Validation / Quality Assurance Specialist, Pharmaceutical
Location: Swadlincote / Derby
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £30,000-£34,000 per annum
Start Date: 2026-06-01
Company: Leading pharmaceutical manufacturer (CMO) expanding its validation team.
Contact: Tom Hammond, tom.hammond@russell-taylor.co.uk
Responsibilities
* Plan and execute validation activities in line with site validation plans and project timelines.
* Author and maintain validation protocols and reports across multiple validation areas:
o Cleaning validation
o Computerised systems validation
o Equipment and utilities qualification
o Process validation
* Interpret validation data against predefined acceptance criteria and document outcomes appropriately.
* Execute validation activities while minimising disruption to manufacturing operations.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver validation programmes and report outcomes.
* Maintain validated status of systems, processes, equipment, utilities and cleaning procedures.
* Support and participate in site validation projects and cross-functional teams.
* Generate and execute protocols and reports for non-routine quality or validation-related projects.
* Review analytical data generated by the QC laboratory as part of validation activities.
* Maintain and report validation-related KPIs to support quality performance monitoring.
* Support regulatory inspections and internal audits, including completion of corrective actions where required.
* Investigate non-conformances, performing root cause analysis and risk assessment.
* Support the ongoing maintenance of the Site Validation Master Plan (VMP).
* Ensure validation procedures, SOPs and work instructions remain compliant and up to date.
* Review validation documentation where required.
* Contribute to knowledge sharing and support colleagues across the validation team.
Qualifications
* Hold a degree (or equivalent) in a STEM-related subject, or have relevant hands‑on validation experience within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
* Experience in validation within a cGMP setting, ideally involving process validation, equipment qualification and/or utilities validation.
* Experience with validation activities in pharmaceutical, medical device or other GMP manufacturing settings.
* Understanding that this role focuses on manufacturing/site validation rather than analytical method validation within QC.
* Experience working in a quality or regulated environment (cGMP / MHRA / GMP).
* Comfortable reviewing data and using IT systems to document and communicate results effectively.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and fluent in English (written and verbal).
* Motivated to develop validation knowledge further and contribute within a growing team environment.
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