MSAT Visual inspection lead

MSAT Visual Inspection Lead

• Location: Site based from Waterford, Val-De-Reuil, Le Trait, Frankfurt or other Drug Product Site in Sanofi

About the job

Our Team:

We are an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company with one unwavering purpose: to chase the miracles of science and improve people's lives.

Our deep understanding of the immune system — combined with an innovative and growing pipeline — enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people worldwide. At Sanofi, we believe that progress is powered by people: bold thinkers, collaborative leaders, and passionate scientists who dare to push boundaries every day.

Join us. And help change the world.

This is a great opportunity to shape the future of Visual Inspection (VI) on a global scale.

As the Global MSAT Visual Inspection Lead, you will be at the heart of Sanofi's injectable manufacturing excellence — driving the strategy, standardization, and innovation of visual inspection programs across a network of drug product sites in three Global Business Units (GBUs). You will lead a team of VI experts, champion cutting-edge inspection technologies and processes, and serve as the authoritative voice connecting Manufacturing Science, Analytics & Technology (MSAT) with Global Quality, Engineering, Procurement, and Business Strategy.

This is more than a technical leadership role — it is a platform to inspire teams, influence industry practices, and deliver meaningful impact for patients worldwide.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead the Global Visual Inspection program as MSAT authority, serving as a strategic partner in Sanofi's enterprise-wide VI strategy while aligning Global Quality, Global Engineering, Procurement, Business Strategy, and injectable manufacturing sites on all VI-related topics.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of VI experts distributed across 8 sites, providing specialist support across the full Drug Product injectable network.

• Drive global harmonization of VI strategy and implementation across Manual (MVI), Semi-Automated (SAVI), and Automated (AVI) inspection modalities for vials, pre-filled syringes, and cartridges.

• Deliver expert technical guidance on defect classification, VI recipe optimization, particulate control, false reject rate reduction, robotics, and layered inspection technologies, ensuring holistic VI lifecycle management.

• Lead the evaluation and acquisition of new VI lines and emerging technologies, ensuring full alignment with quality, regulatory, and operational requirements across the network.

• Champion innovation and industry benchmarking by identifying cost-effective inspection solutions and actively engaging with PDA, Biophorum, A3P, and other industry bodies to define and disseminate best practices across the organization.

• Ensure full regulatory compliance and good documentation practices while providing structured mentorship and knowledge transfer to develop VI capability across new and existing associates.

About you

• Proven background in injectable manufacturing within a cGMP environment, with dedicated expertise in visual inspection and a track record of leadership and impact
• Demonstrated experience in transformation programs, technology transfer, validation, and manufacturing support

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline
• Deep knowledge of GMP, CMC requirements, and current regulatory guidance and best practices in visual inspection, as defined by global health authorities
• Experience preparing and reviewing regulatory dossiers with direct health authority interactions

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership presence — able to inspire, influence, and align cross-functional and multicultural teams without direct authority
• Outstanding communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and represent Sanofi in external industry forums
• Proven ability to operate autonomously in complex, matrixed, and international environments

Operational & Language

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in an additional European language is a valued asset
• Flexibility to provide occasional off-shift support, remotely or on-site, as operational needs require