful: A comprehensive interview process that is also concise and respectful of everyone’s time is paramount to attracting the right QP. Ensure that feedback is communicated clearly throughout, and your decision-making process is quick, this will be an indication of how dynamic your organisation is and will be a large factor in your potential QP’s decision.

4. Think Outside the Box:

• Location Flexibility: Consider candidates willing to relocate. The EU’s mutual recognition of qualifications means that QPs from other EU countries can work in Ireland without needing additional certification. This widens your talent pool significantly.
• Non-Traditional Candidates: Look beyond traditional candidates. Consider pharmacists interested in transitioning into the industry or candidates who are QP qualified but lack batch release experience. Training and development can bridge these gaps.

Partner with a Specialist Agency

Partnering with a specialist recruitment agency who have extensive experience of QP recruitment can be a crucial element of finding the right QP for your organisation. At Mason Alexander, our expertise in the Life Sciences industry and extensive network of qualified candidates enable us to:

• Understand your technical requirements and cultural fit.
• We have built up a network of highly qualified QP candidates whom we can identify at pace, ensuring that you find the right fit swiftly and efficiently.
• Support both you and your candidates through each step of the recruitment process – from initial introduction through to offer and acceptance.
• Represent your brand positively and professionally in the market.

In a competitive job market, attracting and retaining a Qualified Person requires a strategic approach that includes flexibility, competitive compensation, an efficient interview process, and thinking outside the box. By partnering with a specialist QP recruitment agency like Mason Alexander, you can leverage our industry expertise and network to secure the best talent. Let us help you build a team that ensures compliance, quality, and success in the pharmaceutical industry – contact our Life Sciences Recruitment team today.