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 organisational change management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by driving cutting-edge technology transformations.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant field and significant experience in large-scale technology programmes.
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 UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com 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 employer: GlaxoSmithKline
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture 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 global network transformation programme that is set to redefine healthcare connectivity. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive compensation, and a diverse, inclusive environment that values every individual's contribution to our mission of improving patient health worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - Connectivity
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research GSK’s recent projects and their Ahead Together strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around network transformation and delivering business value.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about how you’ve successfully managed large-scale programmes before, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to drive change and deliver measurable benefits—this is what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 being part of the GSK team and their mission to improve global health.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - Connectivity
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 that demonstrate your impact on projects.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, as we appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into GSK's network transformation goals and how they align with their broader strategy. Familiarise yourself with key terms like WAN, SD-WAN, and cloud connectivity, so you can confidently discuss how your experience fits into their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead large-scale technology programmes. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you successfully navigated them, especially in multi-vendor environments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
Practice translating complex technical concepts into simple language. GSK values excellent executive communication, so think about how you can present your past experiences in a way that demonstrates clarity and decisiveness.
✨Demonstrate an Outcome-Based Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you've tracked benefits and value realisation in your previous projects. Highlight your experience with KPIs and how you've ensured that technology changes translate into tangible business value.
