Industry Pharmacy Recruitment UK
At Quad Recruitment, we specialise in connecting skilled pharmacists with leading employers across the pharmaceutical industry. From large global organisations to niche research companies, we provide tailored recruitment solutions that open doors to exciting careers beyond the traditional dispensary.
Trusted by the UK’s Leading Pharmaceutical Employers
Quad Recruitment have focused on the UK Pharmacy market for the last eight years, meaning we’ve curated a strong network of industrial employers who rely on our services to enable a strong and experienced team. If you’re seeking a new opportunity within the industry sector, get in touch.
We partner with:
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Global pharmaceutical companies
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Biotechnology innovators
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Contract research organisations (CROs)
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Regulatory agencies
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Medical device and MedTech companies
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Specialist consultancies and market access firms
Industry Pharmacy Careers with Quad Recruitment
Pharmacists
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Pharmaceutical manufacturers
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Biotechnology and life sciences companies
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Contract research organisations (CROs)
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Regulatory agencies and compliance bodies
Non-Typical Career Options for Pharmacists:
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Medical Affairs: Work with healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective use of medicines
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Regulatory Affairs: Navigate approvals and compliance for new therapies
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Pharmacovigilance: Monitor and assess the safety of medicines in real-world use
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Market Access: Support pricing and reimbursement strategies across healthcare systems
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Consultancy: Advise organisations on clinical strategy, compliance, and business growth
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Digital Health & Tech: Collaborate with MedTech companies on AI, wearable devices, and telehealth innovation
Locum and Contract Roles
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Short-term and project-based opportunities within R&D, QA, and compliance functions
- Maternity and Long Term sickness cover
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Flexible industry assignments across the UK
What is Industry Pharmacy?
Industry pharmacy covers roles where pharmacists work outside of the traditional community or hospital settings. Instead, they contribute to research, development, regulation, manufacturing, and commercial operations within pharmaceutical and life sciences companies.
Pharmacists in industry play a critical role in areas such as:
- Clinical trials and drug development
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Regulatory affairs and compliance
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Quality assurance and manufacturing
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Medical affairs and scientific advisory
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Market access and commercial strategy
These roles allow pharmacists to apply their clinical knowledge while shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
Why Partner with Quad Recruitment for Industry Pharmacy?
Industry-Specific Expertise
Our consultants understand the unique demands of pharmaceutical employers and the varied career paths available to pharmacists in industry.
Access to Ready Talent
We maintain a wide network of pharmacists with specialist experience in regulatory affairs, medical affairs, QA, and more.
Compliance-Driven
All candidates undergo rigorous vetting to ensure alignment with industry standards and governance requirements.
Fast and Scalable Hiring Options
Whether you’re hiring a single pharmacist or building an entire department, our solutions adapt to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Industry Pharmacist
Can I move from community or hospital pharmacy into industry?
Yes, absolutely. Many pharmacists transition into industry by leveraging their clinical knowledge. Roles in regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, medical affairs, and quality assurance are common entry points. Employers often offer training for pharmacists new to industry settings.
What salaries can pharmacists expect in industry?
Industry roles typically pay more than community or hospital pharmacy. Entry-level positions in regulatory or drug safety may start around £35,000–£45,000, while senior or specialist positions in medical affairs, quality assurance, or market access can reach £70,000–£90,000+.
Are there locum or contract opportunities within industry?
Yes. Many pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations (CROs) hire pharmacists on fixed-term or project-based contracts, especially within regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance. However, locum cover in the general form of the pharmacy setting typically isn’t available within most industry settings.
Which employers hire pharmacists in industry?
Typical employers include global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, contract research organisations, regulatory bodies, and medical device manufacturers.
There are some small start-ups always looking for experienced pharmacists to join the team and aid in their growth.
Contact us today to discuss your goals.
What additional skills or qualifications do I need?
While a pharmacy degree and GPhC registration are essential, some employers prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications or certifications in regulatory affairs, clinical research, or drug safety. Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills are also highly valued.
What are the working hours like in industry pharmacy?
Most roles offer standard Monday–Friday office hours, with occasional flexibility for international projects or deadlines. This makes industry positions attractive for pharmacists seeking a better work–life balance.
What career progression does industry pharmacy offer?
Pharmacists in industry can progress into senior management, global leadership roles, or highly specialised areas such as clinical development, regulatory strategy, or health economics.
There are lots of vast progression opportunities to be gained within the industry setting, and it’s highly likely to become an area of great success for pharmacists over the coming years.
What is the best way for newly qualified pharmacists to get into industry in the UK?
Newly qualified pharmacists can enter the industry by applying for graduate schemes, internships, or trainee positions in regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or pharmacovigilance. Building experience in a hospital or community pharmacy can also provide a strong foundation before moving into an industry role.
Networking with pharmaceutical employers and working with specialist recruitment agencies like Quad Recruitment can make the transition smoother.
Ready to Explore Industry Pharmacy Opportunities
Whether you’re a pharmacist seeking a new career path or an employer looking for highly skilled talent, Quad Recruitment can help.
Industry Pharmacy Careers Across the UK
Industry pharmacy is a growing field, and demand for pharmacists in this area is increasing across the country. At Quad Recruitment, we support candidates and employers in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, and across the South East and North West of England. We also work with specialist employers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, giving pharmacists nationwide access to exciting opportunities.
Many pharmacists search for ways to move from community pharmacy into industry roles or wonder “how do I become a pharmacist in pharmaceutical research in the UK?”. The answer is that there are more routes than ever before. Employers are looking for pharmacists who can bring clinical knowledge, regulatory awareness, and strong communication skills into roles that shape the future of healthcare.
Working in regulatory affairs, medical affairs, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance allows pharmacists to play a central role in ensuring patient safety and driving innovation. If you are a newly qualified pharmacist looking for industry roles, entry-level positions and graduate schemes are available across the UK, particularly in large pharmaceutical hubs such as London, Cambridge, and Oxford. For experienced professionals, there are advanced roles in clinical trials, market access, and global medical affairs.
Employers searching for industry pharmacists in the UK often need fast, compliant, and scalable recruitment solutions. Quad Recruitment partners with a wide range of organisations, from global pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms to regulatory agencies and digital health innovators. This allows us to connect businesses with the right talent and pharmacists with the right career opportunities.
Whether you are a pharmacist thinking about switching from hospital or community to industry, or an employer looking to expand your workforce, Quad Recruitment provides tailored support every step of the way. By combining local expertise with a nationwide network, we make it easier for both candidates and employers to achieve their goals.