At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality compliance and validation teams in a fast-paced pharmaceutical environment.
- Company: Join Almac, a growing organisation dedicated to advancing human health.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible schedules, professional coaching, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Excellent career progression opportunities and a collaborative working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pharmaceutical quality systems and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in pharmaceutical quality and a degree in a science-related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Craigavon, Northern Ireland
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible working pattern.
Business Unit: Almac Pharma Services
Open To: Internal and external applicants welcome to apply
Ref No.: HRJOB11628
The Opportunity:
Pharma Services plays a vital role in supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies through the manufacture and packaging of medicines for patients around the world. Working within a highly regulated environment, our teams are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance and operational excellence. Due to continued growth, we are now seeking an Associate Director Quality Compliance & Validation to provide leadership across the Craigavon sites Validation and Quality Compliance teams.
This is a key leadership role where you will oversee the systems, people and processes that help ensure our facilities, equipment, utilities and computerised systems remain in a compliant and controlled state, while also supporting the effective operation of the wider pharmaceutical quality system at the Craigavon site. In this role, you will lead experienced managers and specialist teams, providing direction, governance and oversight across site quality compliance and validation activities. You will play an important part in maintaining inspection readiness, monitoring quality performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, and ensuring the business is supported with the right resources, skills and systems to meet both operational and regulatory expectations.
This opportunity would suit a strong quality leader who enjoys working across teams, influencing at a senior level, and driving high standards in a fast-paced pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. You will also act as a subject matter expert in good manufacturing practice, internal quality processes and validation strategies contributing to projects, audits, inspections and strategic quality improvements across site.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Validation and Quality Compliance teams on the Craigavon site
- Providing governance and oversight of site quality systems and validation activity
- Ensuring facilities, equipment, utilities and computerised systems are maintained in a compliant state
- Monitoring quality and performance metrics and driving improvements
- Supporting regulatory inspections, client audits and internal audit activity
- Acting as an escalation point for complex compliance and validation issues
- Representing Quality Assurance and/or Validation on cross-functional and site-wide project teams
Joining Almac means becoming part of a fast-paced, growing organisation within a highly regulated industry. We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, with excellent opportunities for learning, development and long-term career progression across the Almac Group. Our approach is simple: we support, develop and reward our people, build fulfilling careers and together we advance human health.
What you need to be successful:
To succeed in this role, you will bring significant leadership experience within a pharmaceutical quality environment, along with a strong understanding of regulatory expectations governing the manufacture of medicinal products in Europe. You will be confident leading teams, influencing stakeholders, solving problems, and driving a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have:
- A degree level qualification in a science-related discipline
- Significant experience managing a diverse quality function supporting the development and maintenance of pharmaceutical quality systems.
- Experience in the development and application of validation strategies for facilities, equipment, utilities and computerised systems.
- Experience in the quality and validation aspects of solid oral dose forms.
- Strong working knowledge of pharmaceutical quality management systems
- Proven knowledge of UK, EU and US regulatory requirements governing the pharmaceutical industry.
Desirable criteria include:
- A postgraduate qualification in a quality-related discipline
- Experience supporting regulatory inspections and/or client audits
- Knowledge of contract manufacturing organisation business models
- Knowledge of the requirements of ISO quality systems
Further information:
This role is primarily based in Craigavon and may require coverage beyond normal working hours as and when required. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Quality Assurance and will have line management responsibility for the Validation and Quality Compliance Managers.
How to apply:
Apply online and tailor your CV to outline how you meet the role criteria. Please upload your CV in PDF format where possible.
Closing Date: We will no longer be accepting applications after 5pm on Sunday 19th July 2026.
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE NOTE: Almac will only accept applications from agencies/business partners that have been invited to work on this role by our Talent Acquisition team. Speculative candidate CVs received or submitted directly to Hiring Managers will be considered unsolicited and no fee will be payable. Thank you for your cooperation.
Skills: Quality Compliance, Pharmaceutical Experience, GMP Compliance, Senior Management, Solid Oral Dosage Forms
Benefits: Flexible Schedules, Professional Coaching, Relocation Assistance, Employee Referral Bonus, Rewards for Years Of Service, Group Healthcare Scheme, Pension Scheme
Associate Director of Quality Compliance & Validation TLNT1_NI in Armagh employer: Almac Group Ltd
Almac Pharma Services is an exceptional employer located in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With flexible working patterns and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance, employees are empowered to build fulfilling careers while contributing to advancements in human health. The company provides excellent benefits, including professional coaching, relocation assistance, and a comprehensive healthcare scheme, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the pharmaceutical industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Quality Compliance & Validation TLNT1_NI in Armagh
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Quality Compliance & Validation TLNT1_NI in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Almac Group Ltd!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Almac Group Ltd that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Almac Group Ltd!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Almac Group Ltd, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Almac Group Ltd
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Almac Group Ltd that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Almac Group Ltd’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
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In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
