CPO Capability Director

GSK•Upper Providence, PA

About The Position

The CPO Capability Director leads the end-to-end development and evolution of Medical Affairs capability programs that enable delivery of CPO priorities. The role calls for strategic thinking, rapid synthesis of complex information, and the ability to turn insights into clear narratives and materials that support senior-level decision-making. Working closely with global and local teams, the Director ensures capability initiatives are relevant, practical, and embedded in Medical Affairs ways of working. The role champions continuous improvement and innovation, enhances the learner experience, accelerates skill development, and supports organizational performance. The position is based at GSK HQ on New Oxford Street in the UK or in Upper Providence, Pennsylvania, or Durham in the USA, and reports to the Senior Director, Business Performance and Operations.

Requirements

PhD, MD, or PharmD qualification.
Extensive experience in a pharmaceutical environment.
Strong understanding of medical functions and Medical Affairs activities.
Experience working closely with Medical Affairs teams to shape strategy, build capabilities, and improve ways of working.
Proven leadership experience, including leading teams or cross-functional initiatives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strategic storytelling and presenting to senior and executive stakeholders.
Strong strategic thinking and the ability to synthesize complex information quickly into clear, structured insights.
Demonstrated experience leading transformational, cross-functional programs.
Experience building capabilities and/or designing and implementing change initiatives.
Ability to work proactively and independently, taking ownership of priorities and outcomes in a complex global environment.

Nice To Haves

MBA or equivalent qualification.
Strong prioritization, organizational, and stakeholder-management skills.
Experience working effectively across diverse cultures, functions, and time zones.
Ability to build and maintain relationships based on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Responsibilities

Lead all phases of capability program development, including needs assessment, program design, execution, and embedding.
Develop clear strategic narratives and high-impact presentations for senior audiences.
Synthesize organizational and external information and insights into practical narratives that advance Medical Affairs priorities and enable action.
Ensure capability initiatives are clearly scoped and deliver enterprise priorities.
Partner with senior stakeholders to develop bespoke and CPO-wide capability programs and prepare structured, strategically aligned materials for decision-making.
Act as a trusted thought partner, offering external insights and well-reasoned recommendations to influence stakeholders.
Lead and foster a global capability network, promoting collaboration and reflecting diverse perspectives and changing healthcare realities.
Conduct needs assessments to align programs with business priorities and practical application.
Prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively as business needs change.
Evaluate vendor performance and challenge partners to provide innovative solutions and continuous improvement.
Assess external trends, learning technologies, and digital innovations to improve capability initiatives and the learner experience.
Measure and communicate program impact using data and insights, and refine programs to enhance their value.
Champion experimentation, agility, new ways of working, and continuous improvement.
Deliver compelling presentations and narratives across organizational levels and geographies, using advanced facilitation skills.
Translate complex strategies into actionable plans that clarify objectives, inspire engagement, and enable execution.