Validation Manager in Sunderland

Join Us and Shape the Future of Cutting-Edge Cannabis Manufacturing

At Curaleaf International, we\’re revolutionising the global cannabis landscape through research, precision, and product excellence. As our new Validation Manager, you\’ll be at the heart of ensuring our UK laboratory operates with world‑class compliance, integrity, and scientific rigour. This is a high‑impact role for a validation expert who thrives in complex, fast‑paced GMP environments and wants to be part of an ambitious, mission‑driven organisation. This is an on‑site role based in Sunderland.

About The Role

The Validation Manager is responsible for owning and continuously improving the entire validation lifecycle at Curaleaf Laboratories. You will lead validation strategy, oversee qualification activities, ensure compliance with EU GMP and ICH Q9 principles, and serve as the site\’s subject‑matter expert across equipment, utilities, automation, computerised systems, processes, and change control.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Own and maintain the Validation Master Plan (VMP), including lifecycle oversight for all facilities, utilities, equipment, automation and computerised systems.
• Lead qualification activities (URS, DQ, FAT/SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ) ensuring traceability to requirements, CQAs and CPPs.
• Define risk‑based requalification strategies and periodic reviews.
• Oversee validation of automation, control systems and computerised systems, ensuring data integrity (ALCOA+) and Annex 11 compliance.
• Lead process validation, cleaning validation and support analytical/microbiological method validation.
• Drive Quality Risk Management (ICH Q9) across all validation activities.
• Act as SME within change control – assessing validation impact, defining revalidation, supporting investigations and CAPAs.
• Ensure all validation documentation is inspection‑ready, controlled and traceable.
• Manage validation inventories, templates, and deliverables; ensure accurate linking to system IDs and asset registers.
• Provide validation leadership on capital projects, equipment replacements and new installations.
• Oversee third‑party validation contractors and support technology transfer and new product introduction.
• Deliver training, promote a science‑based validation culture and stay ahead of regulatory and industry trends.
• Report validation KPIs and support Quality Management Review.

About You

You\’re a highly skilled validation professional with a rigorous, science‑driven mindset and a passion for excellence. You\’re confident working cross‑functionally and have the credibility to lead validation strategy across a regulated site.

You Bring:

• Experience in GxP pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong background in equipment and utility qualification, process/cleaning validation, and automation or CSV.
• In‑depth knowledge of EU GMP Annex 15, Annex 11 and ICH Q9.
• Experience working within a pharmaceutical QMS (change control, deviations, CAPA, data integrity).
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills; comfortable in audits and inspections.

Desirable

• Experience within CBPM manufacturing, unlicensed medicines or small‑batch environments.
• Previous role as a validation lead or CSV lead.
• Experience interacting with MHRA/FDA inspectors.

About Us

At Curaleaf International, we\’re not just participating in the cannabis industry – we\’re leading it. As part of the world\’s largest cannabis company, Curaleaf Holding, Inc., we are powered by a strong presence at all stages of the supply chain. Our unique distribution network throughout Europe, Canada and Australasia brings together pioneering research with cutting‑edge cultivation, extraction, and production. Amidst a rapid growth trajectory, our emphasis on quality and expertise aims to deliver safe and legal cannabis.

Our Vision

To shape the future of cannabis through our commitment to research and product excellence.

Our Mission

To be the world\’s leading cannabis company consistently delivering superior products and services and driving the global acceptance of cannabis.

Our Values

Lead & Inspire, Commit to Win, Driven to Deliver Excellence, Customer Obsession, One Curaleaf.

We offer

• Competitive salary
• Quarterly performance‑based bonus
• Funded training
• Excellent holiday allowance
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension after 2 years service
• Enhanced parental leave
• Free onsite parking
• Life insurance
• Payday Funday (free food!)
• Seasonal company events

We value progression and development, offering lots of opportunity in a rapidly growing organisation.

If this sounds like an ideal role for you, don\’t delay in getting your application in! This vacancy may be closed early due to a high level of interest.