Director, Validation

Job Description This job is with Autolus Therapeutics, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly. Role Summary The Director, Validation (CQV) will be responsible for leading the Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) function at Autolus’ Stevenage site. This role is critical to ensuring that all GMPcritical facilities, utilities, and equipment are qualified and maintained in a validated state in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and Autolus standards. The Director will lead a team of CQV professionals and will work closely with cross-functional teams to support operational readiness, capital projects, and facility expansions. Key Responsibilities • Leadership & Oversight: Lead the site CQV function and team, overseeing all qualification activities related to GMP facilities, utilities, and equipment. • Validation Master Plan (VMP): Own and maintain the site-specific VMP, ensuring alignment with global and site strategy. • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all CQV activities comply with current regulatory requirements (e.g., EU GMP Annex 15, FDA guidelines), internal policies, and industry best practices. • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), and Facilities to maintain qualified systems in a validated state. • Capital Project Support: Provide CQV leadership across all project phases, including development of URS, FAT/SAT execution, DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ, and preparation of final reports. • Regulatory Interface: Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for CQV during regulatory inspections and internal/external audits. • Lifecycle & Risk-Based Approach: Champion lifecycle and risk-based qualification strategies in accordance with ICH Q9 and Q10 principles. • Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in CQV processes and systems to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and support scalability. • Resource Management: Manage internal CQV staff and external vendors/contractors to ensure timely and high-quality execution of activities. • Team Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing CQV team, fostering a strong culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous learning Demonstrated skills and competencies • Degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline (E) • Minimum of 10 years\’ experience in Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation within a GMP pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment (E) • At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role managing CQV teams or programs (E) • Expert understanding of EU GMP Annex 15, FDA requirements, ISPE Baseline Guide Vol. 5, GAMP 5, and related industry guidance • Demonstrated experience with GMP facility commercial operations and , improvement projects, automation projects within GMP facilities, and major equipment commissioning and qualification (E) • Strong understanding of risk-based qualification principles and quality risk management tools (E) • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects in a fast-paced, regulated environment (E) • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills (E) • Experience in cell and gene therapy, ATMPs, or sterile manufacturing environments (D) • Experience working within a multi-product commercial facility (E) • Experience managing third-party vendors, CQV consultants, or EPCM partners (D) • Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement certification (D) • Advanced degree (MSc, MBA, etc.) in a relevant technical discipline (D) #LI-DNI