CPO Capability Director

GSK; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GSK is seeking a CPO Capability Director to lead end‑to‑end capability programs across Medical Affairs, translating complex data into clear narratives for senior stakeholders. The role emphasizes strategic storytelling, collaboration with global and local teams, and driving continuous improvement in capability delivery.

The role requires deep pharma experience, strong leadership of cross‑functional teams, and a track record of shaping strategy within Medical Affairs to enable timely,

Qualifications

• PhD/MD or PharmD qualification.
• Extensive pharma/biotech experience.
• Strong understanding of medical functions and medical affairs activities.
• Experience shaping strategy and building capabilities in Medical Affairs.
• Proven leadership across teams or cross‑functional initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including strategic storytelling.
• Ability to synthesize complex information quickly and present to executives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Narrative Development: lead end‑to‑end capability program development with clear, strategic narratives for senior audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: partner with senior stakeholders to create bespoke capability programs and materials.
• Program Development, Prioritization & Resource Optimization: assess needs, prioritise initiatives, and allocate resources effectively.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: monitor external trends and adopt learning technologies to enhance capability programs.
• Communication & Facilitation Excellence: deliver compelling, structured presentations and translate strategies into actionable plans.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive storytelling

Stakeholder engagement

Medical affairs knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Education

PhD/MD/PharmD

Job description

CPO Capability Director

Locations: GSK HQ UK, New Oxford Street or USA PA - Upper Providence/ Durham

Reporting to : Sr. Director, Business Performance and Operations

The CPO organisation partners closely with R&D and Commercial to translate cutting‑edge science into measurable health outcomes, grounded in the patient voice and external insights from healthcare systems and decision‑makers worldwide. Joining CPO means working across the full product lifecycle and collaborating with diverse expert teams - from Patients & External Environment and Medical Planning to Data Generation, Scientific Communications, Medical Impact, Proactive Risk Ownership and Integrated Evidence Strategy - to ensure robust evidence, clear medical insight and responsible risk ownership shape strategy and execution at scale. It's a highly visible, purpose‑driven environment where your expertise can directly influence how innovative therapies are developed, communicated and used to improve lives around the world.

The Capability Director leads the end‑to‑end development and evolution of Medical Affairs capability programs that enable delivery of CPO priorities. This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, the ability to rapidly synthesize complex information, and the skill to translate information into clear, compelling narratives and materials that influence decision‑making across senior stakeholders.

Through deep partnership and collaboration across global and local teams, the Capability Director ensures capability initiatives are relevant, pragmatic, and embedded into Medical Affairs ways of working. The role champions continuous improvement, drives innovation, and enhances the learner experience to accelerate skill development and elevate organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Narrative Development

Lead all phases of capability program development-including needs assessment, program design, execution, and embedding-with a strong emphasis on creating clear, strategic narratives and high‑impact presentations for senior audiences.

Rapidly assimilate complex organizational, and environmental information and insights to craft meaningful, pragmatic stories that progress Medical Affairs priorities and enable action.

Ensure capability initiatives are clearly scoped and deliver enterprise priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

Partner closely with senior stakeholders to develop bespoke and CPO‑wide capability programs, preparing them with concise, structured, and strategically aligned materials that support effective decision‑making.

Act as a trusted thought partner‑bringing clarity of thought, external insights, and well‑reasoned recommendations to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Lead and foster a global capability network, promoting collaboration and ensuring capability programs reflect diverse perspectives and evolving healthcare realities.

Program Development, Prioritization & Resource Optimization

Conduct robust needs assessments to ensure programs address key business priorities and are designed for practical, real‑world application.

Prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively, adapting at pace to shifting business needs while maintaining clarity and focus.

Evaluate vendor performance and challenge partners to bring innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and continuous improvement.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Continuously assess external trends, learning technologies, and digital innovations to elevate capability initiatives and enhance the learner experience.

Measure and communicate program impact through meaningful data and insights, driving ongoing refinement and value enhancement.

Champion new ways of working, fostering a culture of experimentation, agility, and relentless improvement.

Communication & Facilitation Excellence

Deliver compelling, strategically structured presentations and narratives across levels and geographies, demonstrating advanced facilitation skills.

Translate complex strategies into actionable plans-clarifying objectives, inspiring engagement, and enabling execution.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

• 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 enhance ways of working.
• Proven track record in a leadership role, 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 skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information quickly and provide clear, structured insight.
• Demonstrated experience in leading transformational, cross‑functional p