Packaging Technology Project Lead

GSK; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

GSK in the United Kingdom seeks a Packaging Technology Project Lead on a 24-month secondment/FTC. You will provide technical and people leadership for packaging activities within the Worthing Packaging Project, coordinating pack changes, trials, qualification, validation and implementation of new packaging technologies.

You will line-manage 1–2 Packaging Technologists and work in a cross-functional matrix with Programme Lead, MSAT, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Artwork, Supply

Qualifications

• Strong practical and technical knowledge of blister packaging materials and formats.
• Ability to plan, manage workstreams and deliverables in complex projects.
• Experience line managing or coaching technical staff across functions.
• Design, run and report packaging trials and support qualification/validation.
• Understanding of GMP and regulatory change processes in packaging.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical packaging workstream: own and deliver detailed plans aligned to programme milestones.
• Provide technical authority for blister packaging, formats, materials and outcomes.
• Line-manage 1–2 Packaging Technologists and coordinate cross-functional delivery.
• Lead packaging changes, including drawings, specs, risk assessments and change control.
• Plan and execute trials, coordinate shop-floor execution and assess results.
• Support qualification and validation with robust documentation and decisions.
• Coordinate activities with suppliers and internal functions to manage dependencies.
• Drive innovation and implement practical, compliant packaging solutions.

Skills

Pharmaceutical blister packaging

Project planning & delivery

People & matrix leadership

Trials & validation

GMP & regulatory awareness

Job description

Packaging Technology Project Lead - 24 Months Secondment / FTC

Closing Date: 21st October 2026 (COB)

Business Introduction

We manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients' needs and drive our performance.

Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people. Our supply chain is not just core to our operations; it's vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply.

We need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

Position Summary

The Packaging Technology Project Lead will provide technical and people leadership for packaging activities within the current Worthing Packaging Project. The role will lead the planning and delivery of the packaging workstream for items within its control, including pack and component changes, blister material and format development, technical trials, qualification, validation and implementation of new packaging technologies. The role will manage 1 to 2 Packaging Technologists and work through a cross-functional matrix with the Programme Lead, MSAT, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Artwork, Supply Chain and external raw material & equipment suppliers. Delivery must support project milestones while protecting product quality, patient safety, regulatory compliance and security of supply.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical packaging workstream: Own and deliver the detailed plan for packaging activities within the role's control, ensuring alignment with the integrated Programme plan, milestones and priorities set by the Programme Lead.
• Provide technical authority: Act as the project technical lead for pharmaceutical blister packaging, pack formats, packaging materials and component performance and product specific impact, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Manage and develop the team: Line manage, coach and prioritise the work of 1 to 2 Packaging Technologists, setting clear objectives, allocating activities and maintaining effective delivery.
• Deliver pack and component changes: Lead the technical development and implementation of primary packaging and associated secondary and tertiary pack changes, including drawings, Artwork specifications, risk assessments and change-control inputs.
• Plan and execute trials: Define trial objectives, protocols, sampling and acceptance criteria; coordinate shop-floor execution; assess data; document conclusions; and recommend next steps.
• Support qualification and validation: Ensure packaging materials, formats and relevant equipment interfaces are appropriately assessed, qualified and validated, with robust technical documentation and traceable decisions.
• Lead matrix delivery and suppliers: Coordinate technical activities across functions and with material, equipment and component suppliers, actively managing dependencies, actions, risks and escalations.
• Drive innovation and implementation: Maintain awareness of emerging packaging technologies and industry practice, evaluate their relevance to the project and translate suitable opportunities into practical, compliant solutions.

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Pharmaceutical blister packaging expertise: Strong practical and technical knowledge of blister packaging materials (including Coldform Aluminum Laminates), formats, components, packaging equipment interfaces and pack-performance risks within a GMP environment. Familiarity with online Artwork Printing Technology would be an advantage.
• Project planning and delivery: Demonstrated ability to create and manage detailed workstream plans, priorities, resources, risks, dependencies and deliverables within a complex capital or technical project.
• People and matrix leadership: Experience line managing or coaching technical staff and leading cross-functional contributors where delivery depends on influence rather than direct authority. This will include multi country, Multi-Site & Multi-Company contributions.
• Trials, qualification and validation: Proven capability to design, execute and report packaging trials and to support material, process and equipment qualification and validation using sound scientific and risk-based approaches.
• Pack & Artwork change and regulatory awareness: Experience delivering packaging component or format changes through formal change control, with a strong understanding of GMP,