Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects in London

Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects in London

London Full-Time 93000 - 155000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
GlaxoSmithKline

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative design projects in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring excellence in execution.
  • Company: Join GSK, a global leader in healthcare with a commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, share-based incentives, and hybrid work options.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by designing cutting-edge pharmaceutical processes.
  • Qualifications: Engineering degree and extensive project experience in pharmaceuticals required.

The predicted salary is between 93000 - 155000 £ per year.

Work Location: Italy (hybrid). The role may also be based at GSK HQ London or Wavre, Belgium.

Closing Date: 9th June 2026

Responsibilities

  • Lead the business analysis and feasibility design of new or modifications to existing pharmaceutical processes of medicines and vaccines projects to meet technical, budget, and schedule expectations.
  • Contract with strategy and manufacturing sites to develop project objectives and develop plans to progress designs and funding to deliver and define projects.
  • Draft project plans, define budgets, define schedules to implement.
  • Consult on process designs, equipment selection, procurement methods, quality implications, and then implement the approved modifications.
  • Drive innovation in design, technology and execution approaches to ensure that the latest technology, digitalisation and constructability approaches are built into the Design solution.
  • Possess knowledge of cGMP and market trends in automation, validation, construction to ensure project execution excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge of benchmark costs and durations to effectively plan projects.
  • Lead discussions and recommend solutions with key customer groups to gain consensus on objectives, scoping, options for implementation, and effectively negotiate changes.
  • Follow up on projects’ status and arising issues/changes with all relevant parties (customer, finance, procurement and engineering departments).
  • Be personally responsible for the coordination of all engineering activities and interactions with engineering, equipment, and construction firms over the various phases of project lifecycle.
  • Ensure EHS corporate standards, local legislation, and other Quality and Regulatory requirements are included while planning and executing all projects.
  • Also, ensure proper identification and assessment of potential EHS risks that are significant to the business and that can be eliminated or minimized before or during project implementation.
  • Apply corporate EHS standards related to employee’s safety during construction/ demolition processes to achieve zero reportable injury rate, with continuous supervision and control on contractors’ activities.

Basic Qualifications

  • BS in engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
  • Extensive years of prior project and/or process engineering experience in the pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
  • Prior project experience in the design, construction, start-up and operation of large bulk biopharmaceutical drug substance AND drug product fill/finish facilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects >£10m to completion on time and within budget (minimum), preference for >£50m.
  • Familiar with cGMPs, GEPs.
  • Detailed understanding of Design, Installation, and Commissioning / Qualification / Validation of new pharmaceutical equipment and/or utilities.
  • Must be able to interact well with peers, subordinates, and senior personnel in scientific, engineering, and operational disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to participate as a leader or member on cross‑functional and self‑directed work teams.
  • Must be comfortable and thrive in ambiguity and think strategically to solve complex problems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Sense of urgency / decision making.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Must be able to work within a multi‑disciplinary team environment.
  • Must be able to generate options to resolve problems, prioritize solutions and implement decisions.
  • Must be competent in handling simultaneously occurring tasks and have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong focus on innovation.
  • Project Management Professional Program Certification or Professional Engineer license (preferable).

Salary and Benefits

  • Italy: EUR 93,000 – 155,000 per year.
  • Belgium: EUR 119,250 – 198,750 per year.
  • Positions may also offer an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in a share‑based long‑term incentive program.

Equal Opportunity: 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.

Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects in London employer: GlaxoSmithKline

GSK is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly in the dynamic field of pharmaceutical design and engineering. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GSK offers extensive training opportunities and competitive benefits, including a generous salary range and performance-based bonuses. The hybrid work model in Italy, alongside options at the London and Wavre locations, provides flexibility while ensuring that employees are part of a global team dedicated to improving health outcomes.

GlaxoSmithKline

Contact Details:

GlaxoSmithKline Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Design Lead role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in pharmaceutical processes and project management. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! We suggest you rehearse how you’ll present your skills and experiences related to design and engineering. Make sure you can confidently explain how you’ve managed large projects and driven innovation in past roles.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects in London

Business Analysis
Feasibility Design
Project Planning
Budget Management
Schedule Management
Process Design
Equipment Selection

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Design Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in project management and engineering, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, to show us you’re the perfect fit.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your accomplishments! Use specific examples of projects you've led, particularly those over £10m, and how you drove innovation or improved processes.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your communication skills right from the start.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!

How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline

Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those over £10m. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you managed budgets and timelines, and the innovative solutions you implemented.

Brush Up on cGMP and EHS Standards

Since this role involves compliance with cGMP and EHS standards, review these regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. Highlight any experiences where you ensured safety and quality during project execution.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This position requires strong leadership in cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've led discussions, negotiated changes, and gained consensus among diverse stakeholders. Emphasise your ability to thrive in ambiguity and solve complex problems.

Demonstrate Your Innovation Mindset

The role calls for driving innovation in design and technology. Think of instances where you introduced new technologies or processes that improved project outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you stay updated on market trends and incorporate them into your work.