Global Project Head - R&D Vaccines

Job Title: Global Project Head - R&D Vaccines

About the Job

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. Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.

As a Global Project Head within R&D Vaccines, you will serve as the strategic leader and driving force behind the development and execution of integrated strategies and development plans for New Vaccines (NV) projects from Gate M2 through the end of development. This pivotal role places you at the intersection of science, strategy, and leadership, where you will orchestrate cross-functional collaboration to bring life-saving vaccines to patients worldwide. In this position, you will lead Global Project Teams (GPT) and sub-teams in close cooperation with R&D and non-R&D function heads, ensuring seamless alignment across all development activities. You will be accountable for project risk management and will serve as the primary communicator to governance committees, providing strategic insights and recommendations that shape project direction. Your leadership will extend beyond internal teams as you serve as a key member of the Franchise Steering Team and Brand Team, contributing to broader strategic decisions.

As the ambassador for your project both internally and externally, you will build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the organization and with external partners, including NGOs, partner companies, academic institutions, and joint ventures. Your ability to align diverse stakeholders, navigate complex organizational dynamics, and champion project objectives will be critical to success. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on global health while leading some of the most innovative vaccine development initiatives in the industry.

Main Responsibilities:

Product Development Strategy & Execution

• Contributes to creation and implementation of high-level product development strategies including Target Product/Vaccine Profile (TPP/TVP)

• Hold full accountability for developing and executing project strategy from Gate M2 through licensure, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and patient needs

• Drive strategic decision-making that balances scientific innovation, commercial viability, and patient impact

• Ensure project deliverables meet timelines, quality standards and regulatory requirements across all markets

Team Leadership

• Structure and lead the Global Project Team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture

• Set clear objectives, provide constructive feedback, and hold team members accountable for deliverables

• Mentor and develop team members, building capabilities across the organization

• Create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged

Project Management

• Deliver projects on-time, within budget, and in accordance with strategic objectives

• Monitor project milestones and proactively address obstacles to maintain momentum

• Ensure seamless coordination across all functional areas and geographies

Resource Management

• Supervise project activities and resolve resource utilization issues across functions

• Optimize allocation of budget, personnel, and materials to maximize project efficiency

• Partner with functional leaders to secure necessary resources and capabilities Make data-driven decisions regarding resource prioritization and trade-offs

Strategic Planning

• Translate TPP into comprehensive scope, objectives, and actionable plans

• Ensure alignment across Integrated Early Global Plan (IEGP), Integrated Strategic Commercial Plan (iSCP), Clinical Development Plan (CDP), Technical Strategy Document (TSD), and Global Regulatory Plan and Strategy (GRPS)

• Anticipate future needs and proactively adapt strategies to changing landscapes

• Drive innovation in development approaches and methodologies

Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders at the executive level

• Build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups with competing priorities

• Navigate complex organizational dynamics to advance project objectives

• Represent the project in high-level strategic discussions and governance forums

Communication

• Champion project objectives, progress, and risk mitigation strategies across all organizational levels

• Present to senior leadership, governance committees, and external partners with clarity and impact

• Ensure transparent, timely communication of project status, challenges, and opportunities

• Tailor messaging to diverse audiences, from scientific experts to business leaders

Alliance Management

• Manage strategic relationships with NGOs, partner companies, academic groups, and joint ventures

• Negotiate and oversee collaboration agreements that advance project goals

• Ensure alignment between internal objectives and external partner expectations

• Leverage external partnerships to access capabilities, expertise, and resources

Franchise Strategy

• Contribute to the development of a unified R&D vision and strategic roadmap for the franchise

• Integrate project strategy with broader portfolio and franchise objectives

• Identify opportunities for synergies across projects and therapeutic areas

• Participate in long-term strategic planning and portfolio optimization

About You

We're looking for a strategic leader who combines scientific expertise with business acumen and exceptional people leadership skills. You thrive in complex, matrixed environments and have a track record of delivering results through collaboration and influence.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters of Science degree in scientific-related field of study. PhD, MD, or PharmD is preferred.

• 7+ years of experience in vaccine development in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related discipline.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead international, cross-functional teams toward common goals

• Skilled in building trust and fostering collaboration across diverse teams and cultures

• Talent for inspiring and motivating others to achieve excellence

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex situations

• Exceptional presentation skills, capable of distilling complex information into compelling narratives

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among stakeholders with different perspectives

• Commercial awareness and understanding of market dynamics

• Comprehensive knowledge of vaccine development processes, regulatory requirements, and quality standards

• Adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and changing priorities

• Intellectually curious with commitment to continuous learning

• Passion for improving patient lives and advancing global health

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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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.