“the advice and guidance from the experienced members of the team can be a lifeline and so from my experience, team working within Servier is a major strength”

Dispensing Account Executive Testimonial

By the end of 4 years at Kings College, London, doing research based degrees, BSc Biomedical Science (Neuroscience) and MSc Drug Discovery Skills, I was very keen to move away from the laboratory but didn’t know what other options were available.  Thanks to wise advice I was steered in the direction of Medical Sales and through a recruitment agency I was forwarded for a vacancy with Servier.  When researching the company it appealed to me due to the security it could offer, as Servier has never made anyone redundant and is privately owned, as well as the incredible pipeline it had for the future.

Since being in the Company, from July 2004, I have received extremely thorough training, including the initial 9-week Initial Training Programme and then with each new product launch.  As well as product training, there is a significant emphasis on sales training during National Conference, which has allowed me to become more competent and confident in call.  On a regular basis, my manager has provided me with the more individual training required in order to make Servier reps the best representatives in the industry.  This certainly paid off when I was fortunate to be awarded Medical Representative of the Year in January 2006.

During my 2 years with Servier I have been promoted twice, firstly to Senior Medical Representative in November 2005 and then in May 2006 to Dispensing Account Executive.  This career progression is very typical of Servier as they promote from within whenever possible.

Not only has the training contributed to my successes but also the help and support of my team.  Being by yourself on a daily basis and with so much to learn, the advice and guidance from the experienced members of the team can be a lifeline and so, from my experience, team working within Servier is a major strength.

Servier is a very dynamic company to work for.  It is rapidly growing and therefore it is very exciting to be part of the changes, including launching new products in new disease areas and the new roles, which are being created.  While at the same time Servier does value every member of the company and so is one of the best employers in the industry.

“I share with Servier a passion for scientific research and innovation” 

MSI Manager Testimonial

I joined Servier as a medical representative after completing a PhD in chemistry at the University of Nottingham. At the beginning of a life-long career, I think the choice of first employer is important. I chose Servier because I wanted to work for a company where I could develop and grow skills working in a competitive business environment. I wanted to work for a company that would give me the opportunities to expand my skills into other disciplines – particularly I was keen to move into marketing. I was also particularly attracted to Servier as a research driven company. I share with Servier a passion for scientific research and innovation, so the extent of the company’s investment into R&D compared to others in the industry, really impressed me.

Globally, Servier was, and still is, a fast growing company and I had been given the opportunity to play a part in Serviers’ growth and success in the UK. From the outset, the importance of team working was an important part of the corporate culture, and still is today. After establishing myself in the local sales team, I was promoted to NHSPC (hospital rep), where I was allowed to further develop my selling skills and knowledge. After 18 months in field, I was promoted into the Medical and Scientific Information department, where I have worked on directing the strategy and providing the marketing campaigns for all of Servier’s hypertension products, including the successful launch of two major landmark clinical studies and a new indication for one of our leading products. All in all these results and developments have helped change national guidelines and clinical practice, ultimately providing the evidence that doctors need to ensure patients receive the most appropriate  treatments so to play a small part in communicating this information has been tremendously rewarding. Now I am working in two new disease areas, osteoporosis and mental health, which are very different but are just as exciting and I strongly believe that we can bring improvements in the way in which these diseases are managed.

Throughout my career, I have been allowed to develop new skills and improve my knowledge in every position I have held. This is really important to me, and to the success of Servier and is fundamental to the company’s values. In each position I have developed a much broader range of skills than many others in the industry and I have been rewarded with the career development opportunities that I was looking for – which is a major reason why I would recommend a career with Servier.

“The concept of development at Servier is not process driven but cultural. Servier prides itself in recognising individuals at all levels and helping them to achieve their potential” 

MSI ManagerTestimonial 

I studied Biological sciences at Leicester University and graduated in 1998. I found sciences as a subject to be of great interest but was unsure what kind of job would allow me to combine that interest with making a living.

I came across the job of ‘pharmaceutical representative’, which appeared to tick enough boxes, and then applied to a number of companies, one of which was Servier. I did not extensively research the companies I applied to, but when I reached the interview stages it began to dawn on me that Servier took recruitment very seriously. Other pharmaceutical companies conducted interviews, Servier did this too, but with senior managers in attendance, they also checked all references and offered me the opportunity to shadow a representative for the day. I thought, even then, that this is a company that goes the extra mile with its staff.

When I accepted the offer of a job in West London I started my career with an intensive six week Initial Training Programme. If I needed further demonstration of Servier’s commitment to the development of its employees, this was it. The knowledge and skills training was focussed, purposeful and as it turned out, essential for the transition of a young graduate to a young professional.

This commitment to training and development has been demonstrated to me (and hopefully by me) at each stage in my Servier career. I worked as a GP then hospital representative before moving to head office to work as a Training Officer within the Training Department. I was then given the opportunity to return to the Sales Force in the role of Regional Development Manager. My next opportunity was to return to Head Office as Training Manager, heading up the Training Department, before accepting my current role as MSI Manager in the fast evolving MSI (Marketing) Department.

At each stage in my career I have had the pleasure of working with a large number of different individuals who have offered me guidance, inspiration and support. The concept of development at Servier is not process driven but cultural. Servier prides itself in recognising individuals at all levels and helping them to achieve their potential, thereby developing the company and the person. The continual focus on excellence and achievement is balanced by recognition and reward, and the commitment expected by the company is clearly reciprocated.

Going back to 1998, I just wanted to find a job that fitted my interests but I found a company that shared my values, a lucky find that I will always make the most of.

“But above all, the strong sense of teamwork in Servier has given me incredible professional and personal support”

Associate Project ManagerTestimonial

On graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Chemistry with Business Studies, I had a strong desire to work in a business that also provided academic stimulation.  My job search focussed, therefore, on sales and marketing roles in different industries.  However, my application for the medical representative job with Servier was different as it was also driven by what working for Servier as a company means and the people they look for.

The investment Servier makes in its people and the company’s policy of promoting from within creates a culture of opportunities.  These opportunities have been very clear to me in each job I have had with Servier and have challenged me to achieve the high standards on which the company prides itself.  Since starting as a primary care medical representative six years ago, I have been fortunate enough to work in hospital sales, Training and now as part of the Project Management team in Marketing for a priority product.  I believe that approaching these opportunities with a strong work ethic, energy and enthusiasm and a positive and proactive attitude, along with an ability to produce results, are key to previous and future successes. 

My first six years with Servier have been extremely rewarding.  Personal and Professional Development is a priority in Servier and the company’s Continuous Professional Development Plan provides structure to medium and long term career aspirations and encourages me to manage my development toward shorter term goals.  I continue to develop communication and coaching skills, product and disease knowledge, business planning and project management.  Servier has also given me the opportunity to travel to destinations such as South Africa, Miami, Monte Carlo and Prague as well as regular trips to Paris.  But above all, the strong sense of teamwork in Servier has given me incredible professional and personal support, some great friends and the motivation and commitment to be part of Servier’s exciting future.

“I would recommend Servier to anyone who wanted to join an exciting, innovative company, with brand new products launching every year” 

“I would recommend Servier for those who want to have a real chance to progress their career in a loyal, personal company”

Medical Liaison Specialist Testimonial

I have enjoyed working for Servier for 6 years. I studied Health Care and Information Systems (BSc) at Huddersfield University and had been interested in a career in the pharmaceutical domain due to temporary work experiences during university and a gap year. 

I had heard numerous positive accounts about Servier and I was very keen to be considered for a job interview due to the company being privately owned, and the career progression opportunities due to the strong commitment to promotion from within.  After being accepted to work as a Medical Representative in North West London I was placed on a six week training Programme to learn every aspect of the products I was to promote, and the job role of the representative.  After my first year of employment I was recognised as a Product Representative of the Year.

Servier consistently promotes from within so I was in a good position to make an application for a Hospital Specialist job in the Oxford area, where I enjoyed a number of successes.  After two enjoyable years I then moved over to a new team of Hospital Specialists to launch a new product, again, a challenging and rewarding time which led me to win four prestigious awards at gala night, an experience I will never forget.

It was soon after this that a new job position was shaped within Servier working for the Medical and Corporate Affairs Department, which would potentially provide me with a new challenge in a new department and, once again, as Servier promotes from within I deemed this to be a great opportunity.  Sure enough I was successful in gaining the promotion and I am now facing new and exciting challenges within the role.

During my time with Servier I have worked within different product teams, training teams, regional teams and business unit teams.  I have enjoyed every element of team working within Servier as everyone is working toward the same goal – to perform well, and ultimately gain success.  I have been guided throughout my career by the highest quality management, who have consistently shown me support and encouragement, which is reflected in my career progression thus far.

Servier’s culture is unexpected within the Pharmaceutical Industry.  Largely due to being a private company Servier’s culture is based around loyalty and values.

I would recommend Servier to anyone who wanted to join an exciting, innovative company, with brand new products launching every year.  I would recommend Servier for those who want to have a real chance to progress their career in a loyal, personal company. 

Medical Liaison Specialist Testimonial

I studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University and after graduating in 2000 I stayed there to do my PhD at the Cambridge Institute for Medical research. I was awarded a Wellcome Trust Prize Studentship to carry out my research looking at one of the proteins involved in Polycystic Kidney Disease.

I decided that, although I’d enjoyed my research, I’d like to combine my scientific knowledge and experience with a business focus and started investigating Pharmaceutical companies. The high level of commitment to R&D, the friendly feel of the company and excellent pipeline first attracted me to Servier as a potential employer.

I joined Servier as a Medical Representative in October 2004 working in the Hull and York area. The initial training was fantastic and really taught me the skills needed to be successful in the role. The training at conferences and business unit meetings was excellent and really helped to keep me focused on sales targets.

In March 2006 I was promoted to Medical Liaison Specialist within the Medical and Corporate Affairs Department. This new role involves the provision of clinical and budgetary information to budget holders and policy influencers who plan for the entry of new drugs within the NHS. A big part of the job is researching the disease area and the structure of Mental Health Trusts in my area. My new role is very fulfilling and combines the skills I learnt from my time in both research and sales.

Both of the teams I’ve worked in have been friendly and have nurtured my professional growth. I’d recommend Servier as an employer to anyone thinking of joining the industry. It’s provided me with some exceptional opportunities already and career progression can be rapid with a lot of hard work and determination. I’m very much looking forwards to further developing my career within Servier.

“it is a wonderful feeling to contribute to the development and success of individuals”

Training Officer Testimonial 

I left university with a BSc Hons in Sports Science having completed major projects in biochemical physiology and sports medicine, so I already had an underlying interest in pharmaceuticals.

Having been raised in a family business environment I craved a similar working atmosphere, but still wanted a job within a company that was an international player in the pharmaceutical market. The family culture is what initially attracted me to Servier but the provision of a good graduate training programme together with a competitive benefits package, I knew with in the first 10 seconds of my first interview that I wanted to and would be working for this company.

From a very early stage my Regional Development Manager discussed my job aspirations and encouraged development. The company’s strong ethos on promotion from within gave me confidence that my ambitions could be realised.

Having worked as a Medical representative for just over 18 months I was promoted to an NHSPC position where I worked for 4 years building relationship with key opinion leaders and steering the business for our territory. The working relationships I had with my customers, but just as importantly my team, meant that we achieved a tremendous amount of success. My first territory partner is still my best friend today! Our achievements have always been well recognised within Servier with bonus, awards and incentive trips and this has been the driver for my continued motivation and success. In addition, the recognition from my customers with a Pharma Times Representative of the Year nomination reinforced the value my role had to their work.

Having considered a regional management job I opted for a change in direction and joined the training department to expand my experience in the head office environment. Here the level of support and teamwork is just as strong and it is a wonderful feeling to contribute to the development and success of individuals.

I have always received consistent support form Servier both personally and professionally which means the family culture is still as much alive even with the expansion that I have witnessed in the last 7 years. As the company grows, so do the opportunities to develop skills in different areas which means any aspiration can be catered for.

“Servier recognises talent and hard work that would make me recommend Servier to any new graduate looking for their first job in the industry or an experienced representative looking for a new challenge”

Training Officer Testimonial

I began looking for a job in the pharmaceutical industry straight after leaving university in 2001. I’d just graduated from Liverpool University with a 1st class honours degree in pharmacology when I saw an advert for a job with Servier on a pharmaceutical recruitment website. It was clear to me from my initial contacts with the company through the application and interview process that this would be a company I would enjoy working for. It was clear that the people within the company meant a lot to it, which was important for me.

This ‘personal touch’ became clearer to me as I received my offer and then began my training. The training I have received since being at Servier has been 1st class, and development of its employees is at the heart of Servier’s culture. The initial training programme for new medical representatives is an intensive six week Programme covering anatomy and physiology, selling skills, and all the detail I needed to know to be able to sell my 3 products. Since then I’ve received additional training on ORBIT, our customer relations management system, training on new drugs, as well other training that has enhanced my selling skills. As well as formal training courses the regional development managers I worked with in the field constantly supported my development through regular field visits.

It is Servier’s commitment to employee development that has enabled me to progress my career in Servier as I have. After joining as a Medical Representative working in the East Midlands in January 2002, I was promoted to NHS Projects Co-ordinator in September 2003, and then promoted again to the training department in April 2006. This career development pathway has been mirrored by a countless number of my colleagues working in jobs at head office such as training or marketing, and by many of the Regional Development Managers.

The company’s values of striving for excellence, teamwork, communication, honesty and employee development are the reasons why I sincerely enjoy working for Servier and why I see my future lying here. It is these values combined with the opportunities for self-development and progression which exist, and the fact that Servier recognises talent and hard work that would make me recommend Servier to any new graduate looking for their first job in the industry or an experienced representative looking for a new challenge.

 With Servier’s support and encouragement,

I know that my career will be well looked after”

Team Leader Testimonial

After graduating from Sheffield University in 1998 with a degree in Biochemistry I decided on a career within the pharmaceutical industry as I wanted to be involved in the development of new drugs that would one day help make a difference to peoples’ lives.  With this in mind, I joined Servier as a Scientific Research Officer working within the pharmacokinetics laboratory.

One of the first things that struck me about Servier was its commitment to research and how the company invests 25% of its turnover into R&D.  This, coupled with a friendly, yet professional working environment meant that I easily settled into my new job. 

As a Scientific Research Officer I was involved in the generation of drug concentration data in samples from pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies. This information was used as part of the evaluation of the safety of the product before it was used in the clinic.

As I progressed within the laboratory I was given the opportunity to implement new techniques and procedures. I was also able to develop my analytical skills and increase my knowledge and understanding of pharmacokinetics and its role in the drug development programme. 

Throughout my time here, Servier has been committed to my development not only on a personal level, but also on a professional level.  This has meant that I have been given the opportunity to take part in many interesting and topical training courses which, together with the support and encouragement of Servier have seen me progress within the laboratory through to managing my own team within the pharmacokinetics department.

Servier’s growth over the past few years has given me the chance to work with many new people across different departments across Europe and I look forward to more of this in the future.  With Servier’s support and encouragement, I know that my career will be well looked after.

“The working environment is still very exciting and the Company is expanding”

Team Leader Testimonial

As most French people of my generation, my earliest contact with Servier was, being treated with Locabiotal, a then well-known sore-throat medicine. This was not, however, what attracted me to Servier. My reasons for joining the Company were based on its excellent reputation within the Pharmaceutical Industry, many friendly and professional contacts I had had with Servier staff during the course of my studies and feedback from fellow students regarding employment, training and progression opportunities within Servier.

Having completed my Chemistry studies in Orléans (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie, DUT) and Brest (Licence) and completed my gap year (12-month military service as an Infantry nurse), I joined Bio-Pharmacie Servier in Orléans in 1988 as a Laboratory Technician in the Pharmacokinetics (PK) Division where my main responsibilities included analytical method development and validation, sample analysis and data interpretation and reporting as part of a multi-disciplinary team within a GLP environment.

In 1991, I crossed the Channel and joined the Pharmacokinetics Department of Servier Research and Development Ltd with similar responsibilities but soon moved, with the Study Director status, towards study and project management. I was also given the opportunity to study at Birkbeck College (University of London) on a day-release basis for an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry which I completed successfully (Distinction) over two years before being promoted to the position of Project Leader. This involved leading a group of scientists in analytical method development, then as a Senior Project Leader supervising also the Clinical Analysis group before recently moving back to Pharmacokinetics, managing a group of scientists involved in bioanalysis, data interpretation and reporting.

Throughout my 18 years at Servier, be it in France or in the UK, I have attended many training courses in scientific disciplines of interest and other relevant softer skills and relevant management development courses as well related conferences and seminars, which together with hard work have enabled my career to progress from a laboratory-based analyst position to that of a Manager. The working environment is still very exciting and the Company is expanding, so there is still plenty of scope for further progress. Bring on the next 18 years!

“Servier has encouraged me to set targets and goals to continue my development in clinical research and to allow my future progression within the company”

 Clinical Research Associate Testimonial 

After graduating from Cambridge University in 2006 with a PhD in cellular biology, I realised that I wanted to move away from academic and laboratory-based research.  I was still keen to still be involved in science, especially the clinical side of research, which I had never previously experienced.  The ‘real-life’ effect of drugs, rather than their pre-clinical development, was something I found very appealing.  A job as a clinical research associate (CRA) therefore seemed to be the perfect position for me.

Servier struck me as a ‘people’ company, not only because of its friendly yet professional outlook but also from the time and investment the company commits to staff training and development.  Uniquely, Servier allows graduates to join as a CRA with relatively little or no experience.  I have not only received comprehensive ‘on the job’ training here in the UK but I have been sent to the Head Office in Paris as part of my ongoing CRA training. I was also attracted by Servier’s excellent reputation. The product pipeline shows the continual progression and ambition of the company. It’s an exciting time to be involved with Servier!

I have now completed my 6 month probationary period and I am responsible for the monitoring of clinical trials conducted in over 12 sites throughout the UK.  I work with a variety of healthcare professionals in hospitals, GP practices and academic sites as well as with the excellent clinical research team based in our UK head offices.  Servier has encouraged me to set targets and goals to continue my development in clinical research and to allow my future progression within the company.  I still have a lot to learn but I am enjoying the new challenges that the position brings.

“The opportunities for training and development have been extensive, and included spending 3 months in Paris as well as attending many useful courses and training days locally”

Clinical Research Associate Testimonial

I started working for Servier after completing my biochemistry degree and then a PhD in molecular biology. As part of my undergraduate degree I had spent a year working in the pre-clinical department of a biotech company, and knew that I wanted to return to the pharmaceutical industry after my PhD.

The variety and challenge of being a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) really appealed to me, and I applied for a job to at Servier because I was keen to work for a company that invested a lot in the training and development of each of it’s employees. The size of Servier means that it is small enough to recognise each person as an individual member of the team, with their own skills and qualities, whilst being big enough to offer scope for progression, growth and development within the company.

During my 18 months with Servier so far, my knowledge and understanding of the clinical research field has grown rapidly. I really enjoy my job, monitoring the clinical trials for Servier’s new products, and it’s great to work for a company that has such an extensive and varied product portfolio – it means I get to work on a wide variety of therapeutic areas and different types of trials. I work both as part of a team, and independently, when required, and have been able to take on more and more responsibility as my experience has increased, and also become involved in helping to train newer members of the team.

The opportunities for training and development have been extensive, and included spending 3 months in Paris as well as attending many useful courses and training days locally. These have provided me with a greater understanding of the company, useful knowledge specific to my job, and skills that will be valuable to enable me to progress further in my career.

“Your career expectations as well as the company’s business requirements are met through challenging work activities” 

Clinical Quality Assurance Officer Testimonial

I have a Genetics degree and a MSc in Biotechnology. I started my career as basic scientist working on the pre-clinical development of small protein therapeutics and I became interested in the related field of clinical development.

I joined Servier in 2003 as a Clinical Research Associate working as part of the cardiovascular team: a hugely challenging and varied role and an excellent introduction to the field of pharmaceutical clinical research.

After two happy years of monitoring clinical studies in the UK, I was given the opportunity to move to a job withinto the Quality Assurance Department. As Quality Assurance Officer, I now work as part of an international team performing site audits, system audits, study report reviews and procedure writing.  Working in such highly regulated field requires that you constantly update your knowledge of both international and national regulations, maintain an in-depth understanding of company procedures and become an expert in various fields of research and product portfolio.

Working for Servier means that your career expectations as well as the company’s business requirements are met through challenging work activities, valuable training and a structured career development programme.

 “My work brings something new and interesting every day” 

Pharmacovigilance Manager Testimonial

After completing my medical degree at the Medical University in Warsaw I undertook my postgraduate internship where I gained my experience in diagnosis and treatment of different medical conditions. Following completion of the internship I got a training post in II Clinic of Psychiatry in Warsaw, where I started my specialisation in psychiatry. I thought I had everything planned ...but life gets complicated sometimes…

Due to personal circumstances I moved to the UK and this is where my journey with Servier started. I began to work for Servier in January 2003 as a medical reviewer on a contract basis.

During this period I had an opportunity to learn about clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry in detail and get to know the company. The working environment was excellent but what appealed to me most was the culture and high standards.

I was delighted when in 2004 I was offered a permanent job as a Medical Project Manager with pharmacovigilance as my main responsibility.

The work was challenging but exciting at the same time. It gave me the opportunity to use my medical knowledge and experience in everyday tasks.

In 2005 I was promoted to Pharmacovigilance Manager, where although Pharmacovigilance remains my main responsibility. I work with a team of highly professional and dedicated individuals with the aim to ensure appropriate monitoring of safety of our products and compliance with regulatory requirements. My work brings something new and interesting every day. I learn a lot and this is something I consider the important quality of the job.

Servier helped me to discover a new path for my career by offering me an interesting job and providing opportunities for personal and professional development.

I hope to continue my career in the pharmaceutical medicine whilst contributing to Servier’s success