In our Talent Behind the Talent series, we spotlight the experienced recruiters driving success across the life sciences industry.
Meet Jo Hammond – a strategic thinker, people-first partner, and long-standing force in pharmaceutical hiring. With deep roots in the industry and a passion for performance-focused hiring, Jo brings unmatched insight into the evolving demands of pharma recruitment.
Jo’s perspective
With years of success in pharmaceutical and healthcare recruitment, I specialize in connecting high-impact candidates with the organizations that need them most. I bring deep expertise in pharmaceutical and executive recruitment, with a proven track record of placing talent that fuels both business growth and clinical outcomes.
I spent 14 years running my own UK-based pharmaceutical recruitment agency and held leadership roles at Pharmexx UK LTD, where I led strategic hiring initiatives across sales and commercial teams.
Beyond recruitment, I’m passionate about talent assessment and candidate coaching – helping people present their full potential and supporting clients in selecting not just the best CV, but the best cultural and performance fit.
What drives me is value creation. I work closely with clients to align recruitment strategies with the evolving needs of the NHS and the life sciences landscape –placing people who don’t just fill roles but help transform them.
What I’m seeing in pharma hiring for 2026
Scientific expertise is rising
Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are more strategic than ever, playing a key role in evidence generation and trusted engagement across both specialty and increasingly, primary care.
Primary care roles are evolving, not disappearing
Face-to-face detailing is back – and essential. Reps are now trusted partners delivering tailored content, not just product messages.
Value-driven Commercial models are here
Today’s reps must bring more than product knowledge. Clients want candidates who can integrate digital tools, support programs, and even connect HCPs to services like diagnostics and adherence solutions.
Hybrid skillsets are essential
Recruitment must focus on those with strong interpersonal skills, customer-first thinking, and the agility to operate across traditional and digital touchpoints.
Closing thought
This industry is not just evolving – it’s being redefined by insight, personalisation, and value creation. And recruitment strategies need to keep pace.
