Skip to main content
Manufacturing and Supply

Manufacturing and Supply
Where the
miracles of
science
are made
a reality
for patients

Automation Project Lead

Multiple Locations
Apply now

At a glance

Our teams produce and deliver over 4 billion units of medicines and vaccines every year, ensuring every breakthrough gets to the people who need it most.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, AI-powered smart factories, and cutting-edge automation are redefining what’s possible: ensuring treatments reach patients faster, safer, and more sustainably than ever before. This is where your skills, ambition, and passion can shape the future of healthcare.

Automation Project Lead

  • Location: Geel, Belgium
  • Alternative Locations: Miskolc, Hungary; Waterford, Ireland, Anagni, Italy; Scoppito, Italy
  • Job type: Permanent, Full time

About the job

You will be part of Sanofi Global Engineering's Manufacturing Systems & Automation department, embedded within project teams for the delivery of Major Investment projects within the EMEA region. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to influence the global manufacturing strategy through innovative solutions. In your role you will be responsible for the delivery of Tier 1 & Tier 2 Automation projects. You'll have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team to integrate and advance state-of-the-art manufacturing systems and automation, ensuring Sanofi remains at the forefront of the industry.

If you are looking for an opportunity to enhance your career with an international dimension, this role is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to work in diverse environments, collaborate with talented professionals from around the world and make a significant impact on a global scale. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking team that is dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in manufacturing systems and automation.

Main responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for manufacturing systems and automation within the projects team, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, business, and user requirements.
  • Create detailed project plans outlining schedules, resource allocation, milestones, and deliverables for the automation and manufacturing systems scope.
  • Lead the design and development of control systems for manufacturing processes, ensuring accurate installation and compliance with safety, quality and sustainability objectives.
  • Integrate automation systems with digital applications, ensuring seamless connectivity between production, quality control, and data management.
  • Coordinate with procurement and project teams to select vendors, ensuring their solutions meet quality and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure consistency in automation design and execution between all Sanofi facilities, adhering to a uniform approach.
  • Identify and manage risks proactively, ensuring compliance with GMP and minimizing disruptions to project timelines and costs.

About you 

  • Experience: Proven track record of managing complex manufacturing systems involving automation, robotics, and advanced technologies, in the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Process Control Systems, SCADA, PLCs, and other automation technologies, with the ability to design and implement robust system integration architectures.
  • Education: A degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
  • Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication with stakeholders, leadership and cross-functional teams.
  • Languages: Proficiency in English is essential; additional language skills are a plus.

Why choose us?

  • At Sanofi, we believe in continuous learning and development. We encourage innovative thinking and welcome fresh ideas for process improvements and system optimizations.
  • An international work environment, in which you can develop your talent and realize ideas and innovations within a competent team.
  • An individual and well-structured introduction and training when you onboard.
  • You can create your own career path within Sanofi. Your professional and personal development will be supported purposefully.
  • As a globally successful and constantly growing company, Sanofi provides international career paths as well.
  • We offer a dynamic work environment where your contributions will have a direct impact.
  • 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.
  • Drive implementation science, powerful crowdsourcing and open innovation, discovering the ways to bring science to live faster, contributing to a patient first mindset.
  • 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.

PursueProgress. Discover Extraordinary.

Progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. You can be one of those people. Chasing change, embracing new ideas and exploring all the opportunities we have to offer. Let’s pursue Progress. And let’s discover Extraordinary together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to candidates who request consideration under the Scheme and meet the minimum requirements for this role.

If you have a disability and require adjustments for the interview process, please email us at diversity.recruitmentUKIE@sanofi.com. We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience for all applicants.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.

Progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. You can be one of those people. Chasing change, embracing new ideas and exploring all the opportunities we have to offer. Let’s pursue progress. And let’s discover extraordinary together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com

Apply now
Illustration of map pins on globe

Find out more about this location

Technician at work on machinery

Why work with us

  • We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.

  • Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.

  • Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.

  • We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.

All-in on diversity

At Sanofi, diverse perspectives fuel the best solutions for patients. Hear from Monique Vessey, our Supply Chain Transformation Leader, on how her background shapes her approach to delivering life-changing medicines.

icon of a speech bubble
"Manufacturing and Supply is the bridge between the science that happens in research laboratories and the people and communities we serve."

Brendan O’Callaghan

Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply

Discover more

Pharmaceutical workers operating machinery

Manufacturing & Supply Careers

Explore how Sanofi is transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chains with cutting-edge technology, digital innovation, and sustainable practices. Discover career opportunities where you can help deliver life-changing medicines efficiently and responsibly.

Learn more

Pharmaceutical workers operating machinery

Accelerating Biopharma Innovation with McLaren Racing

What do Formula 1 and biopharma have in common? Speed, precision, and a drive for excellence. Discover how Sanofi is partnering with McLaren Racing to transform drug development with cutting-edge performance science.

Our Formula for Success with McLaren Racing

Join our
talent community

What could we achieve together? Every Sanofian works on projects that truly make a difference to people’s lives.

Sign up today and discover our latest opportunities as soon as they’re available.