At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative packaging projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader committed to improving health for billions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work at our Worthing site, contributing to vital antibiotic manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by driving cutting-edge packaging technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in pharmaceutical packaging and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This job is with GSK, an inclusive employer. We manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients' needs and drive our performance. Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people. Our supply chain is vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply.
The Packaging Technology Project Lead will provide technical and people leadership for packaging activities within the current Worthing Packaging Project. The role will lead the planning and delivery of the packaging workstream for items within its control, including pack and component changes, blister material and format development, technical trials, qualification, validation and implementation of new packaging technologies. The role will manage 1 to 2 Packaging Technologists and work through a cross-functional matrix with the Programme Lead, MSAT, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Artwork, Supply Chain and external raw material & equipment suppliers. Delivery must support project milestones while protecting product quality, patient safety, regulatory compliance and security of supply.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical packaging workstream: Own and deliver the detailed plan for packaging activities within the role's control, ensuring alignment with the integrated Programme plan, milestones and priorities set by the Programme Lead.
- Provide technical authority: Act as the project technical lead for pharmaceutical blister packaging, pack formats, packaging materials and component performance and product specific impact, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- Manage and develop the team: Line manage, coach and prioritise the work of 1 to 2 Packaging Technologists, setting clear objectives, allocating activities and maintaining effective delivery.
- Deliver pack and component changes: Lead the technical development and implementation of primary packaging and associated secondary and tertiary pack changes, including drawings, Artwork specifications, risk assessments and change-control inputs.
- Plan and execute trials: Define trial objectives, protocols, sampling and acceptance criteria; coordinate shop-floor execution; assess data; document conclusions; and recommend next steps.
- Support qualification and validation: Ensure packaging materials, formats and relevant equipment interfaces are appropriately assessed, qualified and validated, with robust technical documentation and traceable decisions.
- Lead matrix delivery and suppliers: Coordinate technical activities across functions and with material, equipment and component suppliers, actively managing dependencies, actions, risks and escalations.
- Drive innovation and implementation: Maintain awareness of emerging packaging technologies and industry practice, evaluate their relevance to the project and translate suitable opportunities into practical, compliant solutions.
Key Skills and Experience Required
- Pharmaceutical blister packaging expertise: Strong practical and technical knowledge of blister packaging materials (including Coldform Aluminum Laminates), formats, components, packaging equipment interfaces and pack-performance risks within a GMP environment.
- Project planning and delivery: Demonstrated ability to create and manage detailed workstream plans, priorities, resources, risks, dependencies and deliverables within a complex capital or technical project.
- People and matrix leadership: Experience line managing or coaching technical staff and leading cross-functional contributors where delivery depends on influence rather than direct authority.
- Trials, qualification and validation: Proven capability to design, execute and report packaging trials and to support material, process and equipment qualification and validation using sound scientific and risk-based approaches.
- Pack & Artwork change and regulatory awareness: Experience delivering packaging component or format changes through formal change control, with a strong understanding of GMP, data integrity, product quality and regulatory requirements.
- Innovation, judgement and communication: Up-to-date awareness of packaging technologies, combined with the motivation, resilience and communication skills to assess options, make evidence-based recommendations and engage stakeholders at all levels.
This role is site-based at our Worthing GSK manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom. Manufacturing at the Worthing site is for antibiotics (Penicillin). It is advised that you take this into consideration when deciding to apply for this position. GSK Worthing Site is a mixed manufacturing site with complex regulatory pressures. Manufacturing processes are highly technical and include high hazard activities.
What success looks like
- Robust packaging designs and documented qualifications that support reliable supply.
- Smooth handover of packaging changes into routine operations with minimal disruption.
- Timely resolution of packaging issues and strong supplier partnerships.
- Clear, concise technical documentation that supports manufacturing and audits.
Skills
- CMC Strategy
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Data Integrity
- Debate Moderation
- Digital Fluency
- GxP Regulations
- Lean Management
- Problem Solving
- Process Optimization
- Project Leadership
- Risk Awareness
- Scientific Writing
- Technology Transfer
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.
Packaging Technology Project Lead in Haddington employer: GlaxoSmithKline plc
GSK is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the biopharma industry. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a flexible hybrid working model, GSK empowers its workforce to thrive while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Located in vibrant London, employees benefit from a dynamic work environment that prioritises ambition for patients and accountability for results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Technology Project Lead in Haddington
✨Get Familiar with Temporary Roles in Pharma
Temporary positions in the pharmaceutical industry often arise during specific periods, like product launches or seasonal hiring sprints. Keep an eye on timelines and be proactive in reaching out to companies, especially around these busy times!
✨Join Pharma Networking Events
Participate in local and virtual pharmaceutical networking events or job fairs. This is a fantastic way to get in front of hiring managers and learn more about temporary opportunities directly from those in the know.
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We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Technology Project Lead in Haddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have, whether it's internships, lab work, or coursework. Let’s emphasise your familiarity with drug development processes and any hands-on experience you've had with lab equipment or clinical trials in your CV.
Mention Certifications and Training:If you’ve got any certifications relevant to pharmaceuticals, like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or a certification in pharmacovigilance, make sure to include them. These show your commitment to the field and can make a positive impact on your application for a temporary role at GlaxoSmithKline plc.
Show Your Flexibility and Availability:Temporary positions often require immediate availability and flexibility in working hours. In your cover letter, make it clear when you can start and your ability to adapt to changing schedules, as this is key to a successful application.
Express Your Learning Goals:Since this is a temporary role, we suggest discussing what you hope to learn or gain from the experience at GlaxoSmithKline plc. This not only shows your eagerness but also helps employers see you as someone who’s ready to make the most out of the opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline plc
✨Know Your Regulations
In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s crucial to understand key regulations like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or GCP (Good Clinical Practices). Brush up on these standards and be ready to discuss how they influence your work approach during your interview with GlaxoSmithKline plc.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, show that you're ready to hit the ground running. Share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly to new environments or changes, especially in a fast-paced setting like pharmaceuticals.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills and Tools
Whether it’s laboratory techniques or software like LabWare or SAS, make sure you can confidently talk about your technical skills. If you have experience with any specific tools used in previous roles, relate that directly to how it can help GlaxoSmithKline plc achieve its goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Be ready for technical questions related to drug development processes or quality assurance. We should expect scenarios where you might have to troubleshoot a problem or suggest improvements on a project—this shows your problem-solving capability in a temporary role.
