Purpose of position

In this high-impact and highly visible role, the Head of Workplace Experience R&D for Frankfurt (Germany), Gent (Belgium), and Cambridge (UK) leads and oversees all aspects of R&D operations at these sites—driving innovation, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of scientific excellence.

The position also includes the role of the R&D Site Director Frankfurt.

The Head of Workplace Experience R&D is accountable for identifying building infrastructure Capex requirements, working with Real Estate and R&D to establish budgets, portfolio wide, and implementation of projects with third party suppliers where applicable. The incumbent will develop and manage the full-service portfolio, leading an in-house team as well as external partners to deliver a best-in-class experience to positively impact the quality of life at R&D workplaces.  This position will be crucial in developing a strong relationship with all key stakeholders and a culture that reflects our “Take the Lead” behaviors and New Ways of Working. The Head of Workplace Experience R&D is also responsible for  the deployment of the global Workplace Policy and Hospitality Management strategy in the region, ensuring service levels and delivery meet global expectations and standards.

As Site Director R&D Frankfurt the main responsibilities consist of providing full business and infrastructure support to all on-site R&D functions in line with their operational objectives and consistent with R&D and Sanofi requirements in terms of strategy, performance, quality and compliance. The Site Director serves as the legal representative of R&D Frankfurt and owns the operator responsibility according to German law, and as such the official contact with relevant agencies, authorities and other official organizations and responsible for compliance with current legislation as well as company policies and procedures including site security, health, safety, environment, and the development of improvement plans. This role also includes membership of the R&D country council.

Key responsibilities

In this role you are a member of the global R&D Workplace Experience (WE) leadership team and you will lead the team of about 60 people including the WE R&D Heads in Gent/BE and Cambridge/UK.

• Play a pivotal role in strengthening internal and external competitiveness of WE R&D Europe by constantly optimizing the organization, business processes and infrastructure (e.g., benchmarking, best practice) in collaboration with functional heads. Coordinate with global bodies/stakeholders regarding the compatibility of common solutions required.
• Lead the region’s operating and investment budgets by optimizing costs, monitoring them, and ensuring compliance.
• Manage and develop the Site Operations teams to reflect our “Take the Lead” behaviors and promote our New Ways of Working.
• Engage and lead a decisive and expertise team to high performance outcome in accordance with Sanofi’s management principles. Decide on individual personnel measures in coordination with the supervisor and in consultation with People & Culture.
• As Site Director Frankfurt set priorities and allocate resources for projects to support R&D functions. Ensure information and communication for managers and staff and lead local committees for discussion and decision-making on relevant transversal site support topics including documentation. Ensure compliance with all relevant internal and external rules, regulations, and German legislation.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive safety concept (security) for R&D Frankfurt in accordance with the legal framework conditions and the global standards. Ensure compliance with all legal requirements relevant to HSE regarding occupational and plant safety, environmental protection, radiation protection, animal protection and biological safety, eco-audit. Ensure that services provided by third party employees (contractors) adhere to the same standards as Sanofi employees. Ensure safety and emergency management for R&D in context with corporate and site structures

Basic qualifications

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree in natural sciences (e.g., chemistry, biology, pharmacy) or engineering sciences, preferably a PhD
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in bio-pharmaceutical research, development and/or production with increasing responsibility
• Deep understanding of site management subjects including HSE, technical infrastructure, business operations in an R&D environment
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership roles managing direct reports and large teams
• Knowledge and experience of digital workplaces

Key Competencies

• Business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, strategic thinking and strong analytical skills are critical
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and manage change in a dynamic environment
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Results-oriented and strong drive to make a meaningful impact
• Proven track of financial expertise in managing large projects
• Strong decision-making and priority setting skills
• A well-rounded experience in leadership, coaching, transformation, and change management
• Stress tolerance, ability to manage critical situations

Languages

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with fluency in German and English

Why choose Sanofi?

• Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development
• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI and digital platforms
• Help improve the lives of millions globally by making drug development quicker and more effective
• Discover endless opportunities for career growth, both locally and internationally
• Benefit from our comprehensive package, including high-quality healthcare and 14-week paid family leave
• Experience our modern working environment with hybrid, flexible working time models

Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.  Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

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