Interim Human Resources Director

The Company 

Horizon Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives by identifying, developing, acquiring, and commercialising differentiated and accessible medicines that address unmet medical needs.

The company has a portfolio of medicines through its orphan and inflammation groups. Horizon’s global headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. The company also has offices in the US and Europe. In the last two years, it has established a successful drug product plant in Waterford employing approximately 100 employees. In December 2022, Horizon announced its intention to be acquired by Amgen, and this acquisition was completed in October 2023.

The Requirement

An urgent requirement was presented for an Interim Human Resources Director to support the manufacturing organisation in Waterford. There was a requirement for this candidate to be based onsite, in Waterford 5 days a week. Reporting to the Executive Director, Human Resources, this position supports the manufacturing organisation in Waterford. With a close working relationship with the Vice President, Manufacturing (Plant Manager), and the Waterford leadership team, this candidate would play an important role as Horizon became part of the Amgen organisation. From a strategic perspective, the Interim HR Director would be tasked with supporting the Waterford plant transition to the Amgen organisation.

The Solution

Morgan McKinley Executive Search was asked to provide a shortlist of candidates within a very tight time frame. Concentrating on a quick turnaround, we tapped into our trusted network of sources and networked extensively throughout the region surrounding Waterford and beyond, speaking to candidates who were in a position to consider the onsite location with an immediate start.

The Outcome

We provided a shortlist and brought the role to offer and acceptance within a 3-week window. An exceptionally experienced Interim HR Director was appointed to the role with a relocation from the West of Ireland to Waterford.