As businesses emerge from summer and attention turns towards 2027, workforce planning is moving back up the agenda.

But for Life Sciences organisations planning to grow next year, the latest data suggests waiting until January to start looking could already be too late.

According to the UK Government's 2026 Life Sciences Jobs Plan, 73% of priority Life Sciences occupations are already experiencing critical or elevated demand.

The problem: competition for specialist talent

The Government estimates that Life Sciences will need around 118,000 workers across priority occupations by 2035 - comprising 66,000 additional roles and approximately 52,000 replacement workers.

These aren't simply high-volume vacancies. 83% of projected additional employment within priority Life Sciences occupations will require Level 4 qualifications or above.

Demand is expected across scientists, R&D and manufacturing leaders, laboratory technicians, engineers, software developers, commercial professionals and other highly specialised functions.

Life Sciences is also competing beyond its own sector. 28 of the 31 priority occupations identified in the report overlap with at least one other priority industry, increasing competition for skills across areas such as digital and technology.

For businesses planning their 2027 teams, this creates a clear challenge:

How do you find exceptional talent when the people you need are already in demand?

The solution: look beyond the active talent pool

The strongest candidate isn't necessarily searching for a new role.

That's why Hartmann Young's search process goes beyond advertising vacancies and waiting for applications.

We map the market, identifying where relevant expertise sits and the individuals who could have the greatest impact on an organisation.

Our consultants combine this intelligence with established specialist networks to proactively approach talent - including individuals who may not be actively considering their next move.

And when the right person isn't available locally, we look further.

International talent already plays an important role in UK Life Sciences, with the Government reporting that 31% of people within professional Life Sciences occupations were born outside the UK.

HY's global reach allows us to search across the UK, Europe, US and wider international markets, widening the talent pool rather than allowing geography to restrict it.

For complex and senior appointments, our Advisory Board can provide an additional layer of industry experience and perspective, helping businesses consider not only who they need, but the leadership capability required to achieve their wider objectives.

Hire now or wait until January?

Not every 2027 hire needs to be made today, but the search can start now.

Starting earlier gives organisations time to understand capability gaps, map the market, benchmark talent, explore global networks and begin conversations with passive candidates before an appointment becomes urgent.

With 73% of priority Life Sciences occupations already experiencing elevated or critical demand, waiting until January could mean entering an already competitive talent market alongside everyone else.

Ultimately, better hiring isn't just about filling vacancies.

The scientists, specialists and leaders being hired today will build the companies developing tomorrow's medicines, technologies, diagnostics and treatments.

Stronger Life Sciences teams help build the future of healthcare.

And if those are the teams you need in 2027, now is the time to start looking.

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Source: UK Government, Life Sciences Jobs Plan, published 9 July 2026.

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