Transformation Operations Project Manager

Overview

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. We are on an audacious journey to impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next decade. Our R&D division is at the forefront of this mission, dedicated to the discovery and development of groundbreaking vaccines and medicines. We are transforming the landscape of medical research by integrating cutting-edge science and technology and harnessing the power of genetics and new data. By fostering a collaborative environment that unites the talents of our people, we are revolutionizing R&D to pre-empt and defeat diseases. Join us in our commitment to uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Role/Project Overview

GSK has an inspiring ambition: by uniting science, technology and talent we aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next ten years. We will get ahead of disease together with our R&D approach of focusing on the science of the immune system, human genetics and advanced technologies, such as functional genomics and AI/ML.

Transformation Operations are key matrix partners helping the organization to deliver strategic programmes that will drive the achievement of this exciting ambition. The goal is to accelerate and embed strategic change by combining our knowledge, network and thriving people to unlock value across the business.

The Project Manager will provide strong project management support to the delivery of complex priority R&D transformation programs, including major integrations, step-changes in R&D productivity, digital/tech implementations, operating model and organizational/cultural changes. As part of this the Project Manager may be required to collaborate with other project and change managers as part of a broader project team.

The role will involve managing successful project delivery within scope, budget and schedule to realise agreed organizational outcomes and benefits. As part of this they will need to be adept at implementing and operating strong project governance and associated project management controls / processes. They will also be expected to manage the closure and transition of the project to BAU in a controlled manner.

The Project Manager may also be required to play a supporting role in helping the Transformation Lead in the upfront shaping of the program approach/structure prior to supporting delivery. This role may also contribute to the ongoing strengthening of Transformation Operations capabilities and culture by supporting internal initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides project management support for priority R&D enterprise transformation programmes, with or without the support of additional internal or external project managers (i.e. hands-on role). May be required to support Transformation Lead in shaping the programme approach/structures prior to project managing delivery.
• Builds and manages relationships with project business lead, key stakeholders and external resources (as agreed with Transformation Lead who is overall accountable).
• Develops and maintains comprehensive project plans and associated details including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resources and budgets.
• Ensures successful delivery of the project through the lifecycle by facilitating project delivery team meetings, effective stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes.
• Effectively tracks and reports on project progress, risks, issues and KPIs/benefits. Proactively manages project team delivery / inputs and stakeholder expectations, ensuring ongoing alignment on project scope/objectives and outcomes/benefits. Ensures communications are clear, concise and engaging.
• Proactively identifies and assesses project risks, dependencies and issues. Facilitates the development and tracking of effective mitigation plans to minimise impacts on project delivery/success.
• Monitors resource capacity/requirements, identifying adjustments as necessary to maintain efficiency and effectiveness of delivery.
• Contributes to a collaborative and productive project team environment, ensuring effective communication and coordination among team members and stakeholders.
• Manages the development of project documentation / information and storage. Leverages most applicable digital tools to support efficient project ways of working (e.g. Smartsheet, MS Sharepoint/Teams).
• Operates effective quality management processes to ensure that project deliverables meet the necessary quality standards and success criteria. Conducts/facilitates periodic project reviews / health checks to assess project performance and compliance. Manages implementation of corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project processes and outcomes.
• Manages effective project closure and transition to BAU in a controlled manner.
• Pragmatically leverages and tailors use of the transformation framework depending on the specific contextual needs of the project and stakeholders.
• Contributes to internal initiatives to evolve and support ongoing strengthening of project management capabilities/skills and internal processes/culture

Requirements

Experience

• Played a key role in providing project management support to the delivery of complex transformation programmes which have delivered tangible business value. Min 5-7 years experience in project management roles.
• Experience working across organisational boundaries in global companies (via industry or consulting roles).
• Experience working on a breadth of types of transformation e.g. operating model, process improvement, digital/tech implementation, cultural change.
• Track record of collaborating and interacting with leaders at multiple levels across businesses and geographies.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective project management support within project delivery teams in a matrix management environment to drive well-coordinated and high-quality work, managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience and knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.

Competencies

• Expertise in programme/project management (PPM certification such as PMP, MSP, PRINCE2 etc preferred). Working knowledge of other transformation disciplines (e.g. change management, process optimisation, agile ways of working etc) also beneficial.
• Ability and agility to tailor approaches / methods pragmatically to the transformation context at hand, ensuring efficiency in delivery and an ongoing focus on value delivery (and to do so across multiple projects if required).
• High learning agility / consulting mindset – able to apply problem-solving approaches to unfamiliar areas or challenges and navigate ambiguity.
• Strong business relationship building skills; can confidently partner with leaders (typically up to VP level), navigate multiple stakeholders / competing perspectives and deal with complexity, ambiguity and/or shifting context.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent listener; skilled at tailoring messages to appropriate audience. Able to clearly communicate the approach/structure being applied.
• Strong empathy skills, EQ and situational awareness; understands the impact of change on people.
• Ability to recognise down / upstream impacts of activities / decisions on business functions and identify solutions to respond in a holistic way.
• Ability to make timely and logical decisions with regards to escalations and can create a plan to overcome obstacles.
• Able and willing to challenge thinking in the right way and be a thought partner.
• A team player and able to work collaboratively with others.

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.

Inclusion at GSK

GSK is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, 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.

If you need any adjustments in the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment team (EMEA-GSKLink@allegisglobalsolutions.com) to further discuss this today.