Director, R&D AI & Technology Adoption

The position of Director, R&D AI & Technology Adoption sits within GSK's R&D Tech Transformation & Operations function. GSK focuses on creating a supportive environment where employees can develop, feel safe and valued, and it offers a competitive salary, performance‑linked bonus, health and wellbeing programmes, pension, and share‑saving options. The role will be based initially at the Stevenage site, with a planned move to Cambridge by early 2029, and follows a hybrid working model that balances remote and office time. In this role you will partner with priority technology programmes to design and execute practical adoption and change plans. You will evaluate programme readiness, stakeholder alignment and process impacts, and ensure the right governance and ownership structures are in place. Coordination of adoption activities across R&D, while allowing local teams to adapt approaches to their scientific and operational context, is a core task. You will also deliver cross‑R&D initiatives for shared AI tools, data platforms and new ways of working, translate technology changes into clear process and capability implications, create reusable guidance, define and monitor adoption metrics linked to outcomes, and manage focused projects linked to major technology investments without taking over programme delivery. Communication with senior stakeholders and flexible contribution to adjacent transformation priorities are also required. The employer seeks candidates with extensive experience delivering technology adoption, organisational change or digital transformation within a large pharmaceutical R&D setting. Hands‑on experience in implementing AI, digital tools, data platforms or technology‑enabled operating models, and a track record of achieving lasting changes in processes, behaviours or ways of working, are essential. You must have developed and delivered change plans that cover stakeholder engagement, readiness, communications and capability building, and possess strong project delivery skills across multiple functions. The ability to analyse complex issues, produce practical recommendations and see them through, as well as experience defining adoption measures and using data‑driven insights, is required. Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing abilities across technical and non‑technical audiences, together with the capacity to work independently, manage ambiguity and go beyond a narrow change‑management remit, are also mandatory. Preferred, but not required, attributes include a professional certification in change‑management or project‑management, experience in a hub‑and‑spoke transformation model, background in learning or capability‑building, management‑consulting experience combined with in‑house implementation, and a history of collaborating with external partners while strengthening internal ownership. The role offers the chance to influence AI and technology adoption across GSK's R&D portfolio, work with senior scientific and business leaders, and contribute to the company's ambition to improve the health of billions of people. What the role asks for: - Significant experience in tech adoption within large pharma R&D - Hands‑on AI, digital tools, data platform implementation experience - Proven ability to develop and deliver change plans - Strong project delivery and cross‑functional coordination skills - Skilled at analysing complex issues and delivering recommendations - Experience defining adoption metrics and using data for decisions - Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing across stakeholders - Ability to work independently and manage ambiguity - Change‑management or project‑management certification (nice‑to‑have) - Hub‑and‑spoke transformation model experience (nice‑to‑have) - Learning, capability‑building or upskilling experience (nice‑to‑have) - Management consulting with in‑house implementation experience (nice‑to‑have) - Experience with external partners while building internal ownership (nice‑to‑have)