At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D strategy projects and collaborate with top leaders to drive impactful change.
- Company: Join GSK, a global leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for continuous learning.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on personal growth and team resilience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while working with diverse teams on strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences or Business; experience in strategy consulting preferred.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The R&D Strategy Director will work on core R&D strategy questions, collaborating with strategy project leads and senior GSK leaders. Projects typically last 3‑4 months and culminate in concrete proposals and handovers to strategy deployment teams. The Director will serve as a core member of project teams, engage directly with the R&D Leadership Team (RDLT), lead multi‑disciplinary matrix teams, and drive strategy implementation across R&D functions.
Basic Qualifications
- Degree level in Life Sciences, Business, or other relevant areas (PhD, MBA or other post‑graduate degrees preferred)
- Strategy consulting experience from a top‑tier strategy consulting firm, or similar experience
- Ability to think strategically at a global level while diving deep into operational issues when required
- Proven capability to manage ambiguity and develop clear, evidence‑based strategies from complex data sets
- Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly
- Solid analytical skills and the ability to manipulate complex data, propose and test hypotheses, and challenge assumptions
- Rigorous project management skills, and ability to engage senior stakeholders with intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence
- R&D experience, combined with intellectual curiosity and demonstrated learning agility
Core Capabilities
- Agile and distributed decision‑making using evidence and judgement to balance pace, rigor and risk
- Effective management of individual and team performance
- Committed to delivering high quality results, overcoming challenges and focusing on what matters
- Experience implementing and leading change initiatives
- Commitment to sustaining energy and wellbeing, building team resilience
- Continuous learning mindset, focus on building skills and sharing knowledge internally and externally
- Ability to translate strategy into action through clear narratives, motivation, objective setting, and delegation
- Strong relationship building and collaboration skills, managing trusted internal and external stakeholders
- Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting experience
R&D Strategy Director in London employer: ENGINEERINGUK
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets collaboration. As an R&D Strategy Director, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that shape the future of healthcare while benefiting from a culture that prioritises continuous learning and employee wellbeing. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, GSK fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages professional growth and the sharing of knowledge across teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Strategy Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at GSK. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into GSK’s recent projects and strategies. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do. Tailor your examples to highlight how your experience aligns with our needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We love candidates who can convey complex ideas clearly. Think of your past experiences as stories that demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show us your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Strategy Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the R&D Strategy Director role. Highlight your strategy consulting experience and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about R&D and how your background in life sciences or business makes you the perfect candidate. Be sure to connect your experiences to the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves dealing with complex data sets, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed ambiguity and developed evidence-based strategies in your previous roles. We love seeing those analytical skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Know Your R&D Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into GSK's current R&D strategies and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to innovation and how they tackle complex data sets. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've successfully manipulated complex data or developed evidence-based strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
As a potential R&D Strategy Director, you'll need to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to share experiences where you've effectively managed team dynamics and engaged senior stakeholders. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you navigate challenging situations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Compellingly
Practice articulating complex ideas in a straightforward manner. During the interview, focus on clarity and conciseness, ensuring that your passion for R&D and strategy shines through. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it!
