Validation Engineer - Job Opportunity at Uniphar Group PLC

Dublin, Ireland
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: August 8, 2025
On-site
EUR 45,000 - 65,000 per year based on the mid-level requirements, Irish pharmaceutical market standards, and the contract nature of the position. Uniphar as a major PLC would likely offer competitive compensation within the upper range for candidates with relevant validation experience.

Benefits

Fixed-term contract stability through end of 2026 providing job security and project continuity
Exposure to opportunities within one of Ireland's most successful publicly listed companies offering career advancement potential
Access to dynamic and strategic engineering team environment fostering professional development
Work within a rapidly expanding diversified healthcare services business with global footprint providing international exposure
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge digital technology and expert teams enhancing technical skills
Involvement with trusted global partnerships with 200+ world-renowned pharma and medtech manufacturers

Key Responsibilities

Design and architect validation study frameworks including sampling methodologies, testing protocols, and analytical approaches that ensure regulatory compliance and product quality across pharmaceutical operations
Lead and direct comprehensive validation activities including protocol creation, testing coordination, and cross-functional team management to ensure project success and timeline adherence
Conduct advanced data analysis of validation test results to determine system compliance with regulatory criteria and identify root cause solutions for complex technical problems
Orchestrate implementation and scheduling of validation testing across multiple departments while managing stakeholder communication and resource allocation
Develop and execute performance qualification protocols for new and modified manufacturing processes, systems, and equipment ensuring GMP compliance and operational excellence
Perform comprehensive review and audit of validation documentation including process flows, training records, and protocols to maintain regulatory standards
Design and maintain sophisticated databases for tracking validation activities, test results, and validated systems ensuring data integrity and accessibility
Coordinate equipment calibration programs and maintain validation test equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and regulatory compliance

Requirements

Education

Third level degree in a science/engineering subject as a minimum

Experience

Previous validation experience is advantageous

Required Skills

Good understanding and application of GMP and regulatory requirements Experience of wide range of validations including equipment, cleaning and facilities validation plans Excellent communication / interpersonal skills Attention to detail Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Demonstrated ability to lead, direct and influence people Experience in the pharmaceutical wholesaling/distribution arena Strong planning, organizational and time management skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical validation sector is experiencing significant growth driven by increased regulatory scrutiny and the expansion of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Regulatory agencies worldwide are implementing more stringent validation requirements, creating sustained demand for skilled validation engineers who can navigate complex compliance landscapes. Digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing is driving the need for validation engineers with expertise in computerized systems validation and data integrity. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT sensors and automated manufacturing systems, requires validation professionals who can validate these complex interconnected systems. The pharmaceutical supply chain sector is undergoing consolidation and expansion, particularly in Ireland which serves as a European hub for pharmaceutical distribution. This trend creates opportunities for validation engineers to work on large-scale distribution center validations and cross-border regulatory compliance projects.

Role Significance

Likely to work within a quality assurance team of 8-15 professionals, with direct collaboration across engineering, operations, and regulatory affairs departments. The role may involve coordinating activities across Uniphar's multiple distribution centers and international locations.
This is a mid-level position with significant autonomous responsibility and cross-functional coordination requirements. The role involves leading validation activities and influencing multiple departments, indicating substantial technical authority and project management responsibilities within the organization's quality systems.

Key Projects

Implementation of validation master plans across Uniphar's five high-tech distribution centers Equipment and facility validation for pharmaceutical storage and distribution systems Cleaning validation protocols for pharmaceutical handling equipment Computerized system validations for warehouse management and inventory control systems Temperature mapping and qualification studies for cold chain pharmaceutical storage

Success Factors

Deep understanding of EU GMP guidelines and Irish pharmaceutical regulations, as the role requires navigating complex regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions where Uniphar operates. Strong project management capabilities with ability to coordinate validation activities across multiple sites and departments while maintaining strict timelines and quality standards. Technical expertise in validation methodologies combined with practical experience in pharmaceutical distribution environments, enabling effective protocol development and execution. Excellent stakeholder management skills to influence and coordinate activities across different functional areas and geographical locations within Uniphar's international operations.

Market Demand

High demand driven by Ireland's position as a major pharmaceutical hub, increasing regulatory requirements, and the specialized nature of validation expertise required in pharmaceutical distribution and manufacturing operations.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

GMP knowledge and regulatory compliance expertise are absolutely essential as pharmaceutical distribution operates under strict regulatory oversight, and validation errors can result in product recalls, regulatory sanctions, and patient safety issues. Validation methodology expertise across equipment, cleaning, and facilities is critical as Uniphar operates complex distribution centers with specialized storage requirements for pharmaceutical products including cold chain management. Communication and leadership skills are vital for coordinating validation activities across multiple departments, sites, and international locations while ensuring consistent standards and timelines.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with computerized system validation would be valuable as Uniphar continues to implement advanced warehouse management and inventory control systems across its distribution network. Knowledge of international regulatory standards beyond EU GMP would support Uniphar's expansion into US and other international markets where different validation requirements may apply. Project management certification or experience would enhance effectiveness in managing complex validation projects across multiple sites and coordinating with various stakeholders throughout the organization.

Unique Aspects

Fixed-term contract through 2026 provides unusual job security for contract positions while aligning with specific strategic initiatives or expansion projects
Opportunity to work within Ireland's largest pharmaceutical distributor with direct impact on national healthcare infrastructure and patient access to medicines
Exposure to validation challenges across both traditional pharmaceutical distribution and emerging medtech/digital health technologies as Uniphar expands its service offerings
Access to international validation projects and standards through Uniphar's expanding European and US operations, providing valuable cross-border regulatory experience

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior roles within 3-5 years, with potential for management positions within 5-7 years given Uniphar's rapid expansion and need for experienced quality professionals.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Validation Engineer with expanded scope across international operations Validation Manager overseeing validation teams across multiple Uniphar divisions Quality Assurance Manager with broader regulatory and compliance responsibilities Technical Services Manager combining validation expertise with operational leadership

Company Overview

Uniphar Group PLC

Uniphar Group PLC is a major Irish pharmaceutical services company that has transformed from a domestic distributor to a global healthcare services provider. Since going public in 2019, the company has pursued aggressive expansion through strategic acquisitions, building a workforce of over 3,000 employees across multiple countries including Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Nordics, Germany, and USA.

Uniphar holds a dominant position in the Irish pharmaceutical distribution market, serving as a critical element of national health infrastructure with relationships spanning over 200 pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company's rapid international expansion and PLC status demonstrate strong financial performance and growth trajectory.
The Dublin Citywest location serves as Uniphar's head office and represents a strategic position within Ireland's pharmaceutical corridor. This location provides access to Ireland's concentration of pharmaceutical companies and regulatory expertise, while offering proximity to European markets.
Uniphar emphasizes an entrepreneurial and innovative culture built on long-term partnerships and customer-centric values. The company's rapid growth and acquisition strategy suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and exposure to diverse business operations.
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