HR Buildout for Dynamic Biotechnology Startup

Understand how Barrington James successfully placed a Head of HR for a dynamic biotech startup, establishing a robust HR infrastructure that supported the company’s rapid expansion and long-term growth.

Client Background

Our client, a small startup biotech company, was at a crucial juncture in its growth journey. They recognized the need for a Head of HR to lay the foundation for their human resources function. This was their first foray into establishing an HR department, and they needed someone with the expertise to build policies and procedures from the ground up. The client aimed to rapidly expand and required a solid HR infrastructure to support their growth.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was to find a highly qualified Head of HR with the skills and experience necessary to create HR policies and procedures for an organization with no existing HR structure in place. The client wanted to complete the hiring process swiftly to expedite their expansion plans.

Our Strategy

Our strategy centred on tapping into our vast network and resources to pinpoint HR professionals who not only possessed the requisite expertise but were also primed to tackle the unique challenge of establishing HR infrastructure from scratch for our startup biotech client. This approach involved engaging with seasoned HR experts within our industry connections, meticulously screening potential candidates to ensure they possessed the right mix of HR knowledge and adaptability essential for the dynamic startup environment, and maintaining transparent communication throughout the process, thus keeping both our client and candidates well-informed and engaged.

Results Achieved 

The appointed Head of HR, equipped with a wealth of experience and innovative HR practices, swiftly advanced the company's HR function within a short timeframe. Notable accomplishments included the development of tailored HR policies and procedures, the implementation of a top-tier recruitment process, the establishment of efficient onboarding programs for seamless employee integration, the introduction of performance evaluation mechanisms, and the provision of expert guidance on employee relations and labor law compliance. The expeditious completion of the hiring process not only accelerated the client's growth plans but also ensured the establishment of a robust HR foundation to support their ambitious expansion.

Conclusion

This case study highlights our ability to efficiently identify and hire the right talent, even for the most challenging of positions, within a short timeframe. By tailoring our approach to the client's unique needs and leveraging our extensive network, we successfully aided our client in building a strong HR foundation for their startup biotech company, positioning them for future success.