MSAT Technical Sciences Director, rDS Commercial Processes EU CMO HUB

MSAT Technical Sciences Director, rDS Commercial Processes EU CMO HUB

• Location: Geel, Belgium (Coverage of the EU territory)
• Job type: Permanent

About the job

As a MSAT Technical Sciences Director, rDS Commercial Processes EU CMO HUB you will be a part of the Technical Sciences Group.Th e Technical Sciences Group within MSAT Recombinant DS Global Platform function is the owner of Life Cycle Management of commercial manufacturing processes within Sanofi Manufacturing and Supply network. They are the process owners of commercial manufacturing processes, drive life cycle initiatives and provide commercial manufacturing support, both internally and at CMOs. The function is also responsible for supporting tech transfer activities including process fit-gap assessment, process validation, PAI support, technical troubleshooting and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Their expansive portfolio covers 17 products, 5 modalities, 3 expression systems within 12 internal and external global sites in the US and EU. They will be supporting the launch of 20 new products in the next 5 years including monoclonal and multi-specific antibodies, fusion proteins, antibody-drug conjugates. In recent years they have successfully established second-generation manufacturing processes with continuous process platform. They are pursuing future innovations such as digital labs, factory of future and advanced analytics-based process understanding and control.

At Sanofi, we have charted a clear path forward to not only minimize the environmental impact across our value chain but also adapt our business to the environmental challenges that we face, promoting Environmental Sustainability by Design through our eco-design approach. This role will drive and execute the strategic direction of Environmental Sustainability by Design initiatives with the organization, fostering a culture of environmental sustainability and innovation in pharmaceutical development.

About Sanofi

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main responsibilities:

The successful candidate will manage with a group of scientists and engineers responsible for support of commercial mammalian cell culture processes in the external manufacturing MSAT Technical Sciences group, EU Hub. This group supports commercial operations across a diverse network of manufacturing facilities and external partners. Key responsibilities may differ among employees with same job title and may change over time in accordance with business needs. The successful candidate will:

• Lead and manage a team of MSAT process engineers.
• Ensure technical support and routine process monitoring for commercial products manufactured at CMOs.
• Ensure person-in-plant oversight of manufacturing operations at CMOs and communication to the relevant technical product team.
• Ensure review of manufacturing processes, critical deviations, and/or development and production data.
• Ensure technical support and data analysis for investigations and critical deviations resolution.
• Recommend and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, productivity, recovery, and overall efficiency through Sanofi digital tools.
• Partner with colleagues and CMOs from various functions, such as Engineering, External Manufacturing and External Quality groups.
• Oversee and report on overall manufacturing robustness and relevant KPIs.

About you

Main Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field with 10+ years of experience in commercial operations OR Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience in commercial operations.
• Proven experience in biologics commercial manufacturing, MSAT, or process development.
• Strong experience working with external manufacturing partners/CMOs.
• Experience of leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time.

Leadership Qualifications

• Act for Change: Embrace innovation and new ways of working.
• Cooperate Transversally: Collaborate effectively across functions.
• Lead and Develop People: Build, empower, and motivate a high-performing team.
• Promote a sustainability-driven culture across MSAT and global functions.

Preferred Requirements

• Expertise in cell culture and/or downstream purification.
• Deep understanding of GMP, process validation, equipment qualification.
• Experience with root cause analysis, risk assessment, and process troubleshooting.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and statistical software.
• Background in eco-design, sustainability programs, or digital transformation is a plus.
• Project leadership experience, including cross-functional collaboration at global level.

Why choose us?

• Be a key driver of sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing – a chance to shape real change.
• Join a global, science-led company committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
• Take part in the launch and lifecycle management of cutting-edge biologics and next-gen platforms.
• Work in an inclusive, high-performing team with a clear focus on environmental impact reduction.
• Flexible working options and competitive benefits.
• Access to training and development, with global mobility opportunities.
• Collaborate across a diverse global network of internal and external partners.
• Onsite facilities in Geel include modern workspaces, canteen, and well-being initiatives.
• Travel across EU sites to influence and support external manufacturing strategy.
• Gain visibility across multiple functions and senior leadership, accelerating your career growth.