Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects

Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects

Full-Time 93000 - 155000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WISE Campaign

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative design projects in the pharmaceutical industry, managing budgets and timelines.
  • Company: Join a global leader in biopharmaceuticals with a focus on innovation and excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, bonuses, and share-based incentives.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by leading complex projects that shape the future of medicine.
  • Qualifications: Engineering degree and extensive project management experience in pharmaceuticals required.

The predicted salary is between 93000 - 155000 £ per year.

This role will manage the Front End Engineering of large and/or complex capital projects of value > £10m. Front End Engineering includes determining business objectives, driving innovation, identifying process technology and delivery strategies, providing project definition, and owning the technical delivery and project management through its governance. Responsibilities are by first intent for projects executed within Europe but could support global projects as team portfolio evolves. Fluency in (bio)pharmaceutical processes, facilities, operations, market developments, engineering methods, and standards in project management, operations, quality, and EHS are essential.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the business analysis and feasibility design of new or modifications to existing pharmaceutical processes of medicines and vaccines projects to meet technical, budget, and schedule expectations.
  • Contract with strategy and manufacturing sites to develop project objectives and develop plans to progress designs and funding to deliver and define projects.
  • Draft project plans, define budgets, define schedules to implement.
  • Consult on process designs, equipment selection, procurement methods, quality implications, and then implement the approved modifications.
  • Drive innovation in design, technology and execution approaches to ensure that the latest technology, digitalisation and constructability approaches are built into the Design solution.
  • Knowledge of cGMP and market trends in automation, validation, construction to ensure project execution excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge of benchmark costs and durations to effectively plan projects.
  • Lead discussions and recommend solutions with key customer groups in order to gain a consensus on objectives, scoping, options for implementation, and effectively negotiate changes.
  • Follow up on projects' status and arising issues/changes with all relevant parties (customer, finance, procurement and engineering departments).
  • Be personally responsible for the coordination of all engineering activities and interactions with engineering, equipment, and construction firms over the various phases of project lifecycle.
  • Ensure EHS corporate standards, local legislation, and other Quality and Regulatory requirements are included while planning and executing all projects.
  • Also, ensure proper identification and assessment of potential EHS risks that are significant to the business and that can be eliminated or minimized before or during project implementation.
  • Apply corporate EHS standards related to employee's safety during construction/ demolition processes to achieve zero reportable injury rate, with continuous supervision and control on contractors' activities.

Basic Qualifications

  • BS in engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
  • Extensive years of prior project and/or process engineering experience in the pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
  • Prior project experience in the design, construction, start-up and operation of large bulk biopharmaceutical drug substance AND drug product fill / finish facilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects >£10m to completion on time and within budget (minimum), preference for >£50m.
  • Familiar with cGMPs, GEPs.
  • Detailed understanding of Design, Installation, and Commissioning / Qualification / Validation of new pharmaceutical equipment and/or utilities.
  • Must be able to interact well with peers, subordinates, and senior personnel in scientific, engineering, and operational disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to participate as a leader or member on cross-functional and self-directed work teams.
  • Must be comfortable and thrive in ambiguity and think strategically to solve complex problems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Sense of Urgency / Decision making.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Must be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
  • Must be able to generate options to resolve problems, prioritize solutions and implement decisions.
  • Must be competent in handling simultaneously occurring tasks and have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong focus on innovation.
  • Project Management Professional Program Certification or Professional Engineer license (Preferable).

Work Location: This role is based in Italy and offers a hybrid working model, combining on-site and remote work. This role can also be based at GSK HQ, London, or Wavre, Belgium.

Closing Date for Applications: 9th June 2026

Salary Range: Italian Salary Range: EUR 93,000 to EUR 155,000. Belgium Salary Range: EUR 119,250 to EUR 198,750.

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.

Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects employer: WISE Campaign

As a Senior Design Lead at GSK, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical projects that make a real difference in global health. With a hybrid working model based in Italy, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a commitment to safety and quality. GSK offers competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the biopharmaceutical industry.

WISE Campaign

Contact Details:

WISE Campaign Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Design Lead role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing large capital projects. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with your delivery.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Lead - Global Capital Projects

Front End Engineering
Project Management
Pharmaceutical Processes
Budget Management
Schedule Planning
Process Design
Equipment Selection

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing large capital projects, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role requires a solid understanding of engineering methods and cGMP standards, be sure to include specific examples of your expertise in these areas. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess and how it applies to project management.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Design Lead, you’ll need to lead discussions and negotiate solutions. Use your application to illustrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign

Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into your past projects, especially those over £10m. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you drove innovation, and the outcomes. This will show your expertise in managing large-scale projects and your understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.

Master the Technical Jargon

Familiarise yourself with key terms related to cGMP, EHS standards, and project management methodologies. Use this language during the interview to demonstrate your fluency in the field. It’ll help you connect better with the interviewers and show that you’re well-versed in the technical aspects of the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. Discuss how you’ve navigated ambiguity and made strategic decisions. This will illustrate your capability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary environment, which is crucial for this role.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company’s approach to innovation in design and technology. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive mindset towards continuous improvement and project execution excellence.