External API Expert (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient)

We are seeking an External API Expert to oversee externally manufactured Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This role supports supplier selection, transfers, risk assessment, and continuous improvement to maintain a reliable supply chain of APIs. You will collaborate with internal teams and third‑party manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as technical product owner for externally produced materials (guiding technical projects, setting priorities, and tracking progress to completion).
• Identify opportunities for process improvement with third‑party suppliers (working across functions to scope projects, assess benefits, and support delivery).
• Provide technical input during supplier selection and sourcing activities, assess supplier capability and risk, and support transfers to new suppliers.
• Supply technical details needed for regulatory or registration documentation.
• Manage or support troubleshooting and root cause analysis at supplier sites (coordinate required expertise, track corrective actions, and ensure timely closure).
• Facilitate risk assessments and help suppliers develop mitigation plans.
• Review supplier validation exercises and ongoing performance monitoring to support consistent supply quality.
• Review supplier technical change requests, coordinate cross‑functional review and communication, and support any required regulatory evaluations.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of business processes that support third‑party supply, including handover and knowledge transfer practices.
• Help define and monitor supplier performance metrics.
• Follow environmental, health, and safety procedures applicable to the role.
• Ensure risk assessments and incident reports are completed and corrective actions closed.
• Model positive safety behaviour when visiting supplier sites.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external partners across supply, development, procurement, quality, planning, and other relevant teams.

Skills and Attributes

• Technical understanding and practical problem‑solving skills.
• Effective project management capabilities and experience coordinating remote or matrixed teams.
• Manage changing priorities and work productively in uncertain environments.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement skills, fostering collaboration and inclusion.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required to support supply priorities.

About You

The successful applicant must have an in‑depth practical knowledge/experience of API manufacturing and its associated processes. Ideally you will have a chemical background (and associated qualifications). You need to be a strong communicator, solution‑orientated, and able to maintain focus on meeting customer needs while keeping stakeholders informed.

Location

Ideally based at one of the following manufacturing sites: Irvine (North Ayrshire, Scotland), Montrose (Angus, Scotland) or Worthing (West Sussex, UK). We can also consider high‑caliber applicants based at other GSK Global Supply Chain (GSC) manufacturing sites in the UK.

Travel

May need to travel to any of the sites in the network. Anticipated travel will be a maximum of 10% of time.

Closing Date for Applications

Tuesday 5th of May 2026 (COB).

Basic Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry or a related scientific/technical/engineering discipline.
• Relevant practical experience in API manufacturing (e.g., previously worked in an API manufacturing facility).
• Experience managing transfers and introducing new products into supply.
• Familiarity with quality and regulatory expectations for manufacturing operations.
• Experience working in cross‑functional and virtual teams, with the ability to influence stakeholders at different levels.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.