Director, Automation Platforms

Vodafone; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vodafone is looking for a Director, Automation Platforms to lead a team focused on integrating advanced automation technologies into research workflows. This role requires technical expertise and a strong leadership background to enhance operational efficiency through automation in scientific initiatives. The successful candidate will drive innovation and strategy within the RTech Automation team.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program

Opportunities for professional development

Work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• 12 years in automation with 7 years in leadership.
• Proven expertise in research environment automation.
• Broad experience with robotics and data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead team of automation engineers and specialists.
• Oversee scalable automation platforms for research.
• Develop strategic vision for automation technology.

Skills

Leadership

Automation Systems

Project Management

Technical Expertise

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Data Visualization Tools

Programming Languages (Python, R, etc.)

Job description

Job description
Site Name: USA - Pennsylvania - Upper Providence, UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date: Jun 20 2025

Job Title: Director, Automation Platforms, RTech Automation UK or US, DAPS

Job Overview:

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is searching for a strategic, experienced, and technically adept Automation Platforms Director to join our new RTech Automation team within Data Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) in our Research Technologies (RTech) division. RTech Automation will spearhead the integration of automation technologies into our scientific workflows to deliver biology and data at scale. A critical component of RTech's vision as a technology-driven leader in target discovery and molecule design is the establishment of an integrated design-generate-analyze-model-predict cycle within DAPS, supported by this centralized Automation/Engineering team. This team will transform RTech by deploying cutting-edge lab automation and robotics at global sites, serving as a center for expertise and support to align strategies and maximize automation investments.

The successful candidate will lead a team of ~7 including automation engineers, application specialists and IT specialists. The team will be responsible for the optimization, management, and support of comprehensive automation platforms critical to our operations. This role requires an individual with deep expertise in technical automation systems, both integrated platforms and standalone devices. The ideal candidate is a scientific leader with extensive expertise in laboratory and process automation, and a proven record of successfully implementing automation platforms. They will forge robust partnerships and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and will play a vital role in driving the success of automation technologies to enhance our operational efficiency, support research processes, and further our commitment to delivering advanced therapies.

This role will report to the Head of RTech Automation UK/US and will join the new RTech Automation Leadership Team to shape our vision and strategy in automating drug discovery workflows, while also providing technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership and Development: Lead a line and global matrix teams focused on automation, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Lead by example to foster an automation mindset across the organization.
• Lead the management of scalable and robust automation platforms to maximise system impact to support a diverse portfolio of research activities ensuring consistent performance & availability, seamless data flow, and system interoperability.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for existing automation platforms within the RTech, aligning with GSK's overall digital transformation goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including research leaders, scientists, IT, and engineering, to apply automation to key scientific initiatives.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of automation platforms, adhering to industry standards and local safety requirements.
• Implement proactive monitoring and diagnostic tools to anticipate and resolve platform issues efficiently, including developing and implementing proactive maintenance regimes for key equipment
• Develop and maintain documentation for platform implementation and operational procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of automation platforms, identifying areas for optimization and implementing enhancements.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, incorporating new advancements into GSK's automation strategy.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the internal and external vendor service organisations.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in automation and platform management, with at least 7 years in a leadership role with corresponding managerial experience.
• Proven expertise in deploying, operating, and managing advanced automation platforms in a research or laboratory environment.
• Broad experience of technical systems, including robotics, high-throughput screening, and data management systems.
• Experience with system integration, including scheduling software, APIs, middleware, and data exchange protocols.
• Exceptional project management skills demonstrated by previous record of directing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Previous experience in a management or leadership role with line responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of safety requirements and industry standards related to automation in pharmaceutical research.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly address and resolve technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, C#, or Java, and experience scripting for automation.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to direct multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly address and resolve technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to a diverse set of stakeholders.

If you are passionate about advancing pharmaceutical research through innovative automation platforms, we invite you to join our team at GSK. Apply now and be part of a company that is dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.

Please visitGSK US Benefits Summaryto learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it's also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the GSK Service Centre at 1-877-694-7547 (US Toll Free) or [phone] (outside US).

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.

Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies

GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK's compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/