Senior Technical Specialist – Manufacturing Validation
- Loughborough, UK
- Full time, Permanent
Who We Are
Almac Group is a global leader in advancing human health. We provide a range of expert services across the drug development lifecycle to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, supporting them in finding treatments for patients.
Skills and attributes
- cGMP manufacturing
- CAPA Management
- System Validation
- PPQ
Description
Senior Technical Specialist – Manufacturing Validation
Location: Charnwood, Loughborough, United Kingdom
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours
Business Unit: Almac Pharma Services
Ref No.: HRJOB11835
Why this role matters
For over 50 years Almac Pharma Services has manufactured and packed oral solid dose medicines—tablets, capsules and powders—supplying patients worldwide.
An opportunity has become available to join our Manufacturing Support department in the role of Senior Technical Specialist.
In this role your primary job purpose is product/process validation, and you will own PPQ campaigns and enable robust CPV for commercial products at our Charnwood site, ensuring processes remain in a validated state and inspection‑ready at all times.
You’ll partner closely with Manufacturing Operations and the wider Technical Operations Group to turn science and data into compliant, reliable supply.
You may also lead equipment and facility qualification for GMP‑relevant equipment using DQ–IQ–OQ, ensuring systems are designed, installed, operated and perform, and continue to perform as intended.
What you’ll do
- Lead PPQ: author/approve protocols, define sampling plans and acceptance criteria, oversee execution, analyse data, and issue PPQ summary reports for timely release
- Lead or participate in equipment and facility qualification: Deliver qualification lifecycle for GMP‑relevant equipment using DQ–IQ–OQ-PQ and maintain equipment in validated state through periodic review and scheduled requalification, aligned to site procedures and Annex 15 expectation and including data integrity (ALCOA, computerised system lifecycle principles)
- With echnical Operations and Quality, generate URS, generate, review and approve functional/technical specifications, Quality Risk Assessment, Traceability Matrix, IQ/OQ protocols and summary reports.
- Investigations & change: lead deviation/CAPA, conduct Quality Risk Management, author change requests, and manage validation impact assessments for changes
- Interface with audits: represent equipment and process validation in customer/regulatory inspections and defend strategy, execution and reports
- Collaborate across functions: work with QA, Analytical/QC, Engineering and Production to execute qualifications or PPQs to plan.
- Broader validation: coordinate equipment/cleaning validation to ensure end‑to‑end compliance and data integrity across the lifecycle.
What you’ll bring
- Experience: Proven process validation experience in GMP drug product (OSD preferred), including PPQ leadership and CPV
- Regulatory knowledge: Practical application of FDA 2011 PV, EU GMP Annex 15, and ICH Q8/Q9/Q10.
- Statistics & tools: Competence with SPC/trending (e.g., Minitab/JMP) and strong technical writing for protocols and reports.
- Quality systems: Experience with eQMS (e.g., TrackWise,) 21 CFR Part 11/Anne 11 and ALCOA+ principles.
- Collaboration: Ability to work in and lead cross‑functional teams (e.g. Production, Formulation Development, Engineering), manage multiple PPQ workstreams, and meet committed timelines to plan.
- Degree: in Life Science or Engineering, or equivalent
A fantastic salary and benefits package is available, including annual bonuses for all, generous holiday allowance, healthcare reimbursement scheme, and a rewarding role where the work you do will ultimately be contributing to the advancement of human health.
Paid Time-Off for Vacation and Sick Days
Almac Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Closing Date
Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 5pm local time.
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Senior Technical Specialist – Manufacturing Validation in Loughborough employer: Almac Group
Almac Group is an exceptional employer located in Craigavon, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Pharma and Healthcare sectors. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to employee well-being, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on healthcare solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in digital solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Specialist – Manufacturing Validation in Loughborough
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Almac Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Almac Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Almac Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
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