Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, R&D

Job title: Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, Research and Development

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the job:

As the Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, you’ll be executing Sanofi’s AI-driven transformation across the R&D value chain. Ready to get started?

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions. 

Sanofi is seeking a highly strategic and execution-oriented leader to serve as Head of the Computational & AI Strategy Management Office within R&D.

Reporting to the Global Head of Computational & AI Strategy, this role will act as a central orchestrator and strategic integrator, enabling the successful execution of Sanofi’s AI-driven transformation across the R&D value chain.

This position operates at the intersection of strategy, governance, execution, and external innovation, ensuring that priorities are clearly defined, investments are aligned to value, and initiatives are executed with speed and discipline.

The role requires an individual who can translate complex strategy into actionable plans, lead cross-functional coordination at scale, and serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership across R&D, Digital, and external ecosystems.

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:

1. Strategy Development & Translation

• Support definition and evolution of the Computational & AI Strategy for R&D, translating enterprise ambition into clear strategic themes and priorities

• Lead development of compelling strategic narratives and materials for leadership forums (R&D LT, ExCom interactions, external engagements)

• Structure and drive a repeatable approach to strategy development, including:

  • Framing strategic opportunities and challenges

  • Defining actionable approaches and investment priorities

  • Developing clear recommendations grounded in data and insights

2. Governance, Investment & Decision Support

• Help design and operationalize AI and digital investment prioritization across R&D functions

• Assist in the development of business cases and investment proposals, incorporating:

  • Scientific and technical impact

  • Cost, timeline, and resource constraints

  • Expected value creation and ROI

• Support preparation of materials for R&D leadership and executive-level reviews

3. Operating Rhythm & Execution Management

• Establish and manage the operating cadence of the Computational & AI Strategy organization, including:

  • Leadership team meetings

  • Strategic reviews and deep dives

  • Initiative tracking and follow-up

• Ensure disciplined execution of key initiatives through:

  • Clear definition of milestones and deliverables

  • Tracking of progress and identification of risks

  • Proactive escalation and resolution of issues

• Act as a central hub to remove friction and accelerate execution

4. Strategic Partnering & External Innovation

• Support development of a targeted external engagement strategy aligned to Computational & AI priorities

• Help identify and assess strategic partnership opportunities (AI platforms, biotech, technology, startups)

• Coordinate cross-functional evaluation of opportunities including:

  • Scientific, technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations

  • Financial and strategic fit

• Contribute to development of deal rationale, positioning, and internal alignment

• Help position Sanofi as a partner of choice in AI-driven R&D innovation ecosystems

5. Cross-Functional Alignment & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a central integrator across R&D, Digital, Data, IT, and partner organizations

• Lead cross-functional coordination across:

  • Research platforms

  • Clinical and development functions

  • Digital and AI teams

• Ensure alignment on priorities, roles, and responsibilities across a highly matrixed environment

• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and serve as a trusted advisor and problem solver

6. Strategic Insights & Landscape Analysis

• Monitor emerging trends in AI, data, and computational science relevant to R&D

• Assess competitive landscape, external capabilities, and new opportunities

• Translate insights into strategic recommendations and implications for Sanofi

• Support development of points-of-view on where to “build, buy, or partner”

7. Continuous Improvement of Operating Model

• Identify opportunities to improve the operating model, governance, and decision-making processes

• Help drive development of scalable frameworks, KPIs, and performance tracking mechanisms

• Institutionalize best practices across strategy development, execution, and partnership evaluation

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, consulting, or related fields

• Demonstrated experience operating in a global, matrixed organization

• Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or equivalent)

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare industries

• Experience in digital, AI, or data-driven organizations

• Experience in strategic partnering, business development, or external innovation

• Experience building business cases, investment decks, or executive-level materials

• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and structured problem-solving

• Ability to translate strategy into execution

• Strong business acumen and financial understanding

• Executive communication and storytelling skills

• Stakeholder management and influence at senior levels

• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and complexity

• High level of ownership, initiative, and accountability

Working Conditions:

• Office-based role in Cambridge, MA or Paris, France

• Regular interaction across global time zones

• Occasional travel may be required

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. 

• This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the center of Sanofi’s transformation into an AI-powered R&D organization. You will play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving execution, and enabling the integration of computational and AI capabilities across the full R&D value chain.

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.