Darren Richardson
Bishop Auckland,County Durham
Summary
Production first line leader with extensive experience in managing manufacturing and aseptic filling teams in GMP-regulated environments. Expertise in overseeing daily operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency. Demonstrated success in coordinating production schedules, managing resources, and effectively training staff while resolving operational challenges. Strong collaborator with a track record of meeting production targets through cross-functional teamwork.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Production First Line Leader Q Block/ISM/IVM
GSK
Barnard Castle, Durham
2020.01 - Current
- Supervise daily pharmaceutical production activities to ensure strict compliance with GMP standards and company policies.
- Develop and maintain fully trained, capable teams focused on high performance and forward thinking to consistently meet production schedules.
- Enforce rigorous adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements to maintain operational integrity.
- Investigate production deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) utilizing t DMAIC methodology.
- Lead Performance Management initiatives by applying all GPS principles effectively.
- Support Quality audits and regulatory inspections to ensure compliance.
- Deliver targeted training programs and provide detailed performance feedback to production operators.
- Champion a proactive safety culture by identifying risks and promoting best practices.
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration to achieve production targets.
- Led daily team briefings to improve productivity and performance.
- Develop contingency plans to handle unexpected downtime incidents efficiently.
Aseptic filling operator
GSK
Barnard Castle, Durham
2017.02 - 2020.01
- Operate aseptic filling lines in compliance with GMP and sterile manufacturing procedures
- Assemble, sterilise and prepare equipment in accordance with GMP and validated procedures.
- Conduct filter integrity testing and operate SIP/CIP systems.
- Unload sterilised components from autoclaves using aseptic technique.
- Support environmental monitoring activities including settle plates, MDB8 air sampling, particulate monitoring and garment monitoring.
- Complete batch manufacturing records accurately and in real time, maintaining ALCOA principles.
- Collaborate effectively with Engineering, Microbiology and Quality teams to maintain production flow and compliance
- Act as On-the-Job Trainer, supporting new starters in developing correct aseptic behaviours.
Process Operator
(GSK) – Randstad Employment Bureau
Barnard Castle, Durham
2016.02 - 2017.02
- Assisted in pharmaceutical production processes, specifically in filling and packaging operations
- Maintained strict compliance with SOPs and GMP regulations
- Performed equipment cleaning, sanitation, and preparation to ensure production readiness
- Ensured precise production documentation and conducted thorough quality control checks throughout the filling process
Physical Education / Science Biology and PSHE Specialist Teacher
Bishopton Centre
Stockton-on-Tees
2015.01 - 2016.01
Learning Support Assistant
Grange Learning Centre
Crook, Durham
2012.12 - 2015.01
Criminology and Sociology Lecturer
Newcastle College
Newcastle upon Tyne
2011.09 - 2012.12
Steel Fixer
Alan Oliver Reinforcing
Newton Aycliffe, Durham
2010.09 - 2011.09
Operations Assistant
Homebase
Bishop Auckland, Durham
2006.05 - 2010.09
Education
Qualified Teacher Status - PGCE Post Compulsory Education & Training
Sunderland University
Sunderland 2010.07 - 2011.09
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Teesside University
Middlesbrough 2007.09 - 2010.07
A-Levels -
St Johns Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre
Bishop Auckland, Durham 2005.09 - 2007.07
GCSE's -
St Johns Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre
Bishop Auckland, Durham 2000.09 - 2005.06
Skills
- Data-driven decision making
- Team leadership
- Performance management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Organisational planning
- Constructive feedback delivery
- Experience with SAP systems
- Supply chain management knowledge
- Effective delegation techniques
- Time management efficiency
- Risk assessment knowledge
- Adaptability in changing circumstances
- KPI Analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Continuous improvement
- Orange Belt (DMAIC) trained
Affiliations
- I am a very keen sportsman. Currently I play semi professional football in the Northern League. Moreover I am a keen golfer and member of Bishop Auckland Golf Club. I enjoy socialising with friends and family outside of work.
Timeline
Production First Line Leader Q Block/ISM/IVM
GSK
2020.01 - Current
Aseptic filling operator
GSK
2017.02 - 2020.01
Process Operator
(GSK) – Randstad Employment Bureau
2016.02 - 2017.02
Physical Education / Science Biology and PSHE Specialist Teacher
Bishopton Centre
2015.01 - 2016.01
Learning Support Assistant
Grange Learning Centre
2012.12 - 2015.01
Criminology and Sociology Lecturer
Newcastle College
2011.09 - 2012.12
Steel Fixer
Alan Oliver Reinforcing
2010.09 - 2011.09
Qualified Teacher Status - PGCE Post Compulsory Education & Training
Sunderland University
2010.07 - 2011.09
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Teesside University
2007.09 - 2010.07
Operations Assistant
Homebase
2006.05 - 2010.09
A-Levels -
St Johns Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre
2005.09 - 2007.07
GCSE's -
St Johns Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre
2000.09 - 2005.06