Vx RD Global Head Project Management

About the job

To support sustainable growth, Sanofi Vaccine’s ambition is to build and deliver an innovative first and/or best in class New Vaccine portfolio. This ambition is coupled with the necessity to continuously look at optimizing our operating model to accelerate our portfolio delivery to bring transformative vaccines faster to our patients. This implies to continuously rethink our ways of working, optimizing our interfaces and collaboration to ensure agile and optimal operating model.

About the location

Vacancy location: Swiftwater, PA, Waltham, MA, Washington DC

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

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree required; master's or PhD in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, or equivalent preferred
• Professional certification: PMP, Agile, or equivalent preferred
• 10 years of related experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management required
• 3 years of people leadership experience required

Qualifications

• 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 preferred
• Proven expertise in Risk Management
• Business acumen and financial management in high-investment pharmaceutical contexts
• Experience in digital planning tool or AI/digital solution rollout

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

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

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
• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science
• Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective