Deputy Director Filling and Inspection

Reference No. R2836808

Position Title: Deputy director Filling and Inspection

Department: APU FF&P

Location: Toronto, ON

About the Job

Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers — seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale. In Manufacturing & Supply, you’ll help reimagine how life-changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster.

The Deputy Director Filling & Inspection leads and directs all filling and inspection operations at Sanofi's Toronto site, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing of sterile pharmaceutical products. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision for filling and inspection operations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance. The position plays a critical role in delivering life-saving medicines to patients worldwide while advancing Sanofi's manufacturing capabilities through innovation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

• Reports to: Head of DP Manufacturing Toronto M&S (Thomas Ridel)

• Direct Reports: Filling & Inspection Operations team (ressource shared with L&P)

• Scope: Full accountability for all filling and inspection operations, including multiple production lines, support functions, and dayshift operations (occasionally OT and Weekend)

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 & Business Management

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and mid-term roadmap for filling and inspection operations aligned with site and global manufacturing strategies (B83 assets)

• Manage P&L responsibility for filling and inspection operations, including budget development, financial planning, and resource allocation

• Drive operational and financial performance through effective business planning, resource optimization, and cost management

• Lead capital investment planning and execution for filling and inspection operations, including new technology implementation and facility upgrades

• Collaborate with global manufacturing network to align filling and inspection strategies and leverage best practices (support FFIP Project)

Safety, Health & Environment (EHS)

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture through visible leadership, risk management, and behavioral safety programs

• Ensure compliance with all applicable EHS regulations, standards, and corporate policies across filling and inspection operations

• Drive proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies across filling and inspection operations

• Lead sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and advance ESG goals

• Serve as the site leader for EHS excellence in sterile manufacturing operations

cGMP Compliance & Quality Excellence

• Ensure strict adherence to cGMP requirements, regulatory standards, and quality systems across all filling and inspection operations

• Partner with Quality to establish and maintain robust quality governance and oversight mechanisms

• Lead preparation and execution of regulatory inspections and customer audits

• Drive quality culture through personal leadership, systems thinking, and continuous improvement

• Ensure timely investigation and effective CAPA implementation for quality events

• Maintain state of control and compliance for all filling and inspection processes, equipment, and facilities

Operations Management & Execution

• Direct 2 shifts model filling and inspection operations to consistently meet production targets, quality standards, and customer requirements

• Optimize production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency across both filling and inspection activities

• Ensure effective management of change control, validation, and technology transfer activities

• Drive operational performance through KPI monitoring, data analytics, and performance management systems

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supply chain integration and end-to-end process efficiency

Technical Excellence & Innovation

• Champion technological innovation and digital transformation in filling and inspection operations (Industry 4.0)

• Lead implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and data analytics for both filling and inspection processes

• Drive process optimization and standardization across filling and inspection operations

• Ensure robust technical problem-solving capabilities and knowledge management

• Partner with FFIP Project team on new product introductions and technology transfers

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and develop high-performing, diverse teams through effective talent acquisition, development, and retention

• Create an inclusive culture that fosters engagement, innovation, and continuous learning

• Implement succession planning and leadership development programs to build organizational capability

• Coach and mentor direct reports to enhance leadership capabilities and drive performance

• Champion organizational change management to support business transformation

Continuous Improvement & Lean Management

• Drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

• Lead implementation of digital tools and advanced analytics to enhance decision-making and process control

• Champion waste elimination and value stream optimization across filling and inspection operations

• Foster a culture of problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement

• Implement performance management systems that drive accountability and results

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders (Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, etc.)

• Represent filling and inspection operations in site leadership forums and global manufacturing networks

• Engage with external stakeholders including regulatory authorities, suppliers, and technology partners

• Collaborate with global technical communities to share knowledge and best practices

• Partner with HR, Finance, and other support functions to enable operational excellence

Take the Lead Strategy Integration

• Drive digital transformation through implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, advanced analytics, and automation in filling and inspection operations

• Champion patient-centric innovation by connecting operational decisions to patient impact and outcomes

• Build inclusive, high-performing teams that reflect diversity of thought and experience

• Lead sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental footprint and advance ESG goals

• Foster agile, future-ready capabilities through continuous learning and adaptation to change

• Drive cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across the global manufacturing network

SCOPE AND DIMENSIONS

• Budget Responsibility: $10 million annual operating budget, $XX million capital budget

• Headcount: 3 direct reports, around 30 indirect reports across multiple shifts and functions

• Production Volume: Approximately 20 million units annually across filling and inspection operations

• Asset Value: Filling and Inspection equipment and facilities

• Strategic Impact: Critical role in ensuring supply continuity for key Sanofi products

• Operational Scope: 2 shifts operations across B83 and support functions

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Safety performance (near-miss reporting, safety culture maturity)

• Quality metrics (right-first-time, batch rejection rate, deviation management, inspection accuracy)

• Regulatory compliance (inspection readiness, audit outcomes, compliance rating)

• Operational efficiency (OEE, cycle time, changeover efficiency, schedule adherence)

• Financial performance (budget adherence, cost per unit, productivity improvements)

• People development (talent retention, succession readiness, engagement scores)

• Strategic initiative delivery (project milestones, benefits realization, transformation progress)

• Sustainability goals (energy reduction, waste minimization, carbon footprint)

• Digital maturity (technology implementation, data utilization, automation level)

About You

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical/biologics manufacturing with at least 3 years in sterile operations 

• Bachelor degree in Science/Engineering or in a related field

• Demonstrated experience leading multi-shift operations in a regulated environment

• Proven track record in leading large-scale operational excellence and transformation initiatives

• Experience with capital project management and technology implementation

• Experienced background in cGMP compliance and regulatory requirements for sterile manufacturing

• Experience managing both filling and inspection operations preferred

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of aseptic processing, filling technologies, inspection systems, and sterile manufacturing

• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical quality systems and regulatory requirements

• Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM)

• Financial acumen and business management capabilities

• Project and change management expertise – (implementation of RABs, FCS, SMS2.0)

• Data analytics and digital technology application in manufacturing

• Risk management and problem-solving methodologies

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership

• Business acumen and results orientation

• Change leadership and organizational transformation

• Building and leading high-performing teams

• Stakeholder management and influence

• Decision-making in complex environments

• Innovation and continuous improvement mindset

• Cross-functional collaboration and partnership

• Communication and executive presence

• Integrity and ethical leadership

• Resilience and adaptability

• Customer and patient focus

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or MBA preferred

• Minimum 2 years in senior leadership roles with P&L responsibility

• International experience or global role exposure

• Experience leading major capital projects or facility expansions

• Knowledge of multiple regulatory environments (FDA, EMA, Health Canada)

• Experience with digital transformation and Industry 4.0 implementation

• Track record of successful regulatory inspections and customer audits

• Publications or presentations in relevant technical forums

• Experience with technology transfer and new product introductions

• Experience with automated inspection systems and vision technology

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

This position is for a new vacant role that we are actively hiring for.​

Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants.  Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

#GD-SP ​
#LI-SP                        

#LI-Onsite