Packaging Technology Project Lead

GlaxoSmithKline; Worthing; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline is seeking a Packaging Technology Project Lead for a 24 months secondment/FTC at the Worthing site in the United Kingdom. You will lead the packaging workstream, manage 1–2 Packaging Technologists, and partner with MSAT, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Artwork and suppliers to deliver packaging changes on time.

The role requires strong blister packaging knowledge, project planning and people leadership, with a focus on trials, qualification and validation under GMP.

Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical blister packaging knowledge including Coldform Aluminum Laminates.
• Experience planning and delivering detailed workstream plans in complex projects.
• Line management or coaching of technical staff in cross-functional settings.
• Ability to design, execute and report packaging trials and qualification activities.
• Understanding GMP, data integrity and regulatory requirements for packaging changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical packaging workstream: own and deliver the detailed plan for packaging activities within control.
• Provide technical authority on blister packaging materials, formats and performance.
• Line manage 1–2 Packaging Technologists and coordinate cross-functional activities.
• Lead pack and component changes, including drawings, Artwork specifications, risk assessments and change-control inputs.
• Plan and execute trials, assess data, document conclusions, and advise next steps.
• Support qualification and validation of packaging materials and equipment with robust documentation.
• Coordinate activities with material, equipment and supplier partners, managing dependencies and risks.
• Drive innovation by evaluating new packaging technologies and translating into compliant solutions.

Skills

Blister packaging

Project planning

People leadership

Qualification & validation

Change control

Regulatory awareness

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Artwork printing tech

Job description

Packaging Technology Project Lead - 24 Months Secondment / FTC Closing Date: 21st October 2026 (COB)

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

This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include some of the following:

• 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, data integrity, product quality and regulatory requirements.
• Innovation, judgement and communication: Up-to-date awareness of packaging technologies, combined with the motivation, resilience and communication skills to assess options, make evidence-based recommendations and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Location

Location: - This role is site-based at our Worthing GSK manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom.

About Worthing Manufacturing Site

Manufacturing at the Worthing site is for antibiotics (Penicillin). It is advised that you take this into consideration when deciding to apply for this position. GSK Worthing Site is a mixed manufacturing site with complex regulatory pressures. Manufacturing processes are highly technical and include high hazard activities.

What success looks like

• Robust packaging designs and documented qualifications that support reliable supply.
• Smooth handover of packaging changes into routine operations with minimal disruption.
• Timely resolution of packaging issues and strong supplier partnerships.
• Clear, concise technical documentation that supports manufacturing and audits.

Skills

• CMC Strategy
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Data Integrity
• Debate Moderation
• Digital Fluency
• GxP Regulations
• Lean Management
• Problem Solving
• Process Optimization
• Project Leadership
• Risk Awareness
• Scientific Writing
• Technology Transfer

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive.

We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines.

We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most.

Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

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.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at [e-mail] where you can also request a call. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive.