Bridging Talent Gaps in Canada by Transitioning to a Permanent Employment Model

Client Context

Our client is a boutique life sciences strategy consultancy headquartered in Canada, specialising in Market Access and HEOR. While the Canadian consulting market typically operates on a local, project-based model, our client’s work was global in scope.

As part of its long-term growth ambitions, the firm wanted to transition from a freelance consulting model to a permanent employment structure that would support scalability, continuity, and a stronger employer value proposition.

Client Objectives

The client’s objectives were to:

• Hire its first full-time, salaried employee at Principal Consultant level
• Transition from a contract-based model to a permanent employment structure
• Develop an internal framework to support long-term growth
• Refine and clearly communicate an employer value proposition for future permanent hires

Our Approach

KRS was retained to deliver an integrated talent solution combining recruitment delivery with talent consulting support.

In parallel with recruiting the client’s first permanent hire, our Talent Consulting team conducted a competitor benchmarking analysis to inform the design of an internal structure aligned to the Principal Consultant role and the firm’s future growth plans.

This integrated approach ensured immediate hiring needs were met while laying the foundations for a sustainable talent model.

Process and Methodology

Targeted Talent Identification

Our Market Access & HEOR recruitment experts proactively leveraged their Canadian network to immediately identify candidates suitable for the Principal Consultant position. A targeted message was distributed to a talent pool of 38 candidates.‍

Candidate Engagement and Outcomes

1. 34%of candidates responded to outreach
2. 54% of respondents expressed interest in the opportunity
3. Following qualification, 57% of the talent pool was introduced to the client
4. The successful hire was one of the first profiles submitted‍

Competitor Benchmarking & Talent Insights

Our Talent Consulting team benchmarked five direct competitors in the Canadian market. The analysis covered compensation structures, organisational and hierarchical models, and demographic insights, providing a clear view of how competitors structured and positioned permanent consulting roles.

Insights and Recommendations

The benchmarking analysis informed the development of an internal structure that balanced flexibility with security — a critical requirement as the client transitioned to a permanent model.

We advised on:

• Designing a flexible internal structure aligned to future growth plans
• Establishing clear progression pathways for full-time hires
• Refining the client’s employer value proposition and identifying key differentiators
• Improving how these differentiators were communicated to prospective candidates

This enabled the client to clearly articulate the benefits of permanent employment while retaining the adaptability valued in their existing model.

Outcomes

Through the combination of targeted recruitment and data-led advisory support, KRS successfully bridged the client’s immediate talent gap and supported the transition to a permanent employment model.

With a full-time Principal Consultant in place and a clearer, more competitive value proposition defined, the client is now positioned to scale its teams sustainably. KRS continues to support the business as it progresses its growth plans and builds out its permanent consulting workforce.