Head of Sanofi Manufacturing System (SMS) Program

Job Title: Head of Sanofi Manufacturing System -SMS Program

The Head of Sanofi Manufacturing System (SMS) Program provides strategic leadership and oversight for the SMS operational excellence program at the Swiftwater site. This role is responsible for directing and coordinating all SMS activities, including strategic programs, SMS 2.0 implementation, upskilling efforts, and performance improvement initiatives. The position leads a team of SMS Program Leads and Performance Champions who execute specialized functions within the SMS framework, ensuring alignment between site-level execution and global strategic objectives. As a primary SMS champion for the site, this role drives operational excellence initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance, reduce costs, and develop organizational capabilities while ensuring the successful delivery of Compelling Business Needs (CBNs) and Foundational Elements (FEs).

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

Driving performance & transformation initiatives for deployment

• Working for the Head of Operational Excellence, this role establishes the strategic vision and roadmap for SMS implementation across the Swiftwater site

• Oversee the planning, governance, and measurement of the U.S. Vaccines strategy and portfolio of strategic initiatives

• Align site SMS initiatives with global function strategies and business objectives

• Champion the integration of SMS standard methodologies across all operational areas utilizing effective change management practices

• Prioritize initiatives with partner departments based on strategic importance and resource availability

• Oversees the delivery of extensive in-person and remote SMS training programs

Ensuring Impact & Sustainability

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence

• Align SMS program investments with expected business outcomes

• Oversee the site's Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) reduction efforts and resultant savings trajectory

• Review and approve business cases for high-value strategic initiatives

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring SMS program effectiveness, monitor progress, and address performance gaps

• Ensure effective execution of Transform the Business (TTB) meetings with the Site Leadership Team

• Manage site employees' progression within the SMS Certification maturity program

Contributing to the development of Operating Standards in close partnership with dedicated leaders and supporting M&S network

• Develop and maintain comprehensive governance structures across the site to ensure consistent SMS execution

• Partner with site leadership team to integrate SMS principles into all operational areas

• Represent the site's SMS program in global/GBU/site leadership forums

• Collaborate with global SMS teams and other sites to ensure alignment between site standards and global SMS frameworks

• Coordinate SMS 2.0 maturity assessments and process confirmations with site’s SMS Area Heads

• Develop and lead the site's program for upskilling and coaching of SMS methodology, standards, and tools

• Lead the development and refinement of SMS operating standards for the site in coordination with global teams

About You

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Science, Business, Operations Management, or related field. SMS Intermediate certification or equivalent lean and/or six sigma certification from reputable organization (AME, ASQ, LEI, LSSI, etc).

• Work Experience: 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or operational excellence roles with at least 5 years in leadership positions. Demonstrated success implementing manufacturing systems or operational excellence programs at scale.

• Transformation and Change Management Skills: Expert knowledge of SMS/TPS/similar operating standards and operational excellence methodologies. Proven experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives and managing complex change.

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements. Strong grasp of financial concepts including P&L, BOI, COGM, cash flow, and performance management systems. Solid understanding of data management & digital products embedded into the SMS operating standards.

• Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical capabilities for strategic decision-making and performance analysis. Experience with data-driven improvement methodologies and digital transformation initiatives.

• Project Management: Extensive experience managing complex, cross-functional programs and project portfolios. Ability to develop and execute strategic roadmaps across multiple workstreams.

• Leadership & Coaching: Exceptional leadership skills with demonstrated ability to influence at all organizational levels. Experience building and developing high-performing teams and coaching leaders.

• Communication: Superior communication and presentation skills for engaging with executive leadership. Ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in Engineering, Life Science, Business, Operations Management, or related field. SMS Advanced Certification or equivalent lean and/or six sigma certification from reputable organization (AME, ASQ, LEI, LSSI, etc).

• Work Experience: 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or operational excellence roles with at least 8 years in senior leadership positions. Experience leading operational excellence programs across multiple sites or global functions.

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.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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