At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to drive measurable business value in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Company: Join GSK, a leader in innovation and trust within healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and drive transformation across teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by translating vision into impactful strategies.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree and 10+ years in strategy or consultancy roles required.
The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit (VIDRU) Business Programs Strategy Director is accountable for translating vision and priorities into coherent enterprise‑wide programs, ensuring strategic initiatives are prioritized, integrated, and executed to deliver measurable business value. Through data‑driven insight, cross‑functional collaboration, and effective governance, the VIDRU Business Programs Strategy Director enables informed decision‑making and supports sustainable growth and performance in line with GSK’s goals for Innovation, Trust, and Performance.
The ideal candidate should have substantial strategic thinking, business acumen, and enterprise mindset to build effective engagement with senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Translate VIDRU vision into strategy through an integrated set of programs and initiatives, ensuring they deliver the intended strategic outcomes and business value.
- Synthesize inputs across functions into clear, enterprise‑level recommendations, even where trade‑offs are complex or contentious.
- Build strategic capability across VIDRU by partnering with leaders to frame priorities, assess trade‑offs, and manage portfolios, strengthening enterprise thinking and decision quality.
- Lead enterprise‑level strategic planning cycles, including framing choices, facilitating leadership discussions, and synthesizing decisions.
- Lead cross‑functional matrix teams of Senior Leaders.
- Establish governance structures for key strategic programs (steering committees, decision forums, cadence, and standards).
- Use data and insight (financial, operational, market) to inform strategic choices and track performance against company goals.
- Develop high‑quality strategic narratives, papers, and presentations for VIDRU Leadership Team, executive, and Board‑level audiences.
- Identify strategic risks, dependencies, and issues across programs.
- Provide leadership and direction to direct reports and program/project teams.
- Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure effective communication throughout the organization.
- Monitor external trends, competitive moves, and internal performance to propose strategic adjustments and new opportunities.
- Coach and influence cross‑functional teams to shape strategy and ensure enterprise mindset.
- Partner with the VIDRU Change Management Director and the VIDRU Business Programs Delivery Director to ensure successful adoption of transformation initiatives.
Basic Qualification
- Master’s degree in Science, Engineering or Business Administration/Management.
- 10 or more years of proven experience in consultancy, strategy teams or relevant leadership roles.
- Experience in strategy definition of large‑scale transformation within the pharmaceutical or life sciences R&D industry.
- Experience leading functional and cross‑functional matrix teams.
- Experience working directly with senior leaders, including preparing and delivering high‑impact presentations and strategic papers.
- Experience managing and coaching cross‑functional teams; able to influence without direct authority.
Preferred Qualification
- MBA or PhD in Science, Engineering or Business Administration/Management.
- Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to translate vision and data into clear choices, plans, and priorities.
- Strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate teams of Senior Leaders through strategy definition, and ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills; comfortable with quantitative analysis, financial modelling, and scenario planning.
- Strong change leadership skills, including senior stakeholder engagement and driving adoption across functions and geographies.
- Familiarity with common strategic and operational frameworks (market/competitive analysis, value creation levers, operating model design).
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey vision, goals, and progress of transformation projects to stakeholders, including presenting to executives and board members.
- Strong analytical skills to assess vision statements and translate them into opportunities and anticipate future benefits of transformation initiatives.
- Ability to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems and overcome obstacles.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving business environments, comfortable managing high degree of complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity.
What success looks like
You will translate VIDRU strategy into clear plans and measurable results. You will reduce friction across teams, speed decision making, and help leaders adopt better ways of working. Success means delivered benefits, trusted stakeholder relationships, and visible improvements in performance.
Salary and Benefits
Salary ranges for new hires in this position are $170,775 to $284,625, which vary by location, skills, experience, and education level. The role offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in GSK’s share‑based long‑term incentive program. Benefits include health care and other insurance benefits for employee and family, retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.
Equal Opportunity Employment
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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, military service, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
VIDRU Business Programs Strategy Director in London employer: WISE Campaign
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As the VIDRU Business Programs Strategy Director, you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives that drive meaningful change in the pharmaceutical industry, supported by a culture that values employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, GSK provides a rewarding workplace for those looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VIDRU Business Programs Strategy Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, especially those who work at GSK or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into GSK’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals for Innovation, Trust, and Performance. Tailor your stories to highlight your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your proactive attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply directly! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can find additional resources and tips tailored to help you shine in your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace VIDRU Business Programs Strategy Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the VIDRU Business Programs Strategy Director role. Highlight your strategic thinking and leadership experience, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable business value. We love seeing how you've made a real impact in previous positions!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, especially when discussing complex strategies or initiatives. We appreciate clarity as it reflects your communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Strategic Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the strategic goals of the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit (VIDRU). Familiarise yourself with their vision and how it translates into actionable programmes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives and how you can contribute to delivering measurable business value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in cross-functional settings. Think about times when you’ve influenced senior leaders or facilitated complex discussions. This role requires strong leadership to inspire teams, so be ready to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed and motivated others.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since this position relies heavily on data-driven insights, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to inform strategic choices in past roles. Bring examples of financial modelling or scenario planning that showcase your ability to assess risks and opportunities effectively.
✨Craft Your Narrative
You’ll need to develop high-quality strategic narratives and presentations for various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a mock presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively.
