New Product Introduction (NPI) Operational Readiness Lead (Senior Director)

This review is designed to provide potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the New Product Introduction (NPI) Operational Readiness Lead (Senior Director) position at GSK. We'll highlight the advantages and key considerations to help you assess if this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations.

About the Role and the Opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role within GSK's manufacturing and supply operations, specifically focused on ensuring the successful and timely introduction of new products. The position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of bringing innovative medicines and vaccines from development to patients. You will be instrumental in preparing manufacturing sites for commercial production, overseeing crucial aspects like capital investment, technology transfers, and site commissioning. If you are a seasoned professional who thrives on strategic problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and driving tangible impact, this role presents a significant career advancement.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Visible Impact: This role offers the chance to make a direct and significant contribution to patient health by accelerating the availability of life-saving medicines and vaccines. Your efforts will directly influence the successful launch of new assets.
• Career Growth and Development: GSK is committed to employee development. This position provides broad exposure across various functions and the global network, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a leading biopharma company.
• Leading-Edge Technology: You will be working with and driving the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotics, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence. This is an excellent opportunity to stay at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: The role demands leading and aligning diverse teams—manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, and regulatory. This is a fantastic opportunity to hone your leadership skills and build a strong network within GSK.
• Global Reach and Collaboration: You will collaborate with global stakeholders and contribute to best practice adoption across GSK's NPI sites, fostering a community of practice and driving continuous improvement on a global scale.
• Focus on Quality and Compliance: With a strong emphasis on regulatory preparedness and GMP requirements, this role allows you to champion a culture of compliance and ensure the highest standards in product quality and patient safety.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Strategic Scope: This is a senior director-level position requiring a strategic mindset. You'll be responsible for shaping investment decisions, mitigating risks, and driving delivery against ambitious milestones.
• Problem-Solving Prowess: The job description emphasizes the need for practical problem solvers. You will be expected to navigate complex challenges and drive resolution decisively.
• Stakeholder Management: The role involves extensive interaction with senior stakeholders across multiple departments and geographies. Proven ability to influence, build collaborative relationships, and drive consensus is crucial.
• Operational Readiness Expertise: A strong foundation in new product introduction, operational readiness, manufacturing, and process transfer within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector is essential.
• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: The dynamic nature of new product introductions means embracing a learning culture, capturing lessons learned, and driving sustainable improvements across the organization.
• Hybrid Working Model: The role is hybrid, requiring regular on-site presence at the Barnard Castle site in the United Kingdom. Candidates should be comfortable with this working arrangement.

Qualifications Snapshot:

Basic Qualifications include:

• A relevant degree (science, engineering, pharmacy, manufacturing, supply chain).
• At least 5 years of experience in NPI, operational readiness, manufacturing, or process transfer in pharma/life sciences.
• Practical understanding of GMP and quality systems.
• Strong experience in cross-disciplinary team management and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent planning, project management, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications could include:

• Experience with site commissioning, qualification, and validation.
• Background in biologics or sterile manufacturing.
• Formal project management or continuous improvement qualifications.
• Experience with regulatory submissions and readiness evidence.

In summary, the NPI Operational Readiness Lead position at GSK is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to drive significant impact in bringing new medicines and vaccines to patients. It offers substantial career growth, exposure to advanced technologies, and the chance to be part of a purpose-driven organization.