Shire Biologics, part of the Shire Pharmaceuticals Group, discovers, develops, produces and markets novel human vaccines and biologics for infectious diseases. With a team of more than 300 research scientists, engineers and administrative staff, the group has state-of-the-art laboratory and production facilities in Northborough, Massachusetts, as well as Laval and Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada.

First thing’s first
Lynne Lirette is Senior HR Manager at Shire Biologics. When she first came to the company, there were clearly a number of important issues to be addressed — and the sooner the better. With the company’s earlier focus on innovative science and rapid growth, a number administrative tasks had been left undone. Lirette’s first priority was to develop a set of HR policies and procedures to guide managers and employees as to what was acceptable company policy (and align them with similar policies in Canada). Then, of course, she had to implement them.

There was also a serious need for management training. While many of the managers were accomplished scientists, not all of them were skilled at managing employees. In addition, Lirette also found that in many instances, lack of maturity affected productivity. With so much to accomplish, and a limited staff, it was time to call in some experienced help.

A colleague referred Lirette to CR+T. After meeting with Barry Rubenstein, she felt that he was exactly the partner she was looking for — experienced and flexible.

A practical, hands-on approach.
Rubenstein began by putting policies and procedures in place to create a more organized infrastructure. He created a company-wide opinion survey, which found that several employees with bad attitudes were the cause for some bad morale within the organization. Rubenstein helped Lirette evaluate how best to handle this situation without creating dissension and negativity within the group.

According to Lirette, “Barry’s hands-on approach meant that I could assign certain projects to him and he would go off and just get them done and get back to me. It was such a relief!”

CR+T also helped Lirette recruit and interview candidates, and Rubenstein filled in for her when she was traveling on business. “Barry is the only person I would trust to handle a disciplinary issue when I am out of the office. His background in social work means that he has great people skills and that he is very fair and down-to-earth. Everyone is comfortable talking to him.”

Lynne Lirette appreciates Barry’s ability to serve as a sounding board for her when making a challenging decision.”Barry is great at playing devil’s advocate, and laying out the ramifications. In addition, he has all of the up-to-date legal information, so I can confidently make a more informed decision.”

Rubenstein has also started monthly supervisory meetings to help scientists improve their management skills. The result: fewer conflicts and a more harmonious atmosphere throughout the company. In addition, he conducts annual Sexual Harassment training for Shire, as well as one-on-one training and mentoring.

An immediate, positive impact — and a lasting contribution.
Lynne Lirette is extremely happy she chose to work with CR+T and Barry Rubenstein. “Barry’s positive impact on our company was evident almost immediately, and continues to be evident today. We have complementary skills, and together we get a lot accomplished. Barry is a great listener and just a ‘nice guy.’ He is someone I trust, respect and depend on. We have an excellent working relationship that I hope will continue for years to come.”

“I don’t have the budget to hire a full-time person, but Barry delivers the service of a full-time person in a more cost-effective way.”