The French pharmaceutical industry employs nearly 110,000 people across more than 150 professions and 256 production sites. However, recruitment momentum is slowing: according to Leem's 2024 employment report, published in December 2025, employment growth fell to +1.1%, compared with +2.4% in 2023, with a 10% decline in permanent hires and an expected 13% drop in apprentice recruitment in 2025.
This slowdown is not easing the market for qualified professionals; it is making it more competitive. With 85% of employees on permanent contracts (compared with a national average of 72%) and 38.5% aged over 50, the sector combines low mobility with an ageing talent pool. When job creation slows, competition does not disappear: it shifts towards attracting talent from competitors. Securing scarce talent before the competition therefore becomes a strategic priority.
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and digital health: the French Life Sciences sector combines scientific rigour, regulatory constraints and accelerating digital transformation. Experts are highly sought after and can now choose their employer. Morgan Philips supports healthcare companies with their Life Sciences recruitment needs across permanent, fixed-term, temporary, freelance and interim management positions.