Global Project Head, Vaccines RnD

Sanofi • Waltham, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Global Project Head within R&D Vaccines, you will lead the development and execution of integrated strategies and development plans for New Vaccines projects from Gate M2 through the end of development, licensure, and life cycle management. You will lead Global Project Teams and sub-teams in partnership with R&D and non-R&D function heads, ensuring alignment across development activities and accountability for project risk management. You will communicate strategic insights and recommendations to governance committees and contribute to decisions as a member of the Franchise Steering Team and Brand Team.

You will represent the project internally and externally, building relationships with stakeholders across the organization and with NGOs, partner companies, academic institutions, and joint ventures. The role requires aligning diverse stakeholders, navigating complex organizational dynamics, and championing project objectives. The position is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Sanofi describes itself as an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company focused on improving people's lives through medicines and vaccines. Its Vaccines organization works on prevention, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven research.

Requirements

• Master of Science degree in a scientific-related field of study.
• At least 7 years of experience in drug development, preferably in vaccines or infectious disease.
• Ability to lead international, cross-functional teams toward common goals.
• Skill in building trust and collaboration across diverse teams and cultures.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and bring clarity to complex situations.
• Exceptional presentation skills, including the ability to distill complex information into compelling narratives.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among stakeholders with differing perspectives.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of market dynamics.
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges and changing priorities.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning.
• Passion for improving patient lives and advancing global health.

Nice To Haves

• PhD, MD, or PharmD degree.
• Experience in vaccines or infectious disease.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the creation and implementation of high-level product development strategies, including the Target Product/Vaccine Profile (TPP/TVP).
• Develop and execute project strategy from Gate M2 through licensure and life cycle management, aligned with organizational objectives and patient needs.
• Drive strategic decisions balancing scientific innovation, commercial viability, and patient impact.
• Ensure project deliverables meet timelines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements across markets.
• Structure and lead the Global Project Team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Set objectives, provide feedback, hold team members accountable, and mentor and develop team members.
• Promote an inclusive team environment that values diverse perspectives.
• Supervise project activities and address resource utilization issues across functions.
• Optimize budget, personnel, and materials, and partner with functional leaders to secure resources and capabilities.
• Make data-driven resource prioritization and trade-off decisions.
• Translate the TPP into project scope, objectives, and actionable plans.
• Align the Integrated Early Global Plan (IEGP), Integrated Strategic Commercial Plan (iSCP), Clinical Development Plan (CDP), Technical Strategy Document (TSD), and Global Regulatory Plan and Strategy (GRPS).
• Anticipate future needs, adapt strategies to changing conditions, and drive innovation in development approaches and methodologies.
• Manage executive-level relationships with internal and external stakeholders and build consensus among groups with competing priorities.
• Represent the project in strategic discussions and governance forums.
• Communicate project objectives, progress, and risk mitigation strategies across organizational levels.
• Present to senior leadership, governance committees, and external partners, and provide transparent, timely updates on project status, challenges, and opportunities.
• Tailor communications to scientific and business audiences.
• Manage strategic relationships with NGOs, partner companies, academic groups, and joint ventures.
• Negotiate and oversee collaboration agreements, align internal objectives with partner expectations, and use partnerships to access capabilities, expertise, and resources.
• Contribute to the franchise R&D vision and strategic roadmap, align project strategy with portfolio and franchise objectives, identify synergies, and participate in long-term strategic planning and portfolio optimization.

Benefits

• Health and wellbeing benefits, including high-quality healthcare, prevention, and wellness programs.
• Mentoring and international mobility programs.
• Opportunities to grow across four continents.
• Employees may be eligible to participate in company employee benefit programs.
• Rewards package recognizing employee contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior