As operational lead for Pfizer’s contingent labor program in the US and Puerto Rico, Diana Harriman manages the day-to-day operations of the company’s MSP, payrolling program, and master vendor light industrial program, and is the primary point of contact for matters relating to contingent workers in her region. The program supports contingent worker engagements across all experience levels and business units, providing thousands of resources company-wide.

In late 2019, Harriman’s team launched its direct sourcing program; together with AI technology and their curating partner, they leveraged the power of Pfizer’s brand to attract and recruit high-quality, cost-effective candidates in a timely manner. The first year, Harriman notes, 26% of all placements were made via direct sourcing, which delivered significant savings to the business, increased conversions, and highly satisfied hiring managers and candidates. She says they have continued building their talent pipeline, increasing placement rates, and growing the program to achieve their goal of 33% of placements by the end of year two.

Harriman believes the CW space in the pharma/life sciences industry has kept apace in the Covid-19 environment, even becoming more important given the ramp-up in vaccine and treatment research and production. Moreover, she says, contingent labor is a major contributor to keeping the organization agile and able to respond to changes and demand in a swift manner: “Being able to augment staffing with quality candidates enables Pfizer teams to keep pace and focus on our mission: Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.”