JOB DESCRIPTION:
About AbbottAbbott is a global healthcare leader dedicated to helping people live fuller, healthier lives. Our diverse portfolio spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and branded generic medicines. With more than 113,000 colleagues across 160+ countries, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that improve health and quality of life worldwide.Abbott in IrelandAbbott has been proudly operating in Ireland since 1946 and today employs approximately 6,000 people across ten locations. Our Irish sites include six manufacturing facilities in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford, and Sligo, along with commercial, support, and shared services operations in Dublin and Galway.Abbott Nutrition – Cootehill, CavanAbbott Nutrition Cootehill is our largest global manufacturing site for powdered infant formula. Established in 1975, the facility produces a wide portfolio of Similac and Gain products using high‑quality milk sourced from over 1,000 dairy farms across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Processing 500,000 litres of milk each day, Cootehill plays a key strategic role in supplying markets across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Canada.Role Overview – Validation SpecialistWe are seeking an experienced Validation Specialist to join our established QA Team. Reporting to the Validation Manager, this role is central to coordinating validation activities across the site, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to the ongoing advancement of our quality systems.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced validation professional who enjoys technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. We also offer strong career development opportunities, with structured support for growth into broader leadership or technical specialist roles.Primary FunctionThe Validation Specialist will:Lead and coordinate validation activities across the plantEnsure compliance with regulatory and internal quality standardsSupport continuous improvement initiativesProvide guidance to peers and act as a key contributor within the QA functionMajor ResponsibilitiesProvide oversight, documentation, execution, and review of plant validation activitiesCollaborate closely with the Validation Manager to drive compliant and effective validation processesOffer leadership and support across QA functions, including validation and the consumables programmeKey ResponsibilitiesManage and coordinate the Validation Change Control System, the Validation Master Plan, and associated schedules and documentationLead the Validation Review Board (VRB), ensuring members are appropriately trained and supportedPrepare and review validation documentation, including protocols, reports, and complete validation packagesOversee the plant consumables programmeSupport CAPA investigations and contribute to Quality Metrics programmesPerform compliance audits, walk‑downs, and follow-up reportsSupport QA IT systems (M‑FILES) for validation change control documentation and help develop internal SMEsParticipate in internal audits and cross-functional plant projectsAssist in preparation for internal and external audits related to validation and approved consumablesStay current with changes in GMP, EHS, equipment, quality procedures, and SOPsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's Degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, or a related disciplineMinimum of 4 years' experience in a similar validation roleExperience providing guidance or informal leadership is beneficial; this position also offers a strong career development opportunity for someone ready to move toward formal leadershipStrong knowledge of validation processes and quality systemsExperience in a regulated manufacturing environment is advantageousKey SkillsWe welcome candidates who bring a mix of technical expertise and collaborative working style.Key strengths include:A solid understanding of validation processes; familiarity with CAPA and FDA regulations is a plusKnowledge of food engineering, thermal heat processing, or fluid flow is desirable but not essentialComfortable managing projects and working across teamsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsGood computer literacy and ability to work effectively within a high‑performance teamThe base pay for this position is N/AIn specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.JOB FAMILY:Operations QualityDIVISION:ANSC Nutrition Supply ChainLOCATION:Ireland > Cootehill : Dromore WestADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:Ie - Chsal39 (Ireland)TRAVEL:NoMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:YesSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Not Applicable