Global Head of Medical Innovation

Job Title: Global Head of Medical Innovation

Location: Cambridge, MA, Morristown, NJ

About the Job

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. We are accelerating Sanofi's modernization journey, supporting our Take the Lead strategy to become more focused, integrated, agile, and efficient. The current wave of digital technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and Generative AI offers enormous opportunities to transform the future of Medical by pioneering innovative models, digital capabilities, and external collaborations that transform how we generate, communicate, and apply scientific and medical value, ensuring our organization is future-ready and best-in-industry. 

To harness the power of new technologies and accelerate digital transformation within the Medical Strategy and Transformation team, the Global Head of Medical Innovation will drive strategic initiatives across AI, digital health, real-world evidence platforms, and cross-industry collaborations, shaping the next era of scientific impact working in partnership with our Medical GBUs, digital and cross-functional teams. This role works in close alignment with GBU priorities and strategies, serving as a key innovation partner to advance their objectives while collaborating with Digital Partners to ensure seamless integration of medical innovation initiatives. 

This senior role will design and operationalize future-focused initiatives including AI, intelligent content systems, immersive scientific engagement, external innovation partnerships, and transformation pilots. Through collaboration with academia, digital health start-ups, data science hubs, and technology partners, this role ensures Medical evolves into a predictive, insight-driven, digital-first function. 

About Sanofi:
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation 

• Develop and own the global Medical Innovation roadmap aligned with the Medical GBUs, enterprise strategy and Digital Partner initiatives 

• Anticipate future disruptions in science, technology, and healthcare to guide capability building  

• Drive AI-powered transformation through generative AI, intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and immersive technologies (AR/VR, digital platforms) in partnership with GBUs to ensure adoption and scalability 

• Build a strategic ecosystem via partnerships with academia, AI labs, health tech start-ups, and innovation accelerators while coordinating with GBU leadership and Digital Partners to maximize synergies 

• Design and scale breakthrough models including personalized education ecosystems, self-serve evidence platforms, and co-creation initiatives tailored to GBU-specific needs and leveraging Digital Partner capabilities 

• Represent Sanofi externally as the senior thought leader in medical innovation at industry forums 

• Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives that span multiple business units and geographies 

Execution & Implementation 

• Integrate innovation into core Medical processes across Field Excellence, Scientific Communications, and Evidence Generation, working closely with GBU teams and Digital Partners to ensure seamless implementation 

• Collaborate with peer executives across R&D, Commercial, and Digital to drive integrated innovation strategy 

• Lead pilots and proof-of-concept initiatives that demonstrate value and scalability of new approaches ensuring GBU buy-in and Digital Partner support throughout the process 

• Define innovation KPIs, governance frameworks, and impact metrics (adoption, scale, scientific value) 

• Champion cultural transformation by embedding curiosity, experimentation, and digital fluency across Medical Affairs 

• Influence enterprise-wide resource allocation and investment decisions related to medical innovation 

Team & Stakeholder Leadership 

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of innovation specialists and subject matter experts who can effectively collaborate with GBUs and Digital Partners 

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align innovation goals with overall company strategy 

• Partner with Medical GBUs and Digital teams to ensure seamless integration of new solutions into existing workflows with particular focus on the deployment and optimization of key programs such as MedIS, MedDev, Turing etc 

• Act as a change agent, inspiring the organization to embrace new ways of working  

Governance & Compliance 

• Ensure all innovation activities comply with relevant regulations and ethical standards 

• Develop and maintain robust governance protocols for new technologies and approaches 

• Stay informed about evolving regulations and industry standards related to AI and digital health in healthcare 

About You

Leadership & Skills:

• Visionary mindset with ability to anticipate future trends and translate complex concepts for diverse stakeholders 

• Track record of building high-performing teams and fostering cultures of innovation 

• Excellence in stakeholder influence, strategic storytelling, and change leadership 

• Strong understanding of how emerging technologies can enhance medical evidence generation, scientific communication, and field engagement 

Executive Competencies:

• Enterprise Perspective: Ability to balance business unit needs with enterprise-wide priorities 

• Executive Presence: Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence at Board and C-suite level 

• Strategic Agility: Anticipates market shifts and positions the organization to capitalize on emerging opportunities 

• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of pharmaceutical business model and value drivers 

• Organizational Navigation: Ability to drive change through complex matrix organizations 

Experience & Qualifications:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in Medical Innovation, Digital Health, or Scientific Strategy within pharmaceutical/healthcare or related fields 

• Advanced scientific degree preferred; additional qualifications in Data Science, AI, or Digital Health are a plus 

• Proven success leading large-scale innovation or transformation programs in global, matrixed environments 

• Experience with AI applications, digital platforms, or external venture collaborations strongly preferred 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders 

Travel Requirements:

• This global role requires approximately 25-30% travel 

Why Choose Us

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.

• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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