Role Description: Project Programmer (PP)
The Project Programmer (PP) is responsible for driving the programming efforts across multiple clinical trials. The Project Programmer ensures that project-level milestones are delivered accurately and on time, along with providing oversight of associated study level milestones and aligning study level activities in collaboration with Study Lead Programmers (SLPs). The position involves strategic oversight and stakeholder engagement. This position involves in-depth project programming responsibilities and strategic oversight in order to support Study Lead Programmers, contributing to both operational execution and oversight. Project Programmers represent programming within studies, projects, portfolios and in cross-functional stakeholder interactions. In addition, Project Programmers may initiate or lead capabilities and non-project initiatives, represent programming at internal and/or external forums, and mentor team members to enhance technical and leadership skills. While this outlines the role/job description, the responsibilities may differ based on seniority with more experienced professionals typically handling highly complex tasks that demand deep technical and clinical domain expertise.
Key Responsibilities:
Accountability
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Ensure that all project programming activities are aligned with strategic business goals and are conducted within the established timelines and budgets.
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Establish clear roles and responsibilities to drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability across all stakeholders.
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Ensure accurate and timely resourcing estimates for the portfolio by empowering teams to maintain data in tools for precise project planning and budget requirements.
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Oversee the development and management of the Project Roadmap in partnership with key stakeholders, aligning with the Clinical Development Plan (CDP).
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Regularly monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for programming, identifying risks, proposing solutions, and making timely decisions
Technical Expertise, Scientific Leadership & Strategy
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Champion the adoption of opensource mindset in the team and provides technical solutions to broader project technical and scientific requirements.
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Lead the identification of systemic gaps and opportunities across clinical programming processes and standards or in area of expertise, developing and executing strategic plans to embed best practices and optimize programming activities.
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Proactive engagement with emerging trends and advancements in clinical programming, applying these to the broadest impact.
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Represent programming in internal and external discussions to communicate concepts and decisions relating to programming to advance technical capability (e.g., tools, processes, standards, best practices and data-driven insights).
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Utilize comprehensive therapeutic knowledge to identify study-specific challenges and proactively create programming solutions tailored to address key research questions and support clinical trial objectives of a compound.
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Act as a programming function expert, influencing departmental and cross-departmental initiatives to support strategies that drive scientific and operational objectives.
Innovation, Problem Solving & Decision Making
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Drive the adoption of new technology within the team by acting as an advocate, ensuring tools and methodologies are effectively integrated into workflows. Provide guidance, share best practices, and identify opportunities to leverage technology for improved outcomes.
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Champion the adoption of industry standards, best practices, innovative tools and methodologies to enhance programming capabilities, streamline processes, and lead technical initiatives to drive efficiency within and across projects, within the team or department.
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Promote continuous improvement by experimenting and implementing enhancements to existing processes, leveraging tools and methodologies to address project challenges and support evolving business needs.
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Champion the adoption and innovative use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools across project team and within clinical programming.
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Lead teams providing new directions, novel strategies and innovative solutions to solve highly technical problems and drive efficiencies within and across projects.
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Serve as an escalation point for study and project-level issues impacting programming, managing the scope and delivery of outsourced activities with oversight and technical approval.
Compliance, Quality and Governance
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Advocate for rigorous quality control to maintain the accuracy and reliability of data outputs and compliance with standards.
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Ensure that all deliverables meet rigorous quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements, fostering a first time-right mindset.
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Implement governance frameworks along with continuous improvement practices to uphold quality standards and regulatory adherence.
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Identify risks early and devise mitigation plans; ensure timely escalation for quicker action and follow-up.
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Ensure timely archival of completed programming deliverables and documentation for studies and projects.
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Lead, coordinate or contribute to After Action Reviews (AARs), audit responses, implementation of agreed solutions and/or Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPAs) relevant to the function, and facilitate sharing of learnings.
Communication and Influence
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Lead the adoption of DIA and SPADM principles in study level communications for effective and faster decision making
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Articulate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring transparency and understanding of programming activities and timelines.
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Effectively communicate programming challenges and risks to stakeholders, escalating programming task and tech issues and negotiating resolutions.
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Demonstrate communication and influencing skills with internal and external stakeholders (such as pipeline delivery leads, consultants, CPMS and regulators) and outsourced partners.
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Play a pivotal role in influencing project direction and decision-making by presenting compelling data and insights.
Collaboration and Matrix-Working
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve departmental objectives and support broader strategic initiatives, leveraging diverse expertise to make significant contributions to achieve project and study milestones.
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Possess a good understanding of different cultures and work effectively in global teams, integrating varied perspectives into projects.
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Represent programming in cross-functional and external projects, sharing best practices through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
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Act as a representative of the function and/or GSK as part of a team in external organizations, advocating for collaborative success.
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Collaborate with SLP and PPs and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to discuss study and project strategy (timelines, resource needs), share progress, project activities and risks to pipeline delivery. Take accountability to address any risks/issues with appropriate mitigation strategies.
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Address and challenge any work being done that does not align with current priorities, such as non-value adding dry runs or displays/outputs.
Leadership and People Development
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Foster excellence in study and project leadership by setting clear expectations, providing strategic guidance, and encouraging initiative and innovation within the team.
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Identify, lead and contribute to department strategies and key initiatives.
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Focus on staff engagement to drive motivation and retention: ensuring appropriate reward and recognition of high performing team members.
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Align study and project team capabilities with future business needs through engagement with GSK s Talent Management processes, and providing input into the actions required to improve performance and develop programming leaders.
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Be involved in interviews and decision making in the recruitment process to hire the right candidates.
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Lead or contribute to study or project programming meetings and/or cross-functional study or project team meetings with appropriate stakeholders.
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Mentor and develop programming leaders, including Project Programmers and Study Lead Programmers, fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement.
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Empower Study Lead Programmers to integrate new methodologies and technologies into their work seamlessly.
Qualifications:
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Education: Bachelor s degree in Mathematics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
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Experience: Extensive experience in programming, project and study leadership roles, with the ability to handle strategic oversight.
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Skills: Proficiency in leadership, technical and strategic vision, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
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Tools: Proficient in advanced programming languages (e.g., SAS, R, Python) and familiar with data analysis and project management tools.
