Retaining biomanufacturing talent for a leader in vaccines.
The challenge
Turnover of key biomanufacturing workers.
Ceva Biomune is the largest producer of poultry vaccine in the world. Most production comes from a single facility in Kansas. Due to ongoing labor shortages, plus a general increase in job opportunity for biomanufacturing talent, turnover of critical Manufacturing Associates was growing at the plant.
The company was losing people faster than it could hire and train them. This put a huge strain on existing workers short-term and put Ceva on the verge of reducing its production of vaccines.
The solution
Strategies for cultivating attraction and retention.
As the company’s Master Vendor, experts at Kelly® Science & Clinical recommended a pay rate increase. They also proposed moving temporarily from using a contract-to-hire model to direct hire. They developed a customized job preview presentation to enhance candidate understanding and expectations of the role. Next, they implemented a phased sign-on bonus across three stages to improve attraction and retention throughout the Ceva training period for new team members.
The value
24/7 production back to full strength, on schedule.
In 3 months, Kelly hired and retained 40+ high-level Manufacturing Associates, returning the 24/7 production operation to full strength. Vaccine production and distribution around the world is back on schedule.
“Facing a significant recruiting crisis, Kelly Science & Clinical stepped up to the plate with focused resources, targeted suggestions, and responsiveness to our recruiting concerns. We’re now confident that we can meet our ongoing staffing needs and future recruiting projects.”
Jennifer Harlem – HR/People Leader, Ceva Animal Health.
Let Kelly Science & Clinical help you meet recruiting goals for talent across your supply chains, production process, operations management, quality control, and more.
Related resources
Career Evolution and Innovation in Biomanufacturing
Has Staffing Decoupled from Labor Markets?
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