Technology Consultant

Job Title: Technology Consultant (11 Month Contract)

Location: Newcastle

Salary: £780 a day

Shifts: Day Shift

The Company:

Theo James are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a growing business opening up a brand new facility in the North East. We always aim to bring these calibre of opportunities to our area and this is it!

We are seeking an experienced and strategic individual to lead the design and development of processes, instruments, and equipment supporting operations across the UK and Europe. Operating within the Operations function, this role spans activities from laboratory development through to full-scale manufacturing. Key responsibilities include overseeing process and equipment development, managing technology initiatives, and identifying and deploying clinical information technologies that support product development. The role will also govern strategic vendor relationships and technology solution alignment with overall business and systems architecture. This position will manage activities related to equipment acquisition and validation, process development, and the operation of R&D plant facilities. While there are no direct reports, the successful candidate will lead cross-functional project teams and manage contractor efforts to ensure the successful delivery of projects. Collaboration is critical; the role works closely with business stakeholders, end users, vendors, and service providers to ensure that technology solutions effectively support operational and strategic objectives.

Job Description:

• Analyze, document, and optimize business processes, ensuring alignment with current or proposed solutions.
• Collaborate across functional teams to identify and leverage existing technology and process solutions to meet business needs.
• Lead the development of business cases for governance reviews and secure stakeholder alignment for project plans.
• Develop comprehensive project plans covering timelines, resources, risk, stakeholder engagement, communications, financials, and business justification.
• Assemble and lead project teams, including internal staff, vendors, and contractors, to drive successful project execution.
• Validate functional solutions through review of use cases, data designs, user interfaces, and supplementary requirements.
• Ensure compliance and support change control and validation processes in collaboration with quality and compliance teams.
• Act as the primary point of contact for project delivery, ensuring delivery is on-time, within scope, and on budget.
• Maintain alignment and clear communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate project integration and dependency management forums.
• Resolve issues promptly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to project goals.
• Provide clear and consistent project updates through formal reporting channels.
• Oversee smooth transition of projects into operational support environments.
• Build strong relationships with business leaders and end users, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Oversee resource planning in a pilot plant setting, including scheduling of equipment, materials, manpower, and supplies to ensure operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership in process and equipment development and validation, particularly within solid oral dosage forms.
• Lead technology transfer projects, ensuring timely scale-up and launch of new products.
• Maintain tracking systems for product and process performance metrics.
• Author, review, and approve technical documentation including SOPs, batch records, and validation protocols.
• Contribute to technical submission documents when required.
• Lead qualification activities for equipment installation and performance in R&D environments.
• Ensure alignment of engineering budgets and timelines with corporate targets.
• Monitor team capacity and make recommendations for additional resources as necessary.
• Ensure all staff are adequately trained, with up-to-date training records.
• Work with product development teams to influence design for manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide regular coaching and development support to direct reports.
• Contribute to strategic and operational planning, aligning departmental goals with broader organizational objectives.

Skills & Experience:

• Advanced degree (MA or PhD) in Life Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of management experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, with significant exposure to technical development and the implementation of R&D projects.
• At least 5 years of professional IT experience in complex, high-performance environments across multiple technical and business domains.
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating and deploying technology, as well as leading project management activities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, define roles and responsibilities clearly, and drive alignment in cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan and deliver complex initiatives, resolve challenges proactively, and escalate when necessary.
• Skilled in facilitation, business requirements gathering, and change control processes.
• Solid understanding of system validation practices and compliance in regulated environments.
• Prior experience supporting functions such as Research, Clinical, Biometrics, or Quality in a pharmaceutical/biotech setting.
• Proven track record of delivering operational excellence and improving agility in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Technical expertise in one or more areas such as parenteral or solid drug product development/manufacturing, biotechnology or chemical production, analytical development, or quality control.

Why Should You Apply?

Taking an 11-month contract with a leading global healthcare company setting up a new facility in Newcastle, offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. As part of their initial team, you’ll help shape operations and contribute to meaningful innovation that will positively impact the North East. This role comes with a highly competitive package and the chance to be involved in work that makes a real difference. Whether you're aiming to build your experience, grow your professional network, or play a key part in a major healthcare expansion, this contract provides an excellent platform for personal and professional development.