Administration is no longer a background career
Administration and business support roles in pharma and medtech are becoming broader, more visible, and more influential. In 2026, the most successful admin professionals will be those who understand how their role supports the wider business, not just their task list.
For candidates, this creates genuine opportunity. These roles offer long-term career paths for people who combine organisation, communication, and commercial awareness.
Prediction 1: Hybrid capability becomes a defining skill
Hybrid work is now standard, and admin professionals are often the ones who hold it together. Those who can manage diaries, meetings, documentation, and approvals across hybrid teams will continue to be highly sought after.
How to prepare:
build clear communication routines
strengthen handover and follow-up habits
support leaders across different working styles
Prediction 2: Systems and technology confidence is expected
Admin professionals are increasingly expected to work confidently with CRMs, document management systems, collaboration tools, and reporting dashboards. AI tools are also becoming part of daily workflows, particularly for drafting and summarising.
The key differentiator is not just using technology, but applying human judgement and accuracy on top of it.
How to prepare:
deepen your systems experience
practise validating and checking outputs
be ready to explain how you add value beyond automation
Prediction 3: Compliance awareness increases long-term value
In regulated environments, admin professionals play a critical role in maintaining standards. Experience with document control, training records, audits, or quality processes significantly increases employability.
How to prepare:
seek exposure to compliance-related tasks
learn the language and expectations of regulated industries
clearly articulate this experience on your CV
Prediction 4: Sales and marketing admin roles become more commercial
Sales and marketing support roles continue to evolve. Many now involve CRM ownership, reporting, event coordination, and customer communication. Employers value candidates who understand how their work supports revenue and customer outcomes.
How to prepare:
strengthen your reporting and data skills
understand how sales teams measure success
share examples of process improvements you have made
Prediction 5: EA and senior admin roles gain broader influence
EA and senior admin roles increasingly focus on prioritisation, coordination, and enabling leaders to operate effectively. These roles reward discretion, confidence, and the ability to manage competing demands.
How to prepare:
document examples of how you add structure
demonstrate how you manage sensitive information
quantify the impact of your work where possible
Prediction 6: Clear self-presentation becomes a differentiator
As competition remains strong, candidates who clearly communicate their value progress further. A well-structured CV and strong interview examples make a significant difference.
How to prepare:
focus on outcomes, not just duties
tailor your CV to each role
prepare examples that show initiative and problem-solving
The most future-ready admin skill set for 2026
Admin professionals who thrive in 2026 typically combine:
strong systems and process capability
clear communication and stakeholder management
confidence working in hybrid environments
awareness of compliance and confidentiality
practical use of technology supported by judgement
Final thought for candidates
Administration and business support is not a stepping-stone career. In pharma and medtech, it is a profession with depth, influence, and long-term opportunity. Candidates who invest in their skills and understand the business context they operate in will continue to be in demand.