Who We Are
A dedicated team of regulatory affairs specialists that focuses on delivering the top tier of talent.
Our Mission
To be your trusted partner in regulatory affairs recruitment.
Our Vision
To provide unparalleled expertise in regulatory affairs recruitment with the highest level of ethics and integrity.
Shepherd Regulatory Search: Leaders in Life Sciences Staffing
The unique nature of the life sciences and regulatory affairs sectors sometimes makes finding talented candidates difficult. This is especially the case with organizations with small HR teams trying to manage a staffing process internally. It remains an effort fraught with risk when considering the challenging job market. As such, organizations in the sector regularly partner with staffing agencies to meet their hiring needs.
Shepherd Regulatory Search enjoys a status as one of the top staffing agencies serving the life sciences sector. Our parent company – Shepherd Search Group – ranks as one of few job search companies in the Top Inc. 1000. This corporate structure provides the agency with the resources and business acumen to successfully manage the hiring needs of our clients.
The Trusted Staffing Firm for Top Life Sciences Candidates
We regularly place premium candidates for our clients in the life sciences. These placements include talented regulatory affairs professionals all the way up to the executive level. Our commitment to the highest standard of ethics remains important to every one of Shepherd’s employees. As such, we take care to foster long-term relationships with each of our clients.
Building a meaningful relationship with clients ensures we grow to understand the unique nature of their organization and culture. This helps us place candidates making a great match in addition to being high performers. We also provide regulatory affairs organizations with significant staffing flexibility, providing candidates for both temporary contracts and permanent positions.
Helping Regulatory Affairs Professionals Build Rewarding Careers
In addition to building long-term partnerships with life sciences organizations, we also foster a similar approach with professionals in this sector. We know that understanding the career dreams of candidates helps us find jobs for them to build a rewarding career. Of course, cultural fit also matters, so we pride ourselves on finding those perfect matches between candidate and company.
Shepherd Regulatory Search also provides regulatory affairs professionals with the advice and insights to forge a successful career. These include tips on crafting a compelling resume and how to give a top-shelf interview performance. We even offer advice on resigning from your current position in a professional manner without burning bridges. If you need to relocate for a new job, we also provide expert guidance on relocation.
If you need flexibility in your career, our clients regularly look for candidates interested in temporary or permanent gigs. You might even be able to try out an organization on a temp assignment before accepting a full-time position. Finally, our professional and executive career coaching helps put your career on a path towards the corner office. In short, partnering with the experienced recruiters at Shepherd Regulatory sends your life sciences career into overdrive.
Contact Our Recruiters Today to Get Started!
Both regulatory affairs organizations and professionals in this sector benefit from a connection with Shepherd Regulatory Search. Our extensive experience helps us make great matches between those looking for talent to add value to their team and professionals searching for opportunities. Schedule some time with our team to see how we can make a difference for you.
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CLIENT'S TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say
Working with Ed was delightful. He reached out to me about a position that was extremely relevant to me. This is unusual because in the past recruiters have approached me about anything whether or not it relates to my interest or experience. Ed was conscientious to notice what my interests were and what kind of work I would be open to. it was very easy to schedule our first call using his online calendar that he provided in the LinkedIn message. He was responsive to my text and email and I was able to talk to him on Fourth of July, when usually most people are unavailable. Our first conversation was extremely professional and enjoyable. I felt confident in his industry experience and was excited to hear about the role. Our relationship from start to finish, from he and I initiating contact to my receiving an offer and accepting, was an impressive six weeks. During the six weeks I had many steps to the recruitment process by the employer. Ed was available for me to prepare before and decompress after each one. After these multiple steps and an on-site visit, I was given an offer. Ed made himself available to me to discuss the nuances of all of those steps and offered safe advice throughout. It was a really efficient and pleasant experience working with Ed and I recommended him to anybody recruiting for and looking for work in the industry.
Medical Director
I cannot say enough positive words about Ed and my time working with him. He is extremely intelligent and very knowledgeable of the industry he represents. If you are even considering looking for a role or you are a company with a role to post, seek out Ed Canning first. I was in the job market a very brief time and that's due, in part, to Ed and how he takes pure ownership of his role. Highly Recommend!
Senior International Director of Quality and Regulatory
Ed was fantastic in helping me find a new opportunity. He was communicative, personable, and a fantastic liaison between myself and the company I was interviewing with. He always answered my questions promptly and kept me informed on the next steps and feedback. It was great to have Ed in my corner, and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a new role!
Senior Design Assurance Engineer
Ed was fantastic to work with on my recent job search! He was great at providing updates on a regular basis, even if it was just to say that there was no update. I appreciated this as waiting to hear about job can be difficult, especially after being laid off. During the offer process, he helped me figure out what was a realistic ask and how to best go about negotiating. I would absolutely work with Ed again on my next search.
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Ed was an immense help in securing my new position. He helped through each stage of the process and answered questions clearly and quickly. Thoroughly professional. I highly recommend using him to advance to your next level.
Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs Medical Device
I was fortunate enough to work with Ed on securing a new position. Ed went above and beyond with interview preparation, open communication, and follow-up. He's so easy to work with and genuinely cares about finding a position that fits both the candidate's and the employer's needs and wants. I highly recommend working with Ed!
Associate Principal Consultant CMC & Quality
I highly recommend Ed Canning. I found Ed to be professional, personable, and down-to-earth. His communication was open and timely. The recruiting process was extraordinarily easy due to Ed’s efforts to usher me through the process. It was a pleasure working with him to secure a new position with a fantastic company.
Vice President
I had not been in the job market for a long time and was very nervous. Ed’s guidance throughout the process put me at ease and helped me to land the job I wanted. He is highly recommended!
Study Director
Ed Canning from Shepherd Regulatory was great to work with. Ed kept the communication lines open, provided guidance, and explained the process thoroughly. I was allowed to work with Ed and secure a position. I highly recommend Ed if you are interested in working with someone who is professional and treats you like the best potential candidate.
Manager Regulatory & Clinical Development
Ed Canning was really on top of his game. He followed up and communicated constantly and facilitated the hiring in a very professional and effective way.
Senior Director Regulatory CMC
Shepherd Regulatory and Ed Canning are true leaders in regulatory recruiting with excellent knowledge of staffing business. Ed is cordial in nature and always keeps close communication during the entire recruitment process. His style of working makes the entire job search process relaxed. He was instrumental in scheduling my interview which helped me to secure an exciting role in a large biopharmaceutical company. Thanks so much, Ed! I strongly recommend Ed for any regulatory affairs recruitment needs.
Associate Director Regulatory CMC
I recommend Ed Canning for his attention to detail in all steps of the recruitment process. He consistently goes above and beyond.
Manager Quality Assurance
I recommend Ed Canning for his attention to detail in all steps in the recruitment process. He consistently goes above and beyond.
Associate Principal Consultant, Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs
Ed was a great recruiter to work with. He kept in close communication during the entire process. This made the employment search painless and quick. I would highly recommend using Ed in the future.
Director of Toxicology
Ed was great to work with - professional, friendly, honest. He kept in close communication throughout the process, provided valuable feedback, and was always available to chat. Ed drew from his extensive experience to guide me through the recruiting process and made it so much less stressful. I highly recommend Ed Canning.
Associate Principal Consultant CMC
Ed was great to work with! He was easy to talk to and always made himself available for any questions or pre-interview prep. He was also very helpful in organizing my interview schedule and letting me know what to expect, resulting in me obtaining a new role. I highly recommend working with Ed to find your next role!
Associate Director Regulatory Affairs
It is my pleasure to recommend Edward. He is a tenacious, driven professional that takes time to learn the nuances and intangible of the roles he sources for, as well as the team he supports. He has a deep understanding of the recruitment buisness.
Director Regulatory CMC
Ed was great support throughout the interview and assessment processes. He has even been following up after I got the new role, which I feel is above and beyond. He is readily accessible and responsive to my questions. Really a pleasure to work with him.
Head of Regulatory Policy and Intelligence
Ed is extremely professional and helpful. I find his transparency and clear communication to be very beneficial throughout the recruitment process.
Global Regulatory Strategy Lead
Ed is an exceptional recruiter that keeps both the firm's goals and the candidate's desires in focus. He has a firm understanding of the regulatory affairs employment landscape, which is highly desirable when looking for a new assignment. The one thing, however, that sets Ed apart from many recruiters is his personal engagement. He genuinely cares for the candidates. I strongly recommend Ed if you are looking for a recruiter that can find top talent, or if you are a candidate looking to find a new assignment.
Corporate VP, Global Head Quality and Regulatory Affairs
I had the pleasure of working with Ed during my career transition in April 2014. Ed was immediately dedicated to helping me and even provided support in ways I didn’t know I needed assistance in. His advice, coaching, and guidance when I was preparing for the phone interviews and later the face-to-face interview was extremely valuable, intelligent, and thorough. I could always count on Ed to follow up when/how he said he would! Ed continues to check on how things are going and is willing to go out of his way to help. In addition, Ed’s style was open, honest, genuine, enthusiastic, and very professional - I could feel Ed's enthusiasm and genuineness in his voice and actions. I have already recommended Ed to others who are open to job search and I will continue to do so with confidence.
Senior Director Regulatory CMC
I have recently worked with Ed to secure a position that I think (and hope) will be a good fit. I enjoyed working with Ed as he is professional and takes the time to understand what I was looking for in my next position. He didn't just fill out a form, he took to time to talk to me and find out about me and my expectations. Overall, this has been a great experience.
Director Regulatory CMC
Working with Ed Canning to hire a Director, Regulatory Affairs was an absolute pleasure. Ed did exactly what he said he would do. You can't ask for more than that.
Talent Acquisition
Ed and I have worked together for several years. He was highly recommended to me when I joined the gene therapy start-up. Ed has deep regulatory knowledge, an excellent network, and listens and delivers on that hard to find cultural fit. He continues to stick with me even though searches change. I consider Ed a trusted advisor. He delivers and probably most important to me, he is just a really nice guy with integrity.
Talent Acquisition
I had some unique requirements for a role, and Ed found the 'perfect role' for me with a company that checked every single one of my must-haves. Ed is extremely communicative and transparent. He guides you through every step of the process, including providing substantial feedback. My initial phone conversation and the first interview with the company occurred prior to the COVID shutdown and Ed kept me in the loop, providing weekly status updates until the company was able to move forward. From a client perspective, Ed takes the time to understand your needs, your expertise and will find the role just for you
Principal Consultant, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs
Ed was a fantastic recruiter and very easy to work with. He was extremely transparent, helped me prepare for discussions and interviews, and would follow up after each interaction during the interview process. This process started right during the shutdown, and while hesitant to make a change during the pandemic, he helped me find the right situation that suited both me and my employer for the exciting transition. I would strongly recommend Ed as a recruiter if you are looking for a change, or just want to learn more about potential opportunities in health care.
Vice President, Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs
It’s been a great pleasure working with Ed for my most recent job search efforts, and I have finally landed on a position I strongly desired, which would have been almost impossible without his generous support and coaching throughout the process. Ed has clearly demonstrated his keen sense of what the hiring team of this position was really looking for with the prospective candidates and strong confidence in my candidacy after our brief phone conversation. After presenting me to the company for the position and obtaining initial positive responses, Ed has made himself available anytime when needed including weekends, by working with me closely every step along the way, from sharing the relevant and in-depth information about the hiring manager and the position, providing interview preparation tips and training video, to coordinating several rounds of interviews and even supporting my background check preparation and onboarding process. Having Ed as my career move partner has certainly boosted my confidence and also turned an otherwise typical stressful and intimidating process into a wonderful and memorable experience. I have truly felt fortunate and privileged to get to know Ed and have had the opportunity to work with him. I look forward to working with Ed in my future endeavors.
Senior Director Regulatory CMC
Ed recruited me into my current position as a CEO. He spoke clearly to the strengths and challenges of the new company and also where my experience might be of particular value. His candor helped to build trust as we continued a lengthy courtship. Ed was always honest in his messaging, followed up regularly, and communicated openly all along the journey. Reliable and easy to work with, Ed was an excellent recruiter and go-between for myself and his client.
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Edward does an amazing job of being an advocate for his clients. This has been one of the best experiences I have had working with an executive recruiter. He is very transparent and keeps you informed of how things are progressing in the placement process. Edward moves the needle and interacts with companies on your behalf so you spend your time being the best candidate
Manager Quality and Regulatory Affairs
Not sure how he did it, but Ed expertly identified me as a candidate for a very specialized position. I appreciate how he was knowledgeable, patient and persistent. Through the screening, interview, and offer processes he maintained good communications and pushed forward to an offer that was a fit for both the company and me. He is trustworthy, and an excellent intermediary between companies and candidates.
Director Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
It was a pleasure working with Ed. He reached out to me a few months ago to discuss the possibility of my exploring of a new position with a global company. Ed was supportive, thoughtful, thorough and respectful of my pace throughout the process. He did an outstanding liaison job and I’ve been offered a fantastic new work opportunity with an exciting global company. I’m grateful to Ed and recommend working with him.
Global Regulatory Lead
Why can’t everyone be like Ed?” In industry, sometimes we say that headhunters are a dime a dozen (harsh, I know) because they solicit the same position through non-personal blanket emails and scripted phone calls, some of which may be in a different industry altogether. But when I was connected with Ed, he seemed different. He knew what strategic Regulatory Affairs was and knew the difference between big pharma, small pharma, and government work that you would need to place the right candidate in the right position.
Regulatory Affairs Subject Matter Expert
I first connected with Ed late 2017 in the middle of a challenging time. He spoke with me at length to really get to know me and my needs. Within weeks he was able to connect me with a phone screen at a company that met all of my criteria. Ed was engaged and an active advocate for me through the process and within a short time I received a great offer from a great company. This was in no small part thanks to Ed’s expertise and connections. The best thing I can say about Ed is that he listens. Because he listens, he was able to get me in front of a hiring manager for a company that perfectly met my needs and theirs. First one out of the box and I get a great offer. I can not recommend Ed’s services enough. When colleagues ask me about recruiter services, I do not hesitate to connect them with Ed.
Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs
Let’s face it, there are a lot of recruiters out there. Some blindly fish for candidates and some tend over embellish their experience in the Industry. But there are very few recruiters who will invest their time to understand your aspirations and be with you every step of the interview process. Ed Canning is that type of recruiter who is in it for all the right reasons. What separates Ed from the rest of the heard is the fact that he coaches you. He humbly shares his experience, and will continue to research the hiring company to ensure both you and Ed feel it’s a right fit. So if you’re a candidate, who is anxious about making the next move in your career, look no further. I am forever grateful for Ed’s helo and would absolutely recommend him to anyone.
Senior Project Manager Regulatory
I would highly recommend Ed Canning to colleagues and professionals looking for a highly personalized experience with a Talent-search Recruiter. Working with Ed is similar to forming a partnership defined by respect, communications, and real expectations based on individualized goals and objectives. His working style is about and beyond what is expected from a regular recruiter coupled with his tenacity in matching candidates with the right company and the right job. Thanks Ed for your consistency, collaboration, and assistance throughout my journey.
Regulatory Affairs Global Lead
Ed facilitated placing me in a new job on December 2017. Ed is a very experienced regulatory recruiter. He was professional, very organized, and pleasant to work with through my interview process. The interview process lasted almost 3 months, but Ed never wavered in his commitment to seeing it to a successful completion. I highly recommend working with Ed!
Vice President Regulatory Affairs
Ed contacted me a couple of months ago and described his client and their needs in a way that was far more informed than the vast majority of recruiters I encounter. He was able to see a potential fit between my background and his client’s needs that was not at first obvious. He worked with me to provide his client with the information they needed to see that fit, and then followed through with patience and persistence until the consulting agreement was signed and I was on board. Normally, that’s the last you hear from a recruiter: not Ed. He has checked in weekly thereafter and ran interference for me on a number of issues, always maintaining his focus on meeting his client’s needs while maintaining and building his relationship with me. Next time I build an RA group, I’ll be calling Ed.
Senior Regulatory Consultant
It was a true pleasure working with Ed. He was always looking out for my best interest and assisting all along the way of the new hire process. I would definitely recommend Ed as a recruiter if you are in Regulatory Affairs.
Director Regulatory Affairs
Ed worked with me during my decision to transition to another organization; during which time he worked very closely with me to learn my vision for my next steps along my career path. Ed is very knowledgeable in Regulatory Affairs/Operations. He communicated often and shared his expertise during the entire hiring process. I have been successful in finding an opportunity that is a perfect fit, and Ed played a critical role in this progression.
Senior Director Regulatory Operations
I had the pleasure of working with Ed recently on a Regulatory Operations position in Philadelphia. Ed was very knowledgeable in preparing me for interviewing. Having been at my previous company for 10 years, it was good to get a refresher in interviewing. Ed was proactive in keeping me informed of progress on my application and helpful in coordinating discussions with the company. I recommend Ed very highly.
Regulatory Operations Lead
I had the fortunate opportunity to work with Ed for placement in my new regulatory position. I not only found Ed to be very professional, gaining a quick understanding of my background, career goals, and best fit for his open positions, but I was also extremely impressed with the time he takes to listen to his clients and understand what is important to them outside of the job itself, such as family and work/life balance. I would not hesitate to work with Ed in the future or recommend his services to any friends and colleagues looking to make a job transition.
Associate Director Regulatory Affairs
I recently worked with Ed to obtain a global regulatory lead position. Ed is easily the best recruiter I’ve worked with. Ed worked with me to determine the best fit for my goals, stayed in touch with me through the process to make sure that I understood how things were going, and provided advice and context when the offer came. I highly recommend Ed to companies looking to hire or candidates looking for a new position.
Global Regulatory Lead
During my job search in 2017, I worked closely with Ed Canning as an applicant for two different director-level positions in Regulatory Affairs, having been contacted specifically by Ed for both. Overall, this was my most thorough job search ever, including conversations with >40 recruiters, and work with >20 in application for specific positions. Of these, Ed was easily the best: the most thorough, the most thoughtful regarding positions that might be a fit, the most exacting regarding interview arrangements and preparation, and the most effective as a counselor as I weighted competing opportunities. Not only would I work with Ed again, and recommend all who might be searching for Regulatory Affairs opportunities to contact him, but I also would not hesitate for a moment having him handle recruitment for any position I needed to fill, or even to bounce ideas off of him regarding a search either for opportunities or candidates. It was an honor and a pleasure working with Ed Canning, and I cannot recommend anyone more highly.
Director Regulatory Affairs
Ed is an excellent recruiter, I highly recommend him to anyone working in the regulatory affairs space – whether looking for a job or looking for a new hire. He is very professional and works to find the perfect fit!
Vice President Regulatory Affairs
Edward is an excellent recruiter. He is responsive and makes sure that those he is working for know what is going on through the entire process. It was a pleasure to work with Edward, and I am happy to recommend him to anyone else looking for a position.
Principal Regulatory Consultant
We had 3 openings for contractors in Regulatory Affairs. They had been open for some time after trying many avenues to fill them, and we still were not able to find the right candidates. After engaging with Ed at Shepherd Regulatory Search, we were able to find 2 strong candidates, in our desired location. We interviewed them and hired them. The process was fast, easy and the candidate quality was exactly what we were searching for. When we are ready to fill the 3rd opening, we will go straight to Ed and get the need filled immediately. Super easy to work with too.
Talent Acquisition
Ed is one of the best recruiters I have worked with. He is diligent, follows up and ensures that all areas of the process is covered. He is also available after hours and follows up on questions immediately. It was a remarkable experience working with him
Senior Director Regulatory CMC
I have recently worked with Ed Canning of Shepherd Regulatory Search to identify, pursue and ultimately land the position of Sr. Directory of Regulatory Affairs at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Ed was very professional, always prompt in his follow up and/or responses to my questions, and open with me about the pluses and minuses of all the potential opportunities we discussed. Based on the stellar offer I received it is clear that he listened carefully to my needs and considerations when it came to salary and benefits and very competently lobbied on my behalf. It was a pleasure working with Ed. I highly recommend Ed and Shepherd Regulatory Search.
Senior Director Regulatory CMC
Ed worked with me during my decision to transition to another organization; during which time he worked very closely with me to learn my vision for my next steps along my career path. Ed is very knowledgeable in Regulatory Affairs/Operations. He communicated often and shared his expertise during the entire hiring process. I have been successful in finding an opportunity that is a perfect fit, and Ed played a critical role in this progression.
Senior Director Regulatory Operations
Ed was very professional and detail oriented while helping me land my latest job. He was always courteous and followed through with timely coordination between me and my new employer. I would recommend his services without reservation.
Associate Director Regulatory Labeling
As my first experience working with a recruiter, I was pleased by the level of service Ed provided through every step of the process. He was timely and responsive in our communications; resourceful in providing insightful information, which aided me in my preparation; and satisfactorily represented my interests in making a job move. It was a pleasure to work with Ed and I would recommend him to other regulatory affairs professionals.
Director Regulatory Affairs Ad/Promo
Ed guided me through the application and interview process, checked in frequently, helped get the questions I had for the hiring company addressed in a tactful manner and kept the process for both me and the hiring company moving smoothly. I would work with Ed again on either side of the hiring process.
Senior Director Regulatory Affairs CMC
I found Ed to be a very calming transition partner during a very hectic time. I highly recommend working with Ed at Shepherd Regulatory Search.
Associate Director Advertising and Promotions
Ed is a great recruiter to work with. He stays in touch and he pays attention to every detail and works hard to make sure the applicant gets the best possible offer.
Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs
I recently worked with Ed on a position that I ultimately accepted. Throughout the process Ed was professional and informative, but beyond that I always felt that Ed had my best interests at heart and was acting as an advocate for me. Ed provided great insight into the process and also provided realistic expectations regarding the potential outcome. It was a real pleasure working with Ed and I would not hesitate to do so again in the future..
Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs
Ed is quite knowledgeable about the field and intuits the level of interaction and coaching required based on the clients needs and experience. He is a great listener, a great communicator and is appreciative of your time. It was a pleasure working with him and believe he was a good advocate toward my latest successful placement
Director Regulatory Affairs
Ed helped me find a new position in the spring/summer of 2014. He contacted me with several interesting opportunities and quickly honed in on positions that were a great fit for my personality and background. Ed was dedicated to helping prepare for interviews, and gave great advice and guidance. He was attentive throughout the job search and interview process and extremely helpful during salary negotiations. I would highly recommend Ed and definitely work with him again!