R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Research and Development Shipping Services Lead
At a glance
Bring your curiosity to a team where deep immunoscience meets cutting-edge innovation. Across oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and vaccines, you’ll work at the intersection of lab science and AI-powered discovery — all while collaborating across boundaries to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Whether you want to deepen your scientific expertise or grow as a leader, you’ll find the opportunity here.
Job Title: Research and Development Shipping Services Lead
Location: Cambridge, MA
About the Job
We are looking for a self-motivated and collaborative change agent with a passion for technology for the position of R&D Shipping Services Lead. In this role, you will have an opportunity to be at the forefront of initiatives to define the future of scientific work, explore innovative collaboration tools, execute strategic workforce planning and help us shape our culture centered on Purpose and Take the Lead Behaviors. Highly visible, this position will allow you to connect with stakeholders across R&D areas and multiple functions, influence and gain knowledge of R&D processes and operations, as well as exercise change management strategies.
The position will operate in a highly cross-functional and collaborative team that drives strategy and execution of multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
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.
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:
R&D Scientific Services is responsible for providing transversal services to global R&D. One of the core services is shipping, where R&D Scientific Services will provide best-in-class services for shipping in terms of people, processes, technology & performance:
People
Provide expertise (knowledge center).
Shipping and logistics.
Trainings.
Coordinate internal & external stakeholders.
Process
Manage E2E process (information & material flow).
Harmonize and ensure consistency across countries & sites.
Optimize process through user feedback and internal & external benchmarking.
Reduce environmental footprint.
Support Global logistics plannings to activate savings.
Technology
Implement best-in-class innovation, tools and systems.
Best in-class E2E digital tool (visibility, tracking, problem solving, deviation management, KPIs, etc).
Dry shipper platform.
Real time temperature monitoring.
AI tools to predict potential issues.
Performance
Align & translate R&D strategy into operational solutions.
Develop, monitor and analyze KPIs.
Ensure compliance.
Optimize taxes (duty & VAT).
Continuous improvement.
The R&D Operations Regional Shipping lead will oversee all shipping activities for the region. He/she will ensure Sanofi complies with federal, state, and regional transportation rules, regulations, and requirements.
Accountable for R&D shipping services:
Lead initiatives related to savings targets specifically investigating tax opportunities.
Act as the project lead for all Shipping related initiatives including the implementation of 4PL and E2E digital solutions.
Implement the R&D shipping services operating model (people, processes, technology, performance) aligning with the global sample management and logistics services strategy.
Provides clear guidance to the management of operational teams to ensure their understanding and adoption of the model is clear and concise.
Define governance process to manage internal and external stakeholders for the region.
Implement KPIs/metrics, monitor, improve and communicate out the performance results.
Assess risks and develop mitigation plans.
Ensure compliance with internal Sanofi requirements, government regulations and transportation guidelines.
Provides expertise (knowledge center) for shipping and logistics activities for the R&D Pharma and Vaccines.
E2E shipping process owner for R&D Pharma and Vaccines.
Build strong partnership and oversee internal (Workplace Experience, Quality, Regulatory, etc) and external (outsourcing vendors and logistics service providers) stakeholders for Sanofi R&D.
Standardize, harmonize and continuously improve through benchmarking and identifying best practices to improve ways of working (people, process and tools) for R&D Shipping through aligning and contributing to the global sample management and logistics strategy.
Drive sustainability initiatives and raise awareness across the network. Constantly strives to make R&D Shipping best in class for sustainability.
Creates and promotes a culture of innovation through collaborations, digital solutions, etc.
Supervise, train, develop & mentor staff development.
About You
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in related discipline (e.g. manufacturing, logistics, business, etc.) and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a supply chain, logistical or manufacturing role, ideally within in a pharmaceutical, Biotechnology manufacturing or related environment OR equivalent experience and/or education.
Strong transversal leadership skills are required (experience in managing multiple levels of personnel and working with cross-functional teams in highly matrixed environment).
Ability to analyze data, trends and risk factors resulting in solid decision making based on sound judgment.
Technical Skills & Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and understanding of different government agencies and regulations including US & Canada Customs (e.g. C-TPAT, ISA, ACE, ISF, USMCA, FDA, IATA, DOT) is required.
Strong knowledge and experience with MS office applications is required.
Experience in working with a logistics service providers (3PL, 4PL).
Experience authoring and/or reviewing standard operating procedures, validation protocols, on-the-job-trainings, service level agreements and other controlled documents.
Training and Coaching.
Familiarity with Deviation Management Systems.
Soft Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Strong project management skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently under minimal supervision and direction.
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.
Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs.
Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.
Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.
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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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, expertise, location, and others. Employees may be eligible to participate in company employee benefit programs.
Find out more about this location
Why work with us
- Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.
- Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.
- Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.
- Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.
Meet Nils Libert, Associate Scientist
Meet Nils Libert, an Associate Scientist in Belgium, where he plays a key role in advancing groundbreaking research. Learn how his work helps drive innovation, uncover new scientific possibilities, and contribute to life-changing treatments that impact patients around the world.
"At Sanofi, we are building an R&D engine powered by the best science, digital innovation, and a commitment to transforming the lives of patients around the world."
Houman Ashrafian
EVP & Head of R&D
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