Director, Drug Delivery Platform Lead

This role will preferably be based in GSK Ware, UK but can also be based in strategic East Coast, US locations.

The Global Supply Chain Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) organization is a network-focused function which provides strategic platform direction and technical and operational support to ensure that GSK Global Supply Chain network, site goals and objectives are achieved, with determined strategy executed.

MSAT is the keeper of the body of manufacturing process knowledge, creates the instruction set and ensures manufacturing operations stay aligned with the registered process, with the primary objective being to ensure manufacturing processes are in control, compliant, performant & cost-efficient and remain state of the art.

MSAT’s primary functions are to lead technology transfers, implement control strategies, provide technical process support across the product lifecycle, industrialising new products, platforms and new modalities into commercial manufacture and driving any product-related programs within the GSK Global Supply Chain.

In this truly exciting role as a device platform lead, you will be responsible for defining and implementing the platform strategy for parenteral devices such as autoinjectors, prefilled syringes, and wearable injectors for GSK’s Global Supply Chain. You will lead a matrix cross-functional team to deliver innovative and patient-centered solutions. You will also collaborate with other platform leads, device development teams, Strategy, Procurement and external partners to ensure alignment and integration of the platform strategy across the device portfolio.

The successful candidate will possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and be able to demonstrate their stakeholder influence and management skills.

Are you ready to shape the future of healthcare?

In this role you will

• Be the Global MSAT expert for drug delivery technology platforms, including respiratory, parenteral and standalone devices, as well as primary containers.
• Work with a cross-functional team to define the Global Supply Chain drug delivery platform vision, roadmap, and value proposition
• Support identification and industrialisation of drug delivery platforms, including new or adaptation of existing technologies, working across the enterprise to meet the needs of the evolving new product portfolio. Manage the platform lifecycle post-launch, including maintenance, enhancement, and obsolescence.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and best practices for device development
• Mentor a high-performing team of device and packaging experts
• Drive the use of modelling and digital solutions as an integrated part of drug delivery platform technologies when appropriate. Define the standard expected and the necessary steps towards realisation across the network for platform technologies that are in place and define strategy for new.

CLOSING DATE for applications: 30th August 2024

Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.

When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

During the course of your application, you will be requested to complete voluntary information which will be used in monitoring the effectiveness of our equality and diversity policies. Your information will be treated as confidential and will not be used in any part of the selection process.  If you require a reasonable adjustment to the application / selection process to enable you to demonstrate your ability to perform the job requirements, please contact 0808 234 4391. This will help us to understand any modifications we may need to make to support you throughout our selection process.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• BSc, MSc or PhD in a related scientific discipline such as chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, or pharmaceutical engineering – preferably Chartered / Professional Qualification
•  Considerable experience in parenteral, device design, engineering, manufacturing and/or testing.

• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to set ambitious goals and successfully drive results, define priorities, manage and influence matrix team performance
• Working knowledge of scale-up, technical transfer and process change management / improvement, with knowledge in current Good Manufacturing Practices and US/EU/ROW regulations

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Ph.D. or MS degree with significant experience in parenteral, device design, engineering, manufacturing and/or testing.
• In depth knowledge of respiratory, parenteral and standalone devices, as well as primary containers, platforms and technology evolutions.
• In depth knowledge of medical device manufacturing processes (injection moulding, automated assembly etc).
• Thorough understanding of market and regulatory trends

• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments and delivery of the GSK GSC strategy without direction.
• Background and experience in leading platform / technology / matrix teams with specialist expertise
• Ability to concisely communicate status, needs, forecasts, risks and timelines effectively
• Ability to display a clear willingness to listen to others and demonstrate good interpersonal skills and works collaboratively in an effective manner to achieve objectives.

We make and supply medicines and vaccines all around the globe and our teams own every production stage, from creating quality products at our manufacturing sites to designing effective supply forecasting and regulatory inspections; all powered by digital, data and analytics. We operate at impressive scale, producing over 2.3 billion packs of medicines and doses of vaccines in 2023. 

We continue to modernise, so we can launch even more new products at speed whilst continuing to deliver across our entire portfolio through our relentless focus on quality, safety, and service. The way we work will change. For some, the shift in technology and products will be revolutionary. Our R&D pipeline demands a new kind of supply chain, and we need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

If you are interested in joining us, find  out more:

Annual Report 2023

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [email protected] or 0808 234 4391. 

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive

As you apply, we will ask you to share some personal information which is entirely voluntary. We want to have an opportunity to consider a diverse pool of qualified candidates and this information will assist us in meeting that objective and in understanding how well we are doing against our inclusion and diversity ambitions. We would really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it.  Rest assured, Hiring Managers do not have access to this information and we will treat your information confidentially.

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