Sectors we support
Pharmaceuticals (Innovative, Specialty and Generics)
We partner with pharmaceutical organisations operating across innovative, specialty and generic portfolios, supporting businesses as they develop, manufacture and commercialise medicines in increasingly complex and regulated environments. Our work spans the full pharmaceutical lifecycle, providing specialist talent that understands how different product types, dosage forms and operating models shape organisational needs.
Examples of clients we have supported
- Innovative and R&D‑led pharmaceutical companies
- Specialty and niche product organisations
- Global and regional generic manufacturers
- Biosimilar and follow‑on biologic developers
- Integrated pharma and hybrid CDMO models
- Venture‑backed and growth‑stage pharmaceutical companies
Our technical expertise
- Solid oral dose (tablets, capsules, modified‑release)
- Liquids, semi‑solids and topical formulations
- Sterile injectables and parenterals
- Biologics and biosimilars
- Specialty therapies and complex formulations
- Drug–device and combination products
Cell & Gene Therapy
We partner with cell and gene therapy organisations working at the intersection of cutting‑edge science, complex manufacturing and evolving regulatory frameworks. As programmes progress from early research through clinical development and into commercial readiness, we support teams building the specialist capability required to scale safely, compliantly and efficiently.
Our work spans advanced therapy modalities where process robustness, quality by design and cross‑functional expertise are as critical as scientific innovation, supporting organisations navigating accelerated development timelines, decentralised manufacturing models and increasing global oversight.
Cell and Gene therapy organisations we support
- Venture‑backed and early‑stage CGT biotech companies
- Clinical‑stage and late‑stage therapy developers
- Spin‑outs from academic and research institutions
- Integrated developers with in‑house manufacturing capability
- Partnered models working with CDMOs and CROs
- Scaling organisations preparing for first commercial launches
Therapy types and modalities
- Autologous and allogeneic cell therapies
- Gene‑modified cell therapies
- Viral vector‑based gene therapies
- Non‑viral and emerging delivery platforms
- Ex vivo and in vivo therapies
- Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs)
Venture-backed life sciences
We partner with venture‑backed life sciences companies at critical stages of growth, supporting leadership teams as they move from early scientific validation through clinical, technical and commercial expansion. Operating in capital‑constrained, milestone‑driven environments, these organisations often require flexible access to expertise rather than permanent headcount.
Alongside retained and contingent search, Walker Cole works in embedded partnership models, integrating directly with leadership teams to provide ongoing support across hiring strategy, role scoping, market mapping and execution. This model is particularly effective for scaling organisations managing first senior hires, lean team build‑outs, and rapid phase changes as programmes progress or funding milestones are reached.
Our approach reflects the realities of the current funding environment, supporting businesses as they balance scientific ambition with regulatory readiness, operational discipline and investor expectations.
Organisations we support
- Seed and Series A life sciences start‑ups
- Platform technology and modality‑focused biotechs
- Clinical‑stage and translational businesses
- Spin‑outs from academic and research institutions
- VC‑backed companies preparing for scale‑up or partnering
- Growth‑stage organisations building leadership ahead of further funding or exit events
Areas of focus and engagement
- Embedded talent partnership models aligned to growth milestones
- Small molecules, biologics and advanced modalities
- Cell, gene and next‑generation therapies
- Early development, CMC and technical operations
- Regulatory, quality and first‑time commercial build‑out
CDMO/CRO
We partner with contract development, manufacturing and research organisations supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device clients across complex, regulated programmes. As CDMOs and CROs play an increasingly strategic role in development, scale‑up and lifecycle support, organisations are navigating rapid growth, intensified regulatory scrutiny and heightened client expectations.
Our work reflects current industry dynamics including capacity expansion, specialisation by modality and dosage form, increased sponsor oversight, and greater emphasis on quality, reliability and delivery performance. We support organisations building teams capable of operating across development, technical operations, manufacturing, quality and client‑facing functions — where credibility and execution are critical differentiators.
CDMO and CRO organisations we support
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology CDMOs
- Clinical, pre‑clinical and laboratory‑based CROs
- API, formulation and finished‑dose manufacturers
- Biologics and advanced therapy CDMOs
- Integrated development and manufacturing service providers
- Venture‑backed and high‑growth service organisations
Capabilities, products and service areas
- Small molecule, biologics and advanced modalities
- Drug substance and drug product development
- Clinical trial services and regulatory support
- Sterile, non‑sterile and specialised manufacturing
- Analytical, quality and validation services
- Late‑stage, commercial and lifecycle support
In-Vitro Diagnostics
We partner with in‑vitro diagnostics organisations operating across regulated, technology‑driven and increasingly data‑enabled environments. As diagnostics continue to play a more central role in clinical decision‑making, decentralised testing and disease management, organisations are navigating heightened regulatory scrutiny, rapid technology advancement and global market complexity.
Our work reflects current industry trends including the transition to IVDR, portfolio rationalisation, integration of digital and data capabilities, and growth in decentralised, point‑of‑care and companion diagnostics. We support organisations building teams that can operate effectively across development, regulatory compliance, manufacturing scale‑up and global commercialisation.
IVD organisations we support
- Global and regional IVD manufacturers
- Molecular, immunoassay and clinical chemistry businesses
- Point‑of‑care and decentralised testing companies
- Companion and precision diagnostics developers
- Venture‑backed and scaling diagnostic technology companies
- Integrated life sciences and diagnostics organisations
Technologies and diagnostic formats
- Molecular diagnostics and PCR‑based platforms
- Immunoassays and clinical chemistry systems
- Point‑of‑care and near‑patient testing
- Digital diagnostics and software‑enabled solutions
- Companion diagnostics and precision medicine tools
- Instrumentation, reagents and consumables portfolios
Medical Devices
We partner with medical device organisations operating across highly regulated, technology‑driven and globally distributed markets. As device portfolios continue to evolve — integrating software, connectivity and data alongside hardware innovation — organisations are navigating increased regulatory scrutiny, complex supply chains and accelerated product lifecycles.
Our work reflects current trends across the sector, including regulatory transition under MDR, design and development complexity, increased emphasis on post‑market surveillance, and the convergence of devices, diagnostics and digital technologies. We support organisations building teams capable of operating across development, technical operations, quality, regulatory compliance and global commercialisation.
Medical device organisations we support
- Global and regional medical device manufacturers
- Innovative and specialist device developers
- Venture‑backed and growth‑stage MedTech companies
- Companies transitioning products under EU MDR and global frameworks
- Integrated diagnostics, device and digital health organisations
- Private equity‑backed and carve‑out device businesses
Device types and technology areas
- Implantable and non‑implantable medical devices
- Active and non‑active medical devices
- Capital equipment and durable medical devices
- Single‑use and consumable device portfolios
- Connected, digital and software‑enabled devices
- Combination and integrated device systems
Consumer Healthcare
We partner with consumer healthcare organisations operating across regulated, branded and self‑care portfolios, supporting businesses as they adapt to evolving consumer expectations, regulatory frameworks and global routes to market. As the line between prescription heritage and consumer‑led marketing continues to blur, organisations require talent that understands both scientific credibility and commercial execution.
Our work reflects current trends across the sector, including portfolio switches from Rx to OTC, brand and category expansion, increased focus on medical credibility, and greater regulatory scrutiny across global markets. We support organisations building teams capable of operating at the intersection of science, marketing, supply chain and compliance, particularly as consumer healthcare businesses scale internationally.
Consumer Healthcare organisations we support
- Global and regional consumer healthcare manufacturers
- Rx‑to‑OTC and portfolio switch specialists
- Branded and specialty self‑care organisations
- Nutrition, wellness and prevention‑focused businesses
- Private equity‑backed and carve‑out consumer health companies
- Integrated Pharma–CHC organisations
Product types and formats
- OTC medicines and self‑medication products
- Vitamins, minerals and supplements
- Personal care and dermatology products
- Medical nutrition and wellness portfolios
- Regulated consumer health and switch products
- Global, regional and local brand portfolios
