Sterling Pharma Solutions
Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead

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Location: Dudley, Northumberland, UK
Department: Information Technology and Systems
Reference: VN1405
Summary
Summary of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead role
The Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Lead is responsible for strengthening Sterling Pharma Solutions' governance, risk management, compliance, and assurance capabilities across its global operations. Acting as the focal point for IT governance, information security, audit management, policy management, and business improvement activities, the role supports the organisation in meeting regulatory, industry, and internal requirements from our Cramlington facility.
Reporting directly to the Group Information Technology Director the main purpose of your role will be to Work closely with Digital Services, Quality, Legal and local Senior Leadership Teams. The GRC Lead will provide governance oversight, risk and compliance expertise, audit coordination, and assurance activities that support Sterling’s business objectives, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
Your Responsibilities
Embodying our company values, which are: be reliable, be caring, be transparent and be willing.
Governance
- Develop and maintain an effective governance framework that ensures policies, standards, procedures, controls and decision-making processes remain fit for purpose, compliant and aligned to business strategy.
Risk Management
- Maintain an effective enterprise and IT risk management framework that enables informed decision-making and supports Sterling's business objectives.
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Compliance
- Ensure Sterling continuously meets regulatory, contractual and internal compliance obligations across information security, data integrity, privacy and operational controls.
Requirements For The Role
- Degree in Information Security, Risk Management, Compliance, Business Management, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
- Experience within Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC), Information Security, Internal Audit, or regulated environments.
- Proven experience in risk management, compliance, audit support, and regulatory inspections.
- Experience supporting ISO 27001, GDPR, GxP, or other regulatory requirements.
- Business analysis, process improvement, and policy/standards development experience.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Professional certifications such as ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor, CIA, CRISC, CISA, CISSP, or equivalent. (Desirable)
- Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or other regulated manufacturing environments. (Desirable)
How You Will Be Rewarded
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including bonus, pension scheme, private healthcare, Engagement Hub, cycle to work scheme, death in service coverage, on-site health and wellbeing support including medical consultations and physiotherapy, 24/7 employee assistance programme, employee referral scheme, sports and social club as well as opportunity for training and further career development.
Why consider Sterling?
Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complemented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research, development and clinical manufacturing services.


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We are a fast growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK, US and Europe, where we employ talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients.
Our culture and our way of working is what really sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first-class science and service to our customers every day.
How To Apply
If you have the necessary skills and experience to join our team, please apply online. For any queries or should you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact recruitment@sterlingpsl.com
Sterling Pharma Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Be caring. Be transparent. Be willing. Be reliable.
Deadline for applications: 28 Aug 2026
Apply now
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