Head of Strategic Planning and Initiatives

Job Title:Head of Strategic Planning and Initiatives

(Ophthalmology, Rare Disease, Genomic Medicine Unit, and Target, Disease and Systems Biology)

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.

Pioneering industry-setting scientific innovation and excellence in discovering transformational medicines. To achieve this, we must elevate our scientific rigor, embrace cutting-edge innovation without borders, and ensure sustained high productivity.  Flawless pipeline execution and thoughtful, disciplined decision-making are crucial.  The Head of Research Excellence, within the Research Execution and Excellence team, will lead a team of experts and be the key driver to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and to strengthen and cultivate a culture of Research excellence.

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:

Functional Strategy Support:

• Support Research leaders of Therapeutic Areas - Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases and transversal Departments/Platforms - GMU (Genomic Medicine Unit) and TDSB (Target, Disease & Systems Biology) in shaping functional strategies aligned with the overarching Research and Research-Development-Commercial  franchise strategy. 

• Ensure transparency and alignment across the respective Research and Research platform and key stakeholder functions.  Clearly communicate the functional strategy to stakeholders.

• Drive strategic initiatives as requested by supporting global functional leaders.

• Lead preparation for Sanofi governance reviews (e.g., Portfolio Strategy Week, Scientific Committee of the Board, Board of Directors, functional scientific reviews).

Pipeline Sustainability:

• Partner with Rare Disease and Ophthalmology therapeutic area heads to implement the pipeline sustainability plan.

• Maximize Value Creation through transversal Departments by partnering with GMU and TDSB Heads

• Monitor progress, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies to ensure long-term viability of the pipeline.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sustainability efforts with broader franchise goals.

Partnership with Functional Leaders:

• Serve as a strategic partner to Research leaders, being part of the respective functional leadership teams.  At request of functional leaders, organize leadership meetings, manage follow ups, triage incoming requests and assess urgency and delegation as appropriate.

• Be fully embedded in the respective functions to understand and advocate for their needs. 

• Facilitate scientific working groups at the request of leaders.

• Drive prospective budget planningand prioritization with functional leaders.

• Work closely with the Execution and Excellence team to deliver tailored support to the respective functions.

Cohesive Strategic Execution:

• Act as a bridge between Rare, Ophthalmology, GMU, TDSB, and key stakeholders: R&D, portfolio management and strategy, communications, finance, P&C, and R&D operations.

• Ensure seamless execution of functional strategies through cross-functional alignment and collaboration.

• Establish and manage processes to track and report on strategic initiative outcomes.

About You

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., or equivalent) in relevant scientific discipline.

• At least 10 years drug discovery and development experience in pharmaceutical/ biotechnology

• Deep knowledge of therapeutic area and platform strategies and the broader R&D landscape

• Strong leadership and project management skills with a track record of driving initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated success in building partnerships and working across functions.

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to address complex challenges.

• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating dynamic environments and shifting priorities.

• Results Orientation: Focused on achieving measurable outcomes and delivering value.

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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