Vx RD Global Head Project Management

Sanofi•Waltham, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

To support sustainable growth, Sanofi Vaccine’s ambition is to build and deliver an innovative first and/or best in class New Vaccine portfolio. This ambition is coupled with the necessity to continuously look at optimizing our operating model to accelerate our portfolio delivery to bring transformative vaccines faster to our patients. This implies to continuously rethink our ways of working, optimizing our interfaces and collaboration to ensure agile and optimal operating model. Our specific mission in Vaccine RD Transversal Operations team is to provide optimized support and services to Vaccine RD functions. 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 Administrative Support Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required
10 years of related experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management required
3 years of people leadership experience required
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 preferred
Proven expertise in 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

master's or PhD in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, or equivalent preferred
PMP, Agile, or equivalent preferred
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