• Location: Budapest, Hungary
• Job type: Permanent, Full-time, Hybrid

About the job

The Continuous Improvement Manager will serve as a change agent and process improvement expert, leading cross-functional projects that drive operational excellence across Sanofi's People Services organization. This role requires a strategic thinker who can identify improvement opportunities, apply LEAN methodologies and data-driven problem-solving techniques, and deliver measurable business results while building organizational capability in continuous improvement practices. The Manager will work closely with the People Services leadership team to align improvement initiatives with business objectives and mentor team leaders and team members in continuous improvement practices.

Be part of something exceptional. Our Budapest Hub has been recognized for workplace excellence, innovation, and our commitment to putting people first. See the full list of our awards at the end of this posting.

Main responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Improvement Projects: Drive 4-6 high-impact Continuous Improvement projects that deliver cost savings, quality improvements, cycle time reductions, or customer satisfaction enhancements

• Advanced Data Analysis & Problem Solving: Apply sophisticated statistical tools to identify root causes, validate solutions, and ensure sustainable improvements in People Services processes

• Change Management & Implementation: Develop and execute comprehensive change management plans to ensure successful adoption of process improvements, including stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, and sustainability mechanisms

• Champion LEAN Culture Transformation across People Services: Drive the embedding of a continuous improvement mindset across People Services by delivering LEAN education and awareness sessions, facilitating Kaizen workshops, coaching leaders and team members at all levels, implementing daily management systems

• Process Standardization & Best Practices: Identify opportunities for process standardization; document and share best practices to drive consistency and excellence throughout the organization

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Establish robust measurement systems to track project progress and benefits realization; provide regular updates to leadership on project status, financial impact, and strategic alignment

• Innovation & Digital Transformation: Leverage digital tools and automation to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness; identify opportunities for digital transformation within improvement projects

• Project Planning Support: Collaborate with senior leadership to identify strategic improvement opportunities, prioritize projects based on business impact, and align the continuous improvement roadmap with organizational goals

About you

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of demonstrated experience leading process improvement projects with documented results

• Strong background in LEAN methodologies (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Waste Elimination)

• Experience with Six Sigma tools and DMAIC methodology - Preferred

• Experience working in cross-functional, global teams in matrix organizations

• Experience with digital transformation initiatives

• Multilingual capabilities (English required; additional languages advantageous)

Certifications

• LEAN certification (LEAN Practitioner, LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt, or equivalent) - Required

• Six Sigma black belt or higher - Preferred (not required)

• Additional process improvement certifications (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) - Preferred

Key Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of LEAN tools and methodologies (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Poka-Yoke, etc.)

• Working knowledge of Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, basic statistical analysis, root cause analysis)

• Strong understanding of process mapping, workflow analysis, and waste identification

• Proficiency in data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Excel)

• Intermediate proficiency in statistical analysis (Minitab preferred, Excel acceptable)

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills

• Strong influencing and stakeholder management abilities

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) for all organizational levels

• Change management expertise and ability to overcome resistance

• Coaching and mentoring capabilities

• Strategic thinking and business acumen

• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in global, diverse teams

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented with strong accountability

• Analytical mindset with attention to detail

• Collaborative team player with ability to work independently

• Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity

• Continuous learning mindset

• High integrity and ethical standards

Performance Metrics/Success Measures

• Project Completion: Successfully complete 3-5 projects annually within scope, timeline, and budget

• Quality Metrics: Achieve targeted improvements in quality metrics (defect reduction, CAPA reduction, right-first-time)

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Maintain 85%+ satisfaction rating from project sponsors and team members

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, HR, Life Sciences, Statistics, Business, or related technical field

• Master's degree preferred (Engineering, HR, Business Administration, or related discipline)

Languages

• Fluent English, both written and verbal

Why choose us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact

• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave

Office of the Year 2025 – Evolution Award
Our most recent award – Sanofi is recognized for creating an innovative workspace that supports collaboration and adaptability.

Marketing Diamond Award 2026 – Employer Branding
One of the highest honours at Hungary's prestigious Marketing Diamond Awards, recognizing excellence in employer branding.

BSC Investor of the Year 2025
Awarded by HIPA, ABSL Hungary, and AmCham Hungary for our contribution to Hungary's business services sector.

PwC Workforce Preference Survey 2025 – Top 3 Most Attractive Employers
Ranked 3rd among the most attractive employers in Hungary.

Hungarian Employer Branding Awards 2025 – Gold & Silver
Best Strategic Employer Branding Campaign (Gold) and Best Employer Branding Campaign in the Pharma Sector (Silver).

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science—where your progress can be as transformative as our work. We believe in you, support you, and give you the opportunity to go further, think faster, and achieve what you once thought impossible. With us, you can shape the future—ask questions, explore new paths, and find solutions that truly reach those who need them most. Ready to use the power of science to improve people's lives? Let's pursue progress together and discover the extraordinary!

Discover our Code of Conduct, that serves as the moral compass that guides us when chasing the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Please ensure to have read this document before applying.

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