Head of Vaccine Research and Development Project Management

Sanofi•Waltham, MA

19h•$187,500 - $270,833•Onsite

About The Position

Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization. The Head of Vaccine Global Project Management leads New Vaccines R&D project management function, translating corporate strategy into executable project plans while ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and delivery of complex vaccine development programs. You will be responsible for establishing best-in-class project management standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio — with the ultimate goal of delivering vaccines at optimal time-to-market, within budget, and in full alignment with Sanofi's strategic objectives. You will lead a team of 20+, with 4 direct reports: Head of France Project Management, Head of North America & International Project Management, Risk & Compliance Manager, and Administrative Support.

Requirements

MS and 12+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management OR PhD and 8+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management
Advanced degree in Project Management
Professional certification: PMP, Agile, or equivalent
Previous experience of pharmaceutical R&D project and/or portfolio management, including management responsibilities and cross functional governance contributions
Deep knowledge of the end-to-end vaccine/pharma development value chain (Research → Clinical → Industrialization → Registration → Launch)
Proven leadership in complex, global, matrixed environments
Expertise in PM methodologies: PMBOK, Hybrid, Agile
Proven expertise in R&D Risk Management
Business acumen and financial management in high-investment pharmaceutical contexts
Experience in digital planning tool or AI/digital solution rollout
Strategic & Tactical Thinking — Translates strategy into execution frameworks
People Leadership — Mobilizes global teams and inspires action
Influence & Stakeholder Management — Communicates effectively at operational and executive levels
Change Management — Guides teams through transformation with confidence
Decision-Making & Prioritization — Acts with clarity under pressure
Coaching & Development — Builds capability through structured support
Cross-Functional Agility — Operates effectively in multicultural, worldwide matrix environments
Digital/AI Mindset — Anticipates and drives innovation in project management
English fluent (required)

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred but not required
French fluent (preferred)

Responsibilities

Set the strategic direction for Vaccines R&D project management by establishing best-in-class standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio
Drive portfolio execution by overseeing end-to-end delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality baselines — monitoring pipeline health and ensuring timely escalation and corrective action
Lead risk management and compliance across all New Vaccine projects, ensuring proactive risk identification, robust lessons learned processes, and readiness for internal audits
Enable effective governance through transparent Stage Gate processes, acting as TARC Secretary and key liaison between Vaccine R&D and Corporate Portfolio Management
Inspire and develop talent by leading a global team of 15+ project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and digital innovation
Oversee financial and resource planning, providing strategic input to resources and cost forecasts as well as ensuring alignment across R&D, Franchise, and Manufacturing & Supply