Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, R&D

Sanofi•Cambridge, MA

1d•$178,500 - $257,833•Onsite

About The Position

Sanofi is seeking a highly strategic and execution-oriented leader to serve as Head of the Computational & AI Strategy Management Office within R&D. Reporting to the Global Head of Computational & AI Strategy, this role will act as a central orchestrator and strategic integrator, enabling the successful execution of Sanofi’s AI-driven transformation across the R&D value chain. This position operates at the intersection of strategy, governance, execution, and external innovation, ensuring that priorities are clearly defined, investments are aligned to value, and initiatives are executed with speed and discipline. The role requires an individual who can translate complex strategy into actionable plans, lead cross-functional coordination at scale, and serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership across R&D, Digital, and external ecosystems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, consulting, or related fields
Demonstrated experience operating in a global, matrixed organization
Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution
Strategic thinking and structured problem-solving
Ability to translate strategy into execution
Strong business acumen and financial understanding
Executive communication and storytelling skills
Stakeholder management and influence at senior levels
Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and complexity
High level of ownership, initiative, and accountability

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or equivalent)
Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare industries
Experience in digital, AI, or data-driven organizations
Experience in strategic partnering, business development, or external innovation
Experience building business cases, investment decks, or executive-level materials
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

Support definition and evolution of the Computational & AI Strategy for R&D, translating enterprise ambition into clear strategic themes and priorities
Lead development of compelling strategic narratives and materials for leadership forums (R&D LT, ExCom interactions, external engagements)
Structure and drive a repeatable approach to strategy development, including: Framing strategic opportunities and challenges, Defining actionable approaches and investment priorities, Developing clear recommendations grounded in data and insights
Help design and operationalize AI and digital investment prioritization across R&D functions
Assist in the development of business cases and investment proposals, incorporating: Scientific and technical impact, Cost, timeline, and resource constraints, Expected value creation and ROI
Support preparation of materials for R&D leadership and executive-level reviews
Establish and manage the operating cadence of the Computational & AI Strategy organization, including: Leadership team meetings, Strategic reviews and deep dives, Initiative tracking and follow-up
Ensure disciplined execution of key initiatives through: Clear definition of milestones and deliverables, Tracking of progress and identification of risks, Proactive escalation and resolution of issues
Act as a central hub to remove friction and accelerate execution
Support development of a targeted external engagement strategy aligned to Computational & AI priorities
Help identify and assess strategic partnership opportunities (AI platforms, biotech, technology, startups)
Coordinate cross-functional evaluation of opportunities including: Scientific, technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations, Financial and strategic fit
Contribute to development of deal rationale, positioning, and internal alignment
Help position Sanofi as a partner of choice in AI-driven R&D innovation ecosystems
Act as a central integrator across R&D, Digital, Data, IT, and partner organizations
Lead cross-functional coordination across: Research platforms, Clinical and development functions, Digital and AI teams
Ensure alignment on priorities, roles, and responsibilities across a highly matrixed environment
Build strong relationships with senior leaders and serve as a trusted advisor and problem solver
Monitor emerging trends in AI, data, and computational science relevant to R&D
Assess competitive landscape, external capabilities, and new opportunities
Translate insights into strategic recommendations and implications for Sanofi
Support development of points-of-view on where to “build, buy, or partner”
Identify opportunities to improve the operating model, governance, and decision-making processes
Help drive development of scalable frameworks, KPIs, and performance tracking mechanisms
Institutionalize best practices across strategy development, execution, and partnership evaluation