At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic R&D projects and collaborate with senior leaders to shape the future of healthcare.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma company dedicated to advancing health through innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, career progression opportunities, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with exposure to various business areas and senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while developing your strategic and analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences or Business; strategy consulting experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
The R&D Strategy team is a dedicated unit within the Office of the Chief Scientific Officer, whose 'day-job' it is to think longer term about the ambition for R&D and its progress towards achieving it, as well as to problem solve various strategic questions across R&D functions and teams. We identify and provide recommendations on key questions informing the evolution of GSK's R&D strategy. We execute R&D-wide strategy projects aligned with the R&D priorities. We serve as a partner R&D leadership to develop various strategies and execute bespoke initiatives. We will seek to determine current performance, set ambition and propose courses of action, through continuously accessing and interpreting internal and external data (including external trends and competitive landscape).
We are looking for an R&D Strategy Director to work on core R&D strategy questions, collaborating with the strategy project lead, and senior leaders across GSK. Projects will vary significantly in nature and remit, though will typically last 3-4 months and result in concrete proposals and handover with a team responsible for strategy deployment. The Strategy Director will be a core member of project teams within the Strategy team and will engage directly with the R&D Leadership Team (RDLT) and many groups across R&D, leading multi-disciplinary matrix teams where necessary.
Career progression: The R&D Strategy Team has been a feeder group for key talent at GSK, and allows for exposure to many different parts of the business, as well as exposure to senior leaders across the organization. A successful Director in the R&D Strategy team will have numerous progression opportunities within GSK, both within the strategy team, or with a move to other business lines.
Why You?
- Degree level in Life Sciences, Business, or other relevant areas (PhD, MBA or other post-graduate degrees preferred)
- Strategy consulting experience from a top-tier strategy consulting firm, or similar experience
- Ability to both think strategically, working at a global level, and to dive deep into operational issues when required, moving quickly between the two levels of working with a sense of urgency
- Proven capability to manage ambiguity and develop clear, evidence-based strategies from complex and extensive datasets
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly
- Solid analytical skills and the ability to manipulate complex data, propose and test hypothesis and challenge assumptions
- Rigorous project management skills, and ability to engage senior stakeholders with a balanced mix of intellectual rigour and emotional intelligence
- R&D experience, combined with intellectual curiosity and demonstrated learning agility
Work Arrangement
This role offers a hybrid working model, with a mix of on-site and remote work. Remote or fully home-working arrangements are not available for this role.
Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Brand Strategy Planning
- Business Insights
- Business Strategy Consulting
- Business Transformation
- Data Analysis
- Data Interpretations
- Digital Fluency
- Executive Communications
- Financial Acumen
- Influencing Skills
- Innovation
- Life Science
- Market Shaping
- Operational Excellence
- Problem Solving
- Project Management
- R&D Strategy
- Risk Management
- Shareholder Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Storytelling
- Strategic Consulting
- Strategic Delivery
Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases - to impact health at scale. People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.
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.
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.
We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves - feeling welcome, valued and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.
R&D Strategy Director employer: GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a hybrid working model based in the UK, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance patient safety globally. The company fosters a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and professional advancement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Strategy Director
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like GlaxoSmithKline. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like GlaxoSmithKline.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like GlaxoSmithKline. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what GlaxoSmithKline is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Strategy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at GlaxoSmithKline!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show GlaxoSmithKline that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at GlaxoSmithKline!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At GlaxoSmithKline, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at GlaxoSmithKline that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with GlaxoSmithKline’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.