The South East has long been one of the UK’s strongest regions for pharmaceutical and life sciences businesses and Surrey is no exception. While neighbouring Cambridge often attracts attention as one of the country’s leading centres for life sciences, Surrey has quietly built a thriving sector of its own. The county is home to pharmaceutical companies, healthcare innovators and specialist research organisations that continue to create opportunities for skilled professionals.
For employers, attracting and retaining experienced talent remains a challenge in a competitive market. For candidates, Surrey offers access to globally recognised employers and innovative research environments with great career prospects without the need to relocate to larger city-based hubs.
Why Surrey is important to the life sciences sector
Surrey’s proximity to London and strong transport connections across the South East make it an attractive location for businesses operating within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare.
The county has also benefited from the influence of the University of Surrey and Surrey Research Park in Guildford. Both have played an important role in supporting innovation and attracting investment into the region. This has helped create an environment where established organisations sit alongside growing specialist businesses, contributing to a diverse and resilient local market.
Major pharma and life sciences employers in Surrey
One of Surrey’s most significant life sciences employers is Haleon in Weybridge. The site was formerly part of GSK and remains a major centre for consumer healthcare research and development. Haleon is responsible for well-known brands such as Sensodyne and Corsodyl and the organisation continues to provide opportunities across scientific, technical and business functions.
Guildford is another important location within the county’s life sciences landscape. Surrey Research Park is home to a number of innovative businesses that specialise in pharmaceutical development and healthcare technology. MedPharm is one of the best-known examples and has established a strong reputation within formulation science and drug delivery research.
Although technically located just outside Surrey, Unilever’s research facilities in Kingston upon Thames also have a significant impact on the local employment market. Many professionals living in Surrey commute to the site, which continues to attract talent from scientific and product development backgrounds.
Alongside these larger organisations, Surrey is home to a growing number of specialist companies involved in clinical research and healthcare innovation. Collectively, they help create a broad range of opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers.
What jobs are available?
The life sciences sector in Surrey offers opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. Research and development remains an important area of recruitment, particularly for scientists working within pharmaceutical development and laboratory-based environments. Employers also continue to recruit quality assurance professionals, regulatory affairs specialists and clinical research experts who can support highly regulated operations.
Demand is not limited to scientific positions. Many organisations require engineering expertise, manufacturing support and supply chain professionals to help bring products from development through to commercialisation. Commercial teams also play a vital role, creating opportunities for business development professionals and individuals with experience in sales or account management.
As the sector evolves, employers increasingly value candidates who can combine technical knowledge with strong communication skills and an understanding of the wider commercial environment.
Skills currently in demand
Many employers across Surrey are seeking professionals with experience working within regulated industries. Knowledge of good manufacturing practices (GMP) remains highly valued, particularly within pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality-focused roles. Experience of validation processes, quality systems and regulatory requirements can also help candidates stand out in a competitive market.
There is also continued demand for professionals with expertise in pharmaceutical formulation, clinical research and laboratory operations. Candidates who can demonstrate experience of managing projects or working across multiple departments are often particularly attractive to employers, especially within growing businesses where flexibility is important.
How is the market performing?
Despite wider economic uncertainty in some sectors, life sciences remains one of the UK’s strongest industries. Healthcare demand continues to support investment in research and innovation, helping to sustain recruitment activity across Surrey and the wider South East.
Many organisations remain focused on expanding capabilities and bringing new products to market. As a result, demand for experienced professionals remains relatively strong, particularly within specialist scientific functions. Competition for talent continues to be a challenge for employers, especially when recruiting candidates with niche expertise.
For job seekers, this creates a market where specialist skills remain highly valued and opportunities for progression are readily available.
How March Recruitment can help
At March Recruitment, we have built strong relationships with employers across Surrey’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. From global organisations to growing specialist businesses, we support companies in finding the people who can make a real impact.
For candidates, we offer access to exciting opportunities with some of the region’s leading employers. For businesses, we provide a consultative approach that helps secure the talent needed to drive success.
If you’re hiring or considering your next move within the life sciences sector, get in touch with our team today to see how we can help.
