Pharmaceutical firms in China are on the hunt for marketing talent, high-caliber product managers and are prepared to pay more to secure the right candidate, according to recruiting experts Hays.

The latest Hays Quarterly Report reveals that as experienced candidates are in short supply, employers are willing to use higher salaries over the January to March quarter to secure their preferred candidate.

“Candidates should note that pharmaceutical companies have high expectations and want their successful hires to possess a wide range of skills,” says Simon Lance, Managing Director of Hays China.

Successful marketing talent and product managers should ideally have a proven track record in developing marketing and brand strategies. Candidates should also be well versed in designing and executing marketing campaigns.

“Organisations are also looking to their new hires to take the lead on Key Opinion Leadership (KOL) management and would prefer candidates who have product planning experience,” Simon added.

“Candidates also need to be excellent communicators, able to collaborate with a range of stakeholders including their colleagues in medical, research and development and sales.”

See: China created 13 million New Jobs in 2016, despite Economic Slowdown

Other candidates in demand include medicinal chemistry directors and managers to fill roles in China’s booming pharmaceutical Research and Development (R&D) sector where MNCs and local firms alike, are setting up new R&D centres and developing pre-clinical teams to help meet market requirements. 

The number of companies funding drug development programs is on the rise too, which is generating demand for clinical project managers.

“We are seeing some interesting new recruitment trends developing that candidates and employers alike should be aware of,” says Simon.

“Candidates should take note that a rising number of employers expect them to include a photo image with their resume, particularly for sales roles. We believe this is part of a broader trend of requiring sales professionals to have exceptional soft skills such as outstanding personal presentation, well developed negotiation skills and a genuine customer mindset.”

Meanwhile, employers should note that experienced candidates over 30 are discerning with many hesitant about accepting a job offer until they have been able to establish if the employer organisation is socially responsible.

Also read: Top 10 Talent Trends in China for 2017