California is the backbone of the U.S. biotech and biopharma industry, leading the charge in research, development, and innovation. The state accounts for 47% of national R&D spending on biotech and generates 53% of the nation's biotech revenues. It's also a leader in patent filings, with 40% of life sciences patents in 2023 coming from California. Given the state's dominance, it’s no surprise that life sciences companies in California rely heavily on contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to develop and manufacture life-saving treatments.

However, despite California’s prominent role, hiring in the CDMO and CMO sectors has slowed in recent years. The past two years saw widespread layoffs due to reduced drug and vaccine production. Now that hiring is picking up again, companies are facing a new challenge: too many applicants and not enough time to sift through resumes to find the specialized talent needed for specific drug products or therapies. That’s where the right hiring strategies come into play.

Strategies to Find the Right Talent at a CDMO/CMO in a Shifting Market

1. Target Key Functions for Faster, More Effective Hiring

In California’s fast-paced CDMO and CMO sectors, focusing on the right functions is key to ensuring you meet tight deadlines. Instead of trying to fill every role across the organization, prioritize the functions that directly contribute to your core operations. These areas are essential to a successful process and should be at the top of your hiring list:

• Manufacturing - The cornerstone of production, ensuring products are made efficiently and to the highest standards.

• Process Development - Scaling up production while staying compliant with regulations and guidelines.

• Process Engineers - The experts who refine processes, ensuring quality and efficiency.

• MSAT (Manufacturing Science and Technology) - Bridging the gap between development and large-scale production.

• Tech Transfer - Ensuring smooth transitions from research and development into full-scale manufacturing.

• Analytical Department - Conducting testing to ensure product quality and safety.

• Clinical Trial Support - Managing logistics and regulatory requirements to get trials off the ground.

• Quality - Maintaining compliance and ensuring that products meet regulatory standards.

• Project Management - Keeping everything organized, on schedule, and within budget.

• Proposals - Creating strong, strategic plans to win business and attract new clients.

  
  

2. Engage a Specialized Staffing Firm

CDMOs and CMOs run on tight client deadlines. Whether it's a new product launch or a clinical trial, waiting weeks or months to fill a role can create major setbacks and strain client relationships. That’s why working with a staffing firm specializing in biotech and biopharma hiring can be incredibly valuable. With access to pre-vetted talent pools, companies can bring in qualified candidates faster and keep projects moving forward.

Specialized staffing firms have a real advantage when it comes to finding the right talent quickly. They have experience with outplacement after layoffs and know exactly where to look for candidates who have the skills and experience you need, often from companies going through similar challenges. They stay ahead of industry trends and can provide access to candidates who are finishing up projects or transitioning between roles, so you're not waiting long to find the right fit.

Plus, staffing firms work closely with technical schools, universities, and local businesses to build strong talent pipelines, giving them insight into what programs are being taught and what skills are in demand, so they can connect you with the most qualified candidates before those skills even hit the broader market.

3. Leverage Temp and Temp-To-Perm Hiring Models

Many companies are hesitant to commit to full-time hires, especially after the uncertainty of the past few years. Without a clear picture of future workload demands, permanent hiring can feel like a big risk. Temp and temp-to-perm models offer a flexible solution, allowing CDMOs and CMOs to bring in talent when needed without making immediate long-term commitments.

These hiring models make it easier to scale up when a new contract or project requires more staff. They also give companies a chance to assess a candidate’s performance before offering a permanent role. By maintaining this level of flexibility, businesses can avoid over-hiring and the layoffs that often follow, ensuring they have the right people in place without unnecessary risk.

The Role of CDMOs and CMOs in Biotech & Biopharma

CDMOs and CMOs are pivotal to drug development, offering services that help pharma companies manufacture drug substances and products at scale. They allow biopharma companies to focus on discovery while ensuring large-scale production and commercialization of their therapies. From early research stages to final product launch, CDMOs and CMOs play an important role in bringing life-saving treatments to market.

Partner with the Experts to Meet your CDMO/CMO Hiring Needs

When it comes to hiring the right talent for your CDMO or CMO in California, timing is everything. As you work to scale up a project, you can’t afford to let hiring delays throw off your client’s timelines. That’s where Yoh comes in. We understand the pressure to keep things moving and the hesitation around permanent hiring after the uncertainty of recent years.

Our temp and temp-to-perm models provide the perfect balance of flexibility and speed, helping you bring in qualified talent quickly, without the commitment of permanent hires right away. We handle the hiring and screening process, so you can stay focused on meeting your deadlines and keeping projects on track.

Ready to make sure your next hire is the right one? Connect with an expert today and let us help you find the talent for your CDMO or CMO.