Cytiva: Delivering Specialist R&D Talent Through Executive Search

Seeking Technical Expertise and Leadership Potential

In early 2024, Cytiva partnered with CSG Talent to gain support in hiring and R&D support the recruitment of an R&D Electrical Automation Engineer, which is a critical role within its research and development division. This was a crucial strategic position that required a candidate with the technical capability and leadership potential to influence the future direction of the team.

Having searched unsuccessfully for almost 12 months, Cytiva faced the challenge of finding an individual who could provide immediate technical impact while also possessing the soft skills and long-term vision to mentor and eventually lead a team. This combination of practical expertise and leadership potential is rare in the market, particularly within a niche specialism like automation engineering in life sciences.

Cytiva placed significant importance on cultural fit, so finding someone who would integrate seamlessly into the team dynamic was just as important as the technical skillset. Familiarity with the specific automation systems and software used by Cytiva was another crucial requirement. The successful candidate needed to align with their culture of innovation and continuous learning while also fitting into the fast-paced and evolving nature of life sciences research.

Because the requirements were so niche, the search required a tailored approach that could identify professionals with the right mix of technical experience, cultural alignment, and growth potential. Cytiva required a focused, consultative search that could tap into the specialist talent market and deliver results quickly without compromising quality.

A Consultative, Targeted Approach to Executive Search

The search was managed by CSG Talent’s Life Sciences Executive Search team, led by Ben Ward, whose background in SaaS and automation provided a valuable understanding of the technical aspects of the role. CSG Talent pride themselves on their consultative approach, prioritising communication and collaboration to gain a detailed understanding of Cytiva’s needs.

Regular discussions were held with Cytiva’s hiring manager to explore not only the technical criteria but also the softer elements of the role, such as personality traits and the team culture the new hire would be joining. By taking the time to learn how the R&D department operated, CSG Talent was able to truly understand the ideal candidate profile.

CSG Talent implemented a competitor analysis and targeted headhunting strategy. This involved mapping professionals in R&D roles across Europe within organisations that shared similar technologies and operational structures. CSG Talent's extensive global network was key to the market mapping process, as it allowed the team to access passive candidates through referrals and direct outreach.

This approach reflects one of the key advantages of CSG Talent’s executive search service. Instead of being limited by passive candidate pools, their recruitment specialists proactively engage with the wider market to identify and approach individuals with specific skillsets and industry experience. This enables a much higher level of precision, particularly in niche technical sectors where demand for talent often outweighs supply.

Once the search was underway, CSG Talent maintained consistent communication with Cytiva, providing progress updates and market insights throughout. Within just a week, a shortlist of seven candidates was presented. Every candidate on this shortlist was selected for both technical expertise and cultural fit, with all seven progressing to first-stage interviews. This level of precision demonstrates CSG Talent’s understanding of the brief and the effectiveness of the team’s sourcing process.

Of the seven candidates interviewed, three progressed to final-stage interviews, with one standout candidate securing the position. CSG Talent worked with pace throughout, with the entire process taking just four weeks from initial candidate contact to the offer being accepted, which is an impressive turnaround for a role that had previously remained open for months.