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: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a dynamic, regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by uniting science and technology.
- Qualifications: Proven 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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.
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.
Director, Connectivity Architecture (Principal Design Authority) in London employer: GlaxoSmithKline
GSK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Director, Connectivity Architecture role based in Central London or Upper Providence, Pennsylvania. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GSK offers opportunities for professional development and leadership in cutting-edge connectivity architecture, all while promoting a hybrid working model that balances flexibility with teamwork. Employees benefit from a diverse and inclusive environment, competitive compensation, and the chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives that advance global health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Connectivity Architecture (Principal Design Authority) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the connectivity architecture space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your architectural designs and successful projects. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your knowledge of WAN/SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, and Zero Trust access. Be ready to explain your architectural decisions and how they align with business strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at StudySmarter. Tailor your application to reflect our values and the role's requirements for a better chance at landing that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Connectivity Architecture (Principal Design Authority) in London
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 your ability to lead and influence without direct authority. Use your application to share examples of how you've successfully guided teams or projects in the past. We love seeing strong leadership in action!
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 architectural decisions.
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 Deep Dives
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Brush up on your architectural judgement and trade-off analysis skills, as you'll need to articulate how you balance cost, risk, and performance in your designs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll be expected to lead and influence without direct authority. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led architectural reviews or influenced senior stakeholders in past projects, highlighting your communication skills.
✨Align with GSK's Vision
Familiarise yourself with GSK's mission to unite science, technology, and talent. Be ready to discuss how your vision for connectivity architecture aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their digital roadmap.
