Head of External Manufacturing Product Team

• Location: Geel, Belgium
• Alternative Locations: Frankfurt, Germany; Waterford, Ireland or Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Job type: Permanent, Full time

About the job

Ready to push the limits of what's possible? Join us here at Sanofi and you can play a vital part in the performance of our entire business while helping to make an impact on millions around the world. As Head of External Manufacturing Product Team (EMPT) within our External Manufacturing & Supply (EM&S) organization, you'll be responsible for ensuring on-time and in-full delivery of products from Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and External Suppliers.

The EM&S Large Molecule Specialty Care organization is a key part of Sanofi's Manufacturing & Supply division. We are accountable for all Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), Contract Laboratory Operations (CLOs), Distribution Centers, and business partners involved in the manufacture, testing, storage, and transport of Sanofi products. Our mission is to serve the Global Business Units within Manufacturing & Supply (M&S) with drug substance, drug products, and finished goods. We aim to develop ourselves into a best-in-class organization that continuously strives towards three priorities:

1. Ensure Supply On-Time In Full, meeting all Quality and compliance standards

2. Deliver Financially

3. Grow Talent

In addition to Running the Business, we are committed to Transforming the Business by defining our strategic global footprint for preferred partners and deploying the right technology in centralized performance management of partners.

Main responsibilities:

• Ensure on-time & in-full delivery of products from CMOs/External Suppliers within your management unit
• Lead the EMPT team members through influence, developing them into a highly productive team in a positive culture and psychologically safe environment
• Build collaborative business relationships with external partners/suppliers and internal business partners
• Serve as the first level negotiator on financial liability for failed or rejected lots in collaboration with procurement
• Plan & implement life cycle management projects, including resource and financial planning, in collaboration with business partners
• Drive continuous improvement in performance of internal and supplier Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery & Involvement
• Manage products/CMOs from an operational & financial perspective, including routine technical support and contract management
• Implement AI and Digital tools to standardize and streamline processes for managing CMOs
• In collaboration with Supply Chain ensures routine monitoring of CMO inventories, assessing potential risks and providing proactive remediation plans
• Accountable for having a proficient knowledge of product processes for CMOs/External Suppliers within EMPT unit, and being able to identify and involve the appropriate SMEs to ensure process changes are vetted within Sanofi to determine acceptability and impact to Sanofi manufacturing and quality processes

About you

• Bachelor's degree with scientific background and 15+ years of experience OR Master's degree with scientific background and 8+ years of experience
• Has expertise in contract manufacturing and negotiations
• Experience in operational roles, ideally as product or functional team manager
• Strong knowledge of biotech/pharmaceutical operations and/or processes
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication skills with a 'bottom line up front' executive communication style
• Ability to lead through influence and manage ambiguity
• Strategic thinking and results-oriented mindset
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus
• Willing to travel (up to 50% of the time – mainly within the EU)

Why choose us?

• At Sanofi, we believe in continuous learning and development. In this role, you'll have opportunities to stay at the cutting edge of SAP technologies and Treasury best practices regarding the Treasury Management System, with potential for further certifications and professional growth
• We encourage innovative thinking and welcome fresh ideas for process improvements and system optimizations
• We offer a dynamic work environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on our financial operations
• As you grow in this role, there are opportunities for career progression within Sanofi's Treasury and IT functions
• An individual and well-structured introduction and training when you onboard
• 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