MES Lifecycle Manager

About the Job

• Context: As part of Sanofi's initiative to standardize processes and drive digital transformation across Manufacturing & Supply, this role is crucial in orchestrating the lifecycle management of MES systems, including the MARS (MES Accelerated Roadmap @ Sanofi) implementations across multiple production sites globally.

• Job Summary: The MES Lifecycle Manager drives the strategic planning and execution of MES installations, updates and migrations across Sanofi's industrial network and the lifecycle planning in alignment with the Product Owner Vision & product Roadmap. This role provides technical and strategic leadership in developing and implementing long-term strategies to optimize MES performance, reduce obsolescence, and align MES capabilities with Sanofi's digital transformation goals.

Main Responsibilities:

• Strategic MES Lifecycle Management:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive MES lifecycle planning/ strategy aligned with Sanofi's digital transformation objectives, Product Owner Vision & product Roadmap

• Orchestrate high-level planning of MES installations, updates, and migrations across global industrial sites

• Create and implement strategies to reduce system obsolescence and optimize MES performance across the network

• Lead and coordinate multiple concurrent MES lifecycle initiatives through effective coordination

• Implementation Strategy & Site Engagement:

• Establish strong collaboration and coordination with manufacturing sites for planning of updates, installations, and migrations

• Partner with site leadership to ensure MES lifecycle activities align with production schedules and business priorities

• Facilitate communication between digital teams and manufacturing sites to ensure mutual understanding of requirements and constraints

• Develop site-specific implementation strategies that minimize disruption to manufacturing operations

• Leadership & Projects/ initiatives oversight:

• Drive & coordinate multiple MES lifecycle initiatives, ensuring alignment with stakeholders, PO and objectives

• Establish effective governance practices to support MES lifecycle management

• Drive decision-making processes, balancing technical, business, and compliance considerations

• Apply project management approaches to ensure successful execution of MES lifecycle initiatives

• Develop roadmaps and timelines for MES lifecycle activities across sites

• Act as direct lead of external coordinators globally/ across the world

• Digital Transformation & Innovation:

• Spearhead the evolution of MES capabilities by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud services, and DevOps

• Collaborate with leadership to define the future state of manufacturing systems and drive digital innovation

• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance integration between MES and other critical systems (ERP, SCADA, LIMS, etc.)

• Change Management:

• Guide change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new MES technologies and processes

• Align diverse stakeholders across IT, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business units to support MES lifecycle initiatives

• Risk Management & Compliance:

• Develop risk management strategies for MES lifecycle planning, ensuring GxP compliance and data integrity

• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure MES strategies meet evolving compliance requirements

• Foster relationships with key industry groups to stay abreast of emerging trends and regulations

• Monitor and report on initiative risks, issues, and mitigation strategies

• Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field

• 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, with 8+ years' experience on MES, specifically Siemens Opcenter and Werum PAS-X

• Demonstrated experience in project & initiative management of complex technology initiatives in regulated environments

• Track record of successful coordination with manufacturing sites on technology implementations

• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GxP regulations

• Strong knowledge of MES technologies and their integration with broader manufacturing and business systems

• Project Management Certification (eg PMP) and Scrum certification are desired

• Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levels

• Excellent project/ initiative coordination and stakeholder engagement capabilities

• Ability to influence without direct authority and align diverse groups across the organization

• Change management expertise with proven ability to drive organizational transformation

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity in global interactions

• Active listening and empathetic communication style

• Exceptional communication skills, including ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

• Strong facilitation skills for cross-functional meetings and workshops

• Diplomatic approach to stakeholder management

• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities

• Adaptability and resilience in managing complex, evolving situations

• Calm and composed under pressure

• Proactive problem-solving mindset

• Technical Knowledge:

• Good understanding of MES solutions (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Koerber PAS-X)

• Expertise in managing technology obsolescence, including lifecycle management & risk mitigation

• Strong knowledge of MES installation, migration, and update methodologies

• Familiarity with emerging technologies in manufacturing (AI, Cloud)

• Knowledge of integration approaches for complex manufacturing IT landscapes

• Knowledge and Experience of JIRA, Confluence

• Experience of project management methodology and tools – Microsoft Project

• Experience with system validation and qualification in GxP environments

• Knowledge of technology refresh strategies and implementation approaches

• Working Environment:

• Flexibility to contribute occasionally on operations out of working hours

• Occasional travel to manufacturing sites in Europe, NA and Asia

• Global, matrix organization environment

• Must be able to work effectively across different time zones and cultures

• Languages:

• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

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