At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D strategy projects and collaborate with senior leaders to drive impactful change.
- Company: Join GSK, a leading global healthcare company committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for continuous learning.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on team resilience and personal wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by translating strategy into action.
- Qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences or Business; strategy consulting experience 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 employer: ENGINEERINGUK
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being, GSK fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, empowering its team members to drive impactful R&D strategies. The company values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in life sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Strategy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at GSK or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into GSK's recent projects and R&D strategies. Show us you know your stuff and can contribute to their goals right from the get-go!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex problems and led teams. We want to hear how you turned challenges into opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Strategy Director
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 key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves manipulating complex data and developing evidence-based strategies, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully tackled similar challenges in the past. We want to see your analytical prowess in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly. 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 manipulated complex data or developed evidence-based strategies. Think of situations where you had to challenge assumptions or propose hypotheses. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will demonstrate your analytical prowess.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
As a potential R&D Strategy Director, you'll need to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and engaged senior stakeholders. Highlight your ability to build relationships and foster collaboration, as this is key in driving strategy implementation.
✨Communicate with Clarity and Confidence
Practice conveying complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during the interview. This will help you articulate your thoughts effectively and leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
