Contract API development and manufacturing for pharma, across six global facilities
Sterling Pharma Solutions operates a multi-site CDMO network spanning the UK, US, and Ireland, focused on small-molecule APIs and ADC manufacturing for pharma companies handling complex or hazardous chemistry. The hiring mix—weighted heavily toward operations and manufacturing roles, with intern and junior staff representing the majority—indicates active capacity expansion and production line buildout. Active projects center on facility improvement, process normalization, and tech transfer, while safety culture and equipment downtime emerge as repeated operational friction points.
Notable leadership hires: Director of Operations, Operations Director
Sterling Pharma Solutions is a privately held contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) founded in 1969, headquartered in Dudley with major operations in Cramlington and Newcastle (UK), Deeside (Wales), Cork (Ireland), North Carolina, and Wisconsin. The company employs 1,350+ people and specializes in small-molecule API development and manufacturing, with particular depth in chiral compounds, fluorination, cryogenic chemistry, and hazardous processes. The organisation also provides Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) development services. Core systems include SAP for operations, Allen-Bradley for manufacturing control, and standard lab instrumentation (HPLC, UPLC, FT-IR). The company positions itself as a "Partnership Development and Manufacturing Organisation" (PDMO®), emphasizing transparency and collaboration with pharmaceutical clients.
Primary stack: SAP (operations), Allen-Bradley (manufacturing control), Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel), lab instrumentation (FT-IR, HPLC, UPLC), AutoCAD (design). No recent tech migrations logged.
Six facilities: Cramlington and Newcastle (UK), Deeside (Wales), Cork (Ireland), North Carolina, and Wisconsin (US). Total headcount 1,350+. Currently hiring in the United States and United Kingdom.
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