At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global network transformation programme, ensuring seamless delivery and integration across multiple workstreams.
- Company: Join GSK, a leader in healthcare innovation with a commitment to improving patient outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by driving cutting-edge technology transformations.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale tech programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
GSK remains committed to achieving bold commercial ambitions for the future. By 2031, we aim to deliver £40 billion in annual sales, leveraging our existing strong performance momentum to significantly increase our positive impact on the health of billions of patients globally. Our Ahead Together strategy is centred on early intervention to prevent and alter the course of disease, thereby protecting people and supporting healthcare systems. Our diverse portfolio consists of vaccines, specialty medicines, and general medicines. Through continuous innovation and a dedicated focus on scientific and technical excellence, we strive to develop and launch new, groundbreaking treatments that address critical health challenges.
Position Summary
GSK is delivering a global network transformation to modernise, simplify and future‑proof enterprise connectivity, positioning the network as a digital platform that enables us to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. The Programme Director – Connectivity/Network Transformation is accountable for end‑to‑end programme delivery across multiple integrated workstreams (WAN/SD‑WAN, campus LAN/Wi‑Fi, cloud connectivity, security, DDI, observability and the managed services operating model). The role drives structured governance, disciplined execution and measurable benefits realisation, delivering change with minimal disruption across a global, regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end‑to‑end delivery of the global, multi‑year network transformation programme; owning scope, milestones, dependencies and the integrated plan across the workstreams.
- Establish and operate programme governance (SteerCo, RAID, dependency and change control) with clear decision points and escalation paths.
- Drive cross‑workstream integration and sequencing across WAN, campus, security/segmentation, DDI, observability and MSP transition.
- Own benefits tracking and value realisation, including cost reduction, performance/SLA improvements, resilience metrics and adoption of target standards.
- Lead MSP transition readiness and onboarding, ensuring service continuity, knowledge transfer and alignment to contractual SLAs/SLOs.
- Manage programme financials (budgeting, forecasting, variance control) across internal and vendor spend; ensure transparent reporting.
- Co‑ordinate vendor and partner execution, milestone assurance, quality management and delivery performance management.
- Embed organisational change management (OCM) at scale: stakeholder mapping, communications, training/enablement and adoption planning.
- Ensure operational readiness and cutover planning are built into every wave, with clear acceptance criteria and handover to steady‑state operations.
- Provide concise, executive‑ready reporting translating complex technical delivery into risks, decisions and outcomes.
Why You
You will bring a rare combination of deep technical programme expertise and true enterprise leadership, making you exceptionally well positioned to drive transformation at scale. Importantly, you don’t just deliver technology change—you deliver business value.
Required Qualifications & Experience & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience leading large‑scale global technology programmes; with a strong background in delivering network/infrastructure transformation.
- Formal programme/project management certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, SAFe Agilist/SPC).
- Proven delivery of complex network transformation programmes (WAN/SD‑WAN, LAN/Wi‑Fi uplift/standardisation, cloud connectivity, security/SASE/Zero Trust).
- Strong understanding of network migration risks and dependencies (routing, DNS, IP addressing, segmentation, policy impacts).
- Experience operating in multi‑vendor and managed service environments; confident supplier performance management.
- Outcome‑based delivery mindset: benefits definition, KPI tracking and value realisation controls.
- Excellent executive communication—able to translate technical complexity into clear decisions and actions.
- Ability to influence and align cross‑functional stakeholders without direct line authority.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in large, global, regulated environments (life sciences, manufacturing, R&D, critical infrastructure).
- Familiarity with enterprise networking platforms (e.g. Juniper, Aruba, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks) from a programme leadership perspective.
- Experience transitioning operating models (MSP/NaaS) including service acceptance, SLAs/SLOs and governance.
- Exposure to observability, automation and AI‑driven operations / telemetry‑first delivery.
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.
Closing Date for Applications – CoP Wed 17th June 2026
Important Notice for Applicants
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. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities, contact us at where you can also request a call.
Employment Equality
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.
Programme Director - Connectivity in London employer: GlaxoSmithKline
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Central London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GSK provides numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement within a diverse and inclusive culture. The company's focus on meaningful health impacts and its hybrid working model ensure that employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - Connectivity in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups related to connectivity and network transformation. Engaging with others in the field can lead to valuable connections and potential job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GSK's current projects and challenges in network transformation. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around delivering business value through technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your executive communication skills! Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will help you stand out during interviews, especially when discussing your past project experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your commitment to joining GSK and being part of their mission to transform healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - Connectivity in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in network transformation and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious goals at GSK!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered value in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve improved performance metrics or reduced costs, shout about it!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to network transformation, WAN/SD-WAN, and cloud connectivity. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led and the outcomes achieved, as this will demonstrate your expertise and ability to deliver business value.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since the role requires excellent executive communication, practice translating complex technical concepts into simple terms. Think about how you can convey your past experiences in a way that highlights your leadership and decision-making skills, making it easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand.
✨Showcase Your Programme Management Skills
Familiarise yourself with programme governance structures and be ready to discuss how you've implemented them in previous roles. Highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and managing vendor relationships, as these are crucial for the Programme Director position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you've navigated challenges in network migration or managed cross-functional teams. This will help you illustrate your outcome-based delivery mindset and your ability to drive transformation at scale.
