Scope
Description
Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) are establishing an Executive and Senior Search contract to meet MDC's requirements. MDC do not guarantee any volume or value of work from this Executive and Senior Search contract; however, it is MDC's intention to use the contract for the search and replacement of specific roles. However, the MDC reserve the right to procure services outside of the contract if it sees fit.
The contract includes the search, headhunting and recruitment of roles within MDC to source senior or specialist staff. The typical scope of roles / vacancies will include, but are not limited to:
Board roles
CEO
C suite
Senior Leadership roles across all disciplines
Niche / specific roles
All of the above to include:
Permanent staff;
Fixed Term Staff;
Temporary Staff; and
Contractors.
MDC do not guarantee any volume or value of work from this contract. The value of work is calculated at a potential average of four senior hires per year, along with any interim requirements. With a significant portion of the calculated estimated value based on interim staff members approved hours where the chosen
supplier makes payment to the interim staff member on behalf of MDC.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £1,800,000 excluding VAT
- £2,160,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 9 February 2026 to 8 February 2028
- Possible extension to 8 February 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Medicines Discovery Catapult will have the option to extend the Contract for a further two 12 month periods, subject to the awarded Suppliers satisfactory performance.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
For each individual requirement, MDC will select a supplier based on their ranking according to their final evaluated scores and where the supplier is capable of meeting the requirement. Any further allocation decisions will be made on the basis of objective factors such as urgency, capacity, value and the nature of the role required. MDC will keep an audit record of the method chosen for each requirement.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
2 December 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
16 December 2025, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=f5513b1e-55c5-f011-813a-005056b64545
Please email procurement@md.catapult.org.uk if you have any issues accessing.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
19 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70% |
| Price | Price | 30% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
MEDICINES DISCOVERY CATAPULT LIMITED
- Companies House: 09928547
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJPQ-6911-DQYY
Block 35g, Mereside Alderley Park
Macclesfield
SK10 4ZF
United Kingdom
Region: UKD62 - Cheshire East
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government