Alex Popa
Client Service Director at headcount
meet Alex
I help businesses solve hiring challenges, whether that means building teams, finding specialist contractors, or improving hiring processes.
My background is in Philosophy and Business Administration, which shaped the way I think about people, communication, and business. After nearly a decade in life science recruitment and staffing, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the industry and its challenges. Based in Zurich, I work with companies and professionals across the DACH region and wider Europe.
at a glance
My role at headcount
- Lead client services and support hiring projects from the first conversation through to placement
- Work closely with life science companies to understand what they really need before offering solutions
- Help shape recruitment strategies, especially where hiring needs to be practical, fast, and well-structured
- Support both business development and delivery, with a strong focus on client and candidate experience
- Build long-term relationships with clients and help create hiring processes that are clear and authentic
Background & expertise
- Around 10 years in life science recruitment and staffing
- Experience across pharma, biotech, and medical devices
- Educational background in philosophy and business administration
- Built and led contract, permanent, and executive search business areas
- Worked across client acquisition, recruitment delivery, and group leadership
- Strong understanding of workforce solutions, hiring strategy, and long-term client partnerships
What I bring to the team
I bring a direct and honest way of working, with calm communication and clear structure throughout the process. I like to understand what people really need before moving into solutions, so the work feels focused, practical, and useful.
My approach is people-first, but always grounded in what actually works best for the client, the candidate, and the business.
my approach
How I came to headcount
I came into this work from a background in philosophy and business, which gave me two things that still shape how I work today: curiosity and structure.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career in life science recruitment, working across different markets and helping companies solve real hiring challenges in pharma, biotech, and medical devices.
I joined headcount because of the strong alignment in values: curiosity, commitment, and authenticity.
My philosophy
I believe good recruitment starts with understanding the real need behind the role.
For me, that means asking better questions, being honest about the market, and building a process that makes sense for everyone involved. I try to keep things clear and simple.
Clients need useful guidance, not noise. Candidates need transparency, not guesswork. When the process is handled well from the start, better decisions happen on both sides.
behind the profile
Outside work, you’ll usually find me somewhere in the mountains, either hiking up or sliding down, talking about food while eating it, or getting far too emotionally involved in football.
My superpower is listening. Hearing what is being said, what is being avoided, and what actually needs to be understood.
A belief I stand by: you cannot become who you need to be by remaining who you are. Annoying, inconvenient, and probably true.
