Head of Vaccine Research and Development Project Management

About the Job

The Head of Vaccine Global Project Management leads New Vaccines R&D project management function, translating corporate strategy into executable project plans while ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and delivery of complex vaccine development programs.

You will be responsible for establishing best-in-class project management standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio — with the ultimate goal of delivering vaccines at optimal time-to-market, within budget, and in full alignment with Sanofi's strategic objectives.

You will lead a team of 20+, with 4 direct reports:

• Head of France Project Management

• Head of North America & International Project Management

• Risk & Compliance Manager

• ·Administrative Support

Main responsibilities:

• Set the strategic direction for Vaccines R&D project management by establishing best-in-class standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio

• Drive portfolio execution by overseeing end-to-end delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality baselines — monitoring pipeline health and ensuring timely escalation and corrective action

• Lead risk management and compliance across all New Vaccine projects, ensuring proactive risk identification, robust lessons learned processes, and readiness for internal audits

• Enable effective governance through transparent Stage Gate processes, acting as TARC Secretary and key liaison between Vaccine R&D and Corporate Portfolio Management

• Inspire and develop talent by leading a global team of 15+ project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and digital innovation

• Oversee financial and resource planning, providing strategic input to resources and cost forecasts as well as ensuring alignment across R&D, Franchise, and Manufacturing & Supply

Dimensions / Scope:

• Strategic Visibility: Direct interface with Vaccines R&D Leadership Team Corporate Portfolio Management, and external funding entities (BARDA and others)

• Global Impact: Lead an international team across multiple R&D sites (4 direct reports, total of 15+ Project Managers, Functional lead for Project planning Managers in Budapest)

• Innovation at the Forefront: Drive the integration of AI and digital tools into the future of project management for Vaccine RD project Management

• Leadership Platform: Build and develop the next generation of project management talent within Sanofi's Vaccines organization

About You

Education:

• MS and 12+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management OR PhD and 8+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management

• Advanced degree in Project Management

• Professional certification: PMP, Agile, or equivalent

• Previous experience of pharmaceutical R&D project and/or portfolio management, including management responsibilities and cross functional governance contributions

• MBA preferred but not required.

Knowledge & Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of the end-to-end vaccine/pharma development value chain (Research → Clinical → Industrialization → Registration → Launch)

• Proven leadership in complex, global, matrixed environments

• Expertise in PM methodologies: PMBOK, Hybrid, Agile

• Proven expertise in R&D Risk Management

• Business acumen and financial management in high-investment pharmaceutical contexts

• Experience in digital planning tool or AI/digital solution rollout

Key Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic & Tactical Thinking — Translates strategy into execution frameworks

• People Leadership — Mobilizes global teams and inspires action

• Influence & Stakeholder Management — Communicates effectively at operational and executive levels

• Change Management — Guides teams through transformation with confidence

• Decision-Making & Prioritization — Acts with clarity under pressure

• Coaching & Development — Builds capability through structured support

• Cross-Functional Agility — Operates effectively in multicultural, worldwide matrix environments

• Digital/AI Mindset — Anticipates and drives innovation in project management

• Languages: English fluent (required); French fluent (preferred)

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 US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive 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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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.