Head of Global Strategic and Scientific Partnerships - Vaccines Research and Development

Sanofi•Waltham, MA

3d•$266,250 - $384,583•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Global Strategic and Scientific Partnerships will define and execute Sanofi's external innovation strategy for vaccines, identifying and integrating breakthrough science and technologies into the pipeline. This role involves building strategic alliances to position Sanofi as a partner of choice for vaccine innovation. The company is an innovative global healthcare company that delivers over 500 million vaccine doses annually and explores new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. The position is currently in Project Status, with potential for scope evolution. The Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team is central to Sanofi's vaccine innovation strategy, comprising scientists, business development professionals, and strategic thinkers focused on advancing global health through vaccine innovation.

Requirements

PhD, MD/PhD, or MD in Immunology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology, or related field; MBA or executive business education strongly preferred.
Extensive experience in vaccine research, immunology, or infectious diseases with proven ability to evaluate scientific merit and translational potential.
Strong track record in partnerships, business development, licensing, or external innovation within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Demonstrated success in negotiating and executing strategic partnerships, in-licensing agreements, or technology acquisitions that created measurable pipeline value.
Senior leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in matrixed global organizations.
Proven expertise in securing external funding from government agencies, foundations, or international organizations.
Strategic and entrepreneurial leader with deep scientific curiosity, exceptional negotiation skills, and executive presence.
Experience engaging with European and global health organizations (WHO, GAVI, CEPI, BMGF) is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive external innovation and partnership strategy aligned with Vaccines R&D portfolio priorities.
Drive measurable pipeline value through strategic licensing, co-development agreements, and technology acquisitions that strengthen competitive positioning.
Lead scientific and strategic evaluation of external opportunities, coordinating cross-functional due diligence and providing clear go/no-go recommendations.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with academic institutions, biotech companies, government agencies, and global health organizations across Europe and globally.
Identify and secure external funding opportunities including BARDA, CEPI, NIH, Horizon Europe, and other public-private partnerships.
Represent Sanofi in pandemic preparedness programs, policy discussions, and industry consortia at the highest levels.
Ensure seamless integration of external partnerships into R&D processes in close collaboration with Business Development and cross-functional teams.
Lead and develop the Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.