At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and AI integration in global manufacturing.
- Company: Join GSK, a leading biopharma company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital solutions and strong technical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
We are now looking for a Technical Specialist to join our Global Supply Chain (GSC) Digital and Technology function to provide global technology leadership for shaping and delivering digital integration, Smart Manufacturing and AI-enabled transformation across GSK’s External Manufacturing and partner network.
Job Purpose: The Senior Tech Manager (External Manufacturing) acts as the business-technology integrator between GSK’s departments and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) partners. The GSK departments include External Manufacturing, Chemistry, Manufacturing & Control (CMC) / New Product Introduction (NPI), Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT), Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, and global Digital and Technology product teams. The role translates operational and technology priorities into integrated roadmaps and scalable solutions across enterprise platforms. The role is explicitly global but will utilise site insight to validate value and feasibility, then standardises integration patterns, data models, AI-use cases and deployment approaches for re-use across products, sites and external partners. The role leads end-to-end outcomes from opportunity shaping and business case through design, delivery, adoption, transition to service and value realisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the global External Manufacturing digital & technology roadmap, aligning CMC/NPI, technology-transfer, manufacturing, supply, quality and partner priorities with enterprise Digital & Technology strategy (including Smart Manufacturing and AI-roadmaps).
- Own end-to-end delivery of digital integration solutions for External Manufacturing across enterprise technology environments.
- Partner directly with the External Manufacturing operations and selected CDMOs to identify operational challenges and rapidly shape, prototype and validate high-value Smart Manufacturing, data and AI-use cases.
- Build internal & external collaboration with Tech vendors, external companies & other industry bodies in addition to collaborating with GSK functions to stay current with latest Tech & industry trends.
- Lead product and programme delivery using Agile and hybrid methods, including roadmap and backlog prioritisation, user stories, sprint and release planning, Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies (RAID) management, governance, operational readiness, adoption and measurable value realisation.
- Set release quality, service level and support transition criteria for what ships, and confirm they are met before handover.
- Ensure solutions are scalable beyond the target CMO by converting local learning into global product requirements, reusable agents, integration patterns, reference architectures, onboarding models and deployment playbooks for the wider External Manufacturing network.
- Act as the primary digital & technology partner across External Manufacturing, site leadership and global product teams, influencing distributed teams and external partners without direct authority.
- Embed Responsible AI, cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, GxP, validation, architecture, service management and regulatory requirements from solution inception through industrialisation and lifecycle support.
- Manage your team in using approved AI tools for analysis, prototyping and documentation to improve productivity, role-modelling responsible use with human review and following GSK’s Responsible AI, privacy and security requirements.
- Develop investment cases and scaling strategies, manage financial forecasts and supplier inputs, and provide executive-level reporting on scope, dependencies, risks, decisions, benefits and return on investment.
- Build sustainable capability through coaching, documentation, knowledge transfer and communities of practice, while ensuring validated solutions transition to accountable product or service teams for scale, support and lifecycle ownership.
About You:
This role would suit a highly motivated person who has strong experience of designing, developing, and validating AI-enabled digital solutions and Smart Manufacturing capabilities within complex manufacturing and business environments. You will have strong technical knowledge obtained from working in a highly-regulated industry. You will have demonstrably strong people skills, be resilient and calm under pressure, have a strong continuous improvement mindset, and a proven ability to drive performance while managing multiple stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications:
- Relevant Degree (eg; Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Information Technology, Manufacturing Systems, or related technical discipline).
- Proven experience leading digital, integration or technology transformation in manufacturing or supply-chain environments (External Manufacturing/ Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) experience preferred).
- Strong understanding / experience of CMC/NPI, Supply Chain, manufacturing and quality management systems (QMS).
- Demonstrated knowledge of integration architecture, APIs, middleware, event/data platforms, canonical data models and scalable factory integration layers.
- Experience shaping and delivering Smart Manufacturing, AI, agent-based, data and analytics use cases, including Proof of Concept (PoC), Proof of Value (PoV), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and production scale-up.
We welcome people who bring curiosity, humility and a practical approach. We are committed to inclusion and to creating a supportive environment where everyone can grow. If you enjoy solving real problems, delivering measurable results, and helping teams succeed, we encourage you to apply.
If you would like to learn more about our company wide benefits and life at GSK we would suggest looking at our webpage Life at GSK | GSK.
Senior Technical Manager (External Manufacturing) in Ware employer: GSK
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Stevenage. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to extensive development opportunities while working on groundbreaking medicine projects. The hybrid work model and future relocation to Cambridge provide a unique advantage, ensuring a vibrant environment for both personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Manager (External Manufacturing) in Ware
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like GSK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technical Manager (External Manufacturing) in Ware
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to GSK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at GSK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with GSK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like GSK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
