Executive Assistant to the Global Head of Computational & AI Strategy, R&D

Sanofi•Cambridge, MA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Sanofi is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support the Global Head of Computational & AI Strategy within R&D. This role sits at the center of Sanofi’s transformation in AI-powered drug discovery and development and requires an individual who operates with exceptional judgment, discretion, and anticipation in a highly complex global environment. The Executive Assistant will function as a strategic partner and operational integrator, enabling leadership effectiveness across a broad and highly interconnected ecosystem spanning R&D, Digital, and external partners. This position demands the ability to orchestrate priorities, manage complexity at scale, and proactively remove friction from executive workflows. This is a high-impact role requiring strong business acumen, executive presence, and the ability to operate independently with minimal direction.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 7–10 years of executive support or administrative experience in a professional environment
Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules and competing priorities at a senior level
Exceptional organizational and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting C-level, EVP, or global senior leadership roles
Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or R&D organizations
Experience operating in highly matrixed, global environments
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools
Familiarity with digital transformation or AI-driven organizations

Responsibilities

Own and continuously optimize a highly complex, global calendar involving: Senior R&D leadership, Digital and AI governance forums, External partners and stakeholders.
Translate strategic priorities into calendar decisions, ensuring optimal allocation of executive time.
Anticipate conflicts, shifting priorities, and emerging needs, proactively adjusting to maintain focus on highest-value activities.
Ensure all meetings are purpose-driven, well-prepared, and outcome-oriented.
Serve as a central coordination node across a matrixed ecosystem, including: R&D Leadership Team and governance structures, Computational, data, and digital platform leaders, External collaborators across biotech, technology, and academia.
Drive consistency and discipline in leadership operating cadence (LT meetings, strategic reviews, decision forums).
Track key initiatives, decisions, and deliverables, ensuring alignment and follow-through.
Draft and refine executive-level communications (email, presentations, talking points) with clarity and precision.
Develop concise, high-quality briefing materials to support decision-making and engagements.
Prepare the Global Head for internal and external interactions, ensuring alignment with strategic messaging and context.
Maintain a consistent executive voice across communications.
Interface with senior executives, functional leaders, and external partners globally.
Act as a trusted representative of the Global Head, handling communications with professionalism and discretion.
Navigate sensitive interactions and prioritize stakeholder needs effectively.
Build and maintain strong working relationships across the organization.
Coordinate complex international travel and multi-stop itineraries across time zones.
Plan and execute high-impact meetings, workshops, and offsites.
Ensure seamless execution of logistics for internal governance and external engagements.
Manage administrative processes (expenses, documentation, records) with accuracy and timeliness.
Handle confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion.
Independently manage special projects and operational tasks as required.
Leverage digital tools and emerging technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Proactively identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve executive effectiveness.
Support adoption of new tools and ways of working aligned with an AI-enabled organization.