Strategy and Operations Lead

Strategy and Operations Lead

Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic planning and operations for a global biopharma supply chain team.
  • Company: Join GSK, a pioneering global biopharma company focused on health innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a culture that values ambition, accountability, and inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving operational excellence and transformation.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant fields and experience in digital or supply chain operations.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

Role Overview

At GSK, we unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

We are a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

We’re proud to be leading a healthcare revolution, and we’re looking for people who can help us deliver on our ambition.

The Strategy & Operations Lead for Global Supply Chain Digital and Tech team is a senior leadership role acting as the Operational Lead for Global Supply Chain Digital and Technology function, responsible for driving strategic planning, portfolio management, business operations, organisational effectiveness, change leadership, culture, and communications across the Global Supply Chain Digital & Technology organisation.

As a trusted advisor to the SVP of GSC D&T, this role ensures the successful translation of strategy into execution by owning the operating model and rhythms of the function, and leading the PMO that orchestrates programs, products and transformation initiatives, aligning organisational priorities, workforce and resource plans, investment decisions, operating rhythms, and transformation initiatives.

The incumbent will establish governance frameworks, oversee strategic portfolios, run the day-to-day business operations of the function, and foster a high-performance culture that enables the organisation to deliver business value at scale.

The role partners closely with senior leaders across Digital & Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, and external partners to drive operational excellence, organisational effectiveness, and sustainable business growth.

  • Strategy & Organisational Planning
  • Partner with the SVP and leadership team to define and execute the organisation's strategic priorities and multi-year roadmap.
  • Translate business strategy into actionable plans, goals, and measurable outcomes.
  • Lead annual strategic planning, operating planning, and business review processes.
  • Identify emerging trends, opportunities, risks, and capability requirements that impact organisational performance and future readiness.
  • Provide strategic insights and recommendations to support executive decision‑making.
  • Act as the Operational Lead for GSC D&T, ensuring that strategy, operating plans, and priorities are fully reflected in the function’s governance, investment decisions and execution plans.
  • Use AI and automation tools to drive simplification for the department.
  • Portfolio Management
  • Establish and lead portfolio governance across strategic initiatives, programs, products, and transformation efforts.
  • Drive prioritization and investment decisions to maximize business value and strategic outcomes.
  • Set investment and value policy for the function, be accountable to the SVP for realised value, hold benefit owners to account, and recommend stop, continue or redirect on evidence.
  • Develop executive dashboards and reporting mechanisms that provide transparency on portfolio health and organisational performance.
  • Lead the team in using approved AI tools to improve productivity and ways of working, role‑modeling responsible use and follow GSK’s Responsible AI, privacy and security requirements.
  • Anticipate any risks and address them to the leadership; ensure mitigatio plan is in place.
  • Facilitate leadership reviews and governance forums to ensure alignment, accountability, and execution excellence.
  • Ensure PMO practices support reliable delivery, risk management, and benefit realization across digital, technology and supply chain transformation portfolios.
  • Set the planning and RAID standards for the function and be accountable for portfolio-level delivery performance, including recovering off‑track work.
  • Business Operations & Change Leadership
  • Lead business operations processes including annual operating plans, performance management, workforce planning, budget oversight, and business reviews.
  • Own the function's capability budget and supplier performance, and agree investment trade-offs with Finance.
  • Establish effective governance structures, operating rhythms, decision‑making forums, and leadership cadences.
  • Drive organisational transformation and change management initiatives to support evolving business priorities and operating models.
  • Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation and adoption of strategic initiatives.
  • Identify operational challenges and opportunities for continuous improvement, simplification, and increased organisational effectiveness.
  • Monitor key performance indicators and drive corrective actions as required.
  • Be accountable for control effectiveness and assurance across the function, escalating to leadership and audit, proportionate to a regulated Gx P environment.
  • Coordinate and align operational activities (governance forums, reviews, routines) across product lines, regions and partner teams to ensure seamless execution.
  • Resource & Organisational Effectiveness
  • Lead resource and capacity planning to ensure alignment between strategic priorities and workforce investments.
  • Partner with Finance, HR, business and other Digital and Tech Teams to develop resourcing strategies that support growth and transformation objectives.
  • Develop workforce plans and sourcing strategies across internal talent, contingent workforce, strategic partners, and external service providers.
  • Evaluate organisational structures and capabilities to ensure alignment with strategic goals and future business needs.
  • Drive workforce optimisation and capability‑building initiatives.
  • Ensure resource and organisational design decisions enable effective execution of the GSC D&T operating model and portfolio obligations.
  • Culture, Communications & Employee Engagement
  • Champion a high‑performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture across the organisation.
  • Develop and execute communication strategies that effectively articulate organisational vision, priorities, and accomplishments.
  • Drive leadership communications, including town halls, leadership forums, business updates, and employee engagement activities.
  • Partner with HR and leadership teams to strengthen employee engagement, recognition, development, and retention initiatives.
  • Support executive storytelling and preparation of strategic communications and presentations for senior stakeholders.
  • Promote transparency, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning across the organisation.
  • Own the engagement agenda for GSC D&T, ensuring consistent employee experience, leadership visibility and effective change communication across locations and teams.
  • Leadership & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the SVP and leadership team.
  • Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment and collaboration.
  • Influence decision‑making across a complex, global, matrixed organisation.
  • Lead and develop high‑performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Represent the organisation in executive‑level governance forums and enterprise initiatives.
  • Act as the operational integrator for GSC D&T, ensuring leadership decisions are translated into clear operational actions, accountabilities, and outcomes.

Why you?

Basic

Qualifications: We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Technology, Supply Chain or related area.

Experience within Digital & Technology, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Consumer Goods.

Strong understanding of portfolio governance, organisational effectiveness, workforce planning, and change management methodologies.

Experience supporting large‑scale digital, technology, or supply chain transformation initiatives.

Knowledge of resource planning, global sourcing strategies, and external workforce management.

Preferred

Skills: If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Technology, Supply Chain or related area.

Experience leading strategy and operations, chief‑of‑staff, business management, portfolio management, or transformation office functions in complex, global environment.

Demonstrated success in building high‑performing teams and fostering strong organisational culture.

Strong financial acumen, including business case development, investment planning, budget management, and benefits realisation.

Closing Date for Applications: Monday 16th November 2026 (COB)

#LI-GSK #LI-Hybrid #AGTech Skills Change Management, Compliance Risk Management, Dependency Analysis, Executive Reports, Financial Acumen, Portfolio Performance Management, Portfolio Prioritization, Problem Solving, Project Management Governance, Shareholder Communications, Stakeholder Management

Why GSK?

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

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive.

We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines.

We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most.

Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

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 at UKRecruitment.

Adjustments@gsk. com where you can also request a call.

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 Recruitment FAQ guide.

For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata. cms. gov/.

We are 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.

Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to impact the health of 2.5 billion people around the world in the next 10 years.

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.

Find out more on our career site.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Strategy and Operations Lead employer: 1054 GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited

GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. As a Senior Director in Translational Genetics, you will lead a talented team in a multidisciplinary environment, with access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for impactful external collaborations. Located in vibrant areas such as Cambridge or San Francisco, GSK provides comprehensive benefits, flexible work options, and a commitment to employee well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the life sciences.

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Contact Details:

1054 GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategy and Operations Lead

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We think you need these skills to ace Strategy and Operations Lead

Strategic Planning
Portfolio Management
Business Operations
Organisational Effectiveness
Change Management
Governance Frameworks
Performance Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at 1054 GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at 1054 GlaxoSmithKline Services Unlimited

✨Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

✨Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

✨Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

✨Be a Cultural Fit

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