At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and governance of global connectivity architecture for GSK.
- Company: Join GSK, a leader in healthcare innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on security and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by uniting science and technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in enterprise networking and strong architectural judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
The Director, Connectivity Architecture is GSK’s Principal Architect and Design Authority for global connectivity platforms. The role defines, governs and evolves the target-state connectivity architecture, ensuring major initiatives deliver affordable, secure, resilient, observable and operable outcomes that enable us to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. This position provides leadership through architectural authority, standards and governance. It sets the standards for WAN/SD-WAN, campus LAN/Wi-Fi, cloud and data centre connectivity, DDI (DNS/DHCP/IPAM), firewalling and Zero Trust access, enabling consistent, scalable delivery across a global, regulated enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the enterprise connectivity architecture vision, principles and target state aligned to business strategy, security requirements and the digital roadmap.
- Define and maintain global connectivity standards, reference architectures and design patterns across WAN/SD-WAN, LAN/Wi-Fi, cloud connectivity, DDI, firewalling and Zero Trust access.
- Act as the authoritative Design Authority for material connectivity decisions—chair architecture reviews, approve high-impact designs and manage deviations with clear guardrails.
- Embed ‘security by design’ and segmentation principles into all connectivity designs, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity and regulated environment requirements.
- Define architecture roadmaps that drive simplification, automation, lifecycle management, end-of-life remediation and platform standardisation.
- Own non-functional requirements (NFRs) for operability, observability, resilience, performance and automation, ensuring they are testable and built into delivery templates.
- Provide architectural leadership into RFPs/vendor selection and solution validation; ensure supplier designs adhere to enterprise standards and long-term value objectives.
- Partner with Operations/SRE to ensure architectures are operationally fit, measurable (telemetry-first) and supported by clear runbooks and service models.
- Support investment decisions by articulating architectural trade-offs across cost, risk, resilience, scalability and automation.
- Translate complex architectural decisions into clear, actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders and executive forums.
Required Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience in enterprise networking and connectivity, including acting as Principal Architect/Design Authority for large-scale transformations.
- Deep architectural expertise across SASE, WAN/SD-WAN, LAN/Wi-Fi, cloud/hybrid networking, DDI (DNS/DHCP/IPAM), firewalling and Zero Trust access.
- Strong architectural judgement and trade-off analysis, balancing cost, risk, resilience, performance and automation.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and delivery teams without direct line management responsibility.
- Experience defining operability/observability by design and working with SRE/Operations to embed NFRs and telemetry standards.
- Comfortable operating across platform-oriented delivery, agile environments and large multi-vendor engagements.
- Exceptional communication skills, able to translate complex technical topics into executive decision enablers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in complex, regulated, mission-critical enterprise environments.
- Working exposure to AI-driven operations, automation and telemetry platforms for network observability.
- Relevant technical certifications desirable (e.g., Juniper, CCNP/CCIE, cloud networking).
Location and Working Pattern: This role is based at our UK HQ in Central London or in our US Upper Providence, Pennsylvania location and operates on a hybrid working model. You will be expected to work on-site 2/3 days per week to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support critical activities.
Director, Connectivity Architecture (Principal Design Authority) employer: GlaxoSmithKline
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London or Upper Providence, Pennsylvania, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GSK provides opportunities for professional development and leadership in cutting-edge connectivity architecture, all while fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that employees can balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to meaningful initiatives that advance global health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Connectivity Architecture (Principal Design Authority)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with professionals in the connectivity space. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you share insights on connectivity architecture trends and best practices. This not only showcases your knowledge but also helps you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly! If you see a role that excites you, drop a message to the hiring manager or team lead on LinkedIn. A personal touch can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at GSK.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Connectivity Architecture (Principal Design Authority)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in enterprise networking and connectivity. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director, Connectivity Architecture, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Architect, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Use your application to share examples of how you've influenced teams and made architectural decisions in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can lead and inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like connectivity architecture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the connectivity architecture principles and standards mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with WAN/SD-WAN, LAN/Wi-Fi, and Zero Trust access, as well as how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that assess your architectural judgement and trade-off analysis skills. Brush up on how to balance cost, risk, resilience, and performance in your designs, and be prepared to provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your leadership in architectural decisions and how you've successfully led teams through complex transformations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice translating complex technical topics into clear, actionable recommendations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, so think about how you can convey your ideas simply and effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
