Job Title: Production Support Manager

Location: Japan (Nagoya area)  

Work type: Hybrid remote/on-site

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About the job:

As the Production Support Manager within our External Manufacturing & Supply Vaccines team, you'll coordinate and oversee manufacturing operations with our Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) in Japan, ensuring on-time delivery of life-saving vaccines. Ready to get started?

Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you'll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.

We deliver 4.3 billion healthcare solutions to people every year, thanks to the flawless planning and meticulous eye for detail of our Manufacturing & Supply teams. With your talent and ambition, we can do even more to protect people from infectious diseases and bring hope to patients and their families.

External Manufacturing and Supply Vaccines (EM&S Vaccines) GBU enables end-to-end ownership and accountability to GBUs, with enhanced focus on operations and service. The EM&S Vaccines Operations department is the operational unit responsible for ensuring on-time and in-full delivery of products from CMOs (Contract Manufacturing Organizations).

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.

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Main responsibilities:

• Act as the primary Sanofi interface (virtual plant manager) for all manufacturing communications and operations at assigned CMO sites in Japan, including serving as Person In Plant (PIP) for ISE CMO and UNIGEN CMO facilities

• Coordinate and monitor operational execution of subcontracting activities with external partners, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery of products within a 0-6 month horizon

• Manage production and release flows from subcontractors to meet customer commitments on deadlines, quantities, and quality standards

• Monitor partner performance through KPIs, identify and resolve gaps, and escalate key risks to senior management

• Coordinate deviations and change controls in collaboration with EM&S Vaccines Quality, site QP teams, and affiliate quality teams

• Lead execution follow-up across all supporting areas (QA, QC, Supply, Logistics, Operations, MSAT, affiliates) ensuring cross-functional alignment

• Contribute to technical transfers, new product launches, compliance initiatives, and continuous improvement projects at supplier sites

• Participate in quality audits, inspections, investigations related to customer complaints/CAPA, and lead lessons learned sessions with partners

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About you:

• Experience: 5+ years in the pharmaceutical/biologics industry with 3+ years in manufacturing of drug product/drug substance or MSAT support

• Technical skills: Strong understanding of pharmaceutical production processes (DP/DS), quality tools and processes (CCR, anomalies), and experience working in cGMP environments

• Leadership skills: Proven ability to manage projects and lead cross-functional teams in multicultural industrial environments; customer-focused and solution-minded with strong assertiveness and accountability

• Communication: Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage, motivate, and work effectively in matrixed teams; experience with public speaking and presenting complex information to diverse audiences

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a scientific or business-related discipline

• Languages: Native Japanese and business fluent English

• Additional qualifications: APICS and/or CPIM certification is a plus; experience in contract management and implementing OpEx principles (LEAN, Six Sigma) preferred

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Why choose us?

• Work at the forefront of AI-driven research, smart manufacturing, and groundbreaking mRNA platforms that are redefining the future of immunology

• Help protect half a billion people every year, contributing to one of the largest global vaccination efforts in healthcare

• Make the impossible possible for millions by contributing to breakthrough moments like the world's first RSV toddler vaccine

• Develop your career with access to mentoring, international mobility programs, and opportunities to grow across four continents

• Gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art digital and AI-powered manufacturing facilities as Person In Plant at leading CMO sites

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution, including flexible working options, comprehensive healthcare, and well-being programs

• Join a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core, with Employee Resource Groups and leadership programs that celebrate every voice

Special Working Conditions:

Hybrid remote/on-site position located in Nagoya area (presence at CMO sites at least 3 days per week will be required)

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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.