CPO Capability Director

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:
We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:
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 programmes.
Experience in building capabilities and/or designing and implementing change initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to work proactively and self-directed, taking ownership for priorities and outcomes in a complex global environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:
Qualifications such as an MBA or equivalent.
Strong prioritisation, organisational 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.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills and experience, we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.
Closing Date for Applications: 6 November 2026 (EOD)
Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert. When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.