Head of Global Validation
Paul McGrath
An engineering professional with a strong passion for validation, commissioning, qualification, electromechanical engineering, troubleshooting, and customer service on a global scale. With over 15 years of hands-on experience working in various capacities on-site, I have established myself as a leading expert in validation, commissioning, qualification, and verification engineering. My extensive career includes working on a diverse range of pharmaceutical equipment and suites in GMP-regulated environments worldwide.
Q&A's
What led you to a career in pharmaceutical validation, and how did you begin in the industry?
After leaving the Armed Forces, I began my pharmaceutical career as a commissioning and qualification engineer. In this role, I travelled to sites around the world to install, commission, and validate tablet presses and coaters.
I quickly developed a passion for both travel and the work itself, which led me to validate full pharmaceutical suites, solid-dose equipment, and formulation suites for clients worldwide.
It is rewarding to know that my work ultimately supports patients and their care.
What do you enjoy most about working at ITS, and what makes you stand out in the industry?
Being Head of Global Validation at ITS is both rewarding and motivating. I have the opportunity to work with highly skilled professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing valuable experience to their role. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been building strong relationships across the industry, and I am proud to still count many of those people as friends.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work to relax and recharge, and how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I have been married to Melanie for 25 years, and we have three children: Hollie (21), Lucy (18), and Harrison (16). After spending much of their childhood travelling the world for pharmaceutical validation work, I have come to value the family time we now share even more. We enjoy spending time together watching films, dining out, going on holiday, and working in the garden.
I also enjoy reading about historical events and the investigations and theories surrounding them, including topics such as the Holocaust, the JFK assassination, and 9/11. Another favourite way to unwind is going to watch our football team with my son Harrison.