Manufacturing and Supply
Where the
miracles of
science are made
a reality for patients
Director of Packaging Operations
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.
Job Title: Director of Packaging Operations
Location: Swiftwater, PA
About the Job
Join Sanofi's Manufacturing & Supply (M&S) organization as Director of Packaging at our premier Swiftwater facility, where you'll lead cutting-edge packaging operations that deliver life-saving vaccines to patients worldwide. This strategic leadership role offers the opportunity to drive digital transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable manufacturing practices while leading a world-class team in one of the industry's most advanced packaging environments.
As Director of Packaging within the Formulation, Filling, Inspection, and Packaging (FFIP) platform, you will serve as a key member of the M&S leadership team, driving strategic initiatives that directly impact global vaccine supply. This role combines operational leadership with strategic vision, positioning you at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation while ensuring patients receive safe, effective vaccines when they need them most.
We deliver 4.3 billion healthcare solutions to people every year, thanks to the flawless planning and meticulous eye for detail of our Manufacturing & Supply teams. With your talent and ambition, we can do even more to protect people from infectious diseases and bring hope to patients and their families
Main Responsibilities
• Reports to: FFIP Platform Head
• Direct Reports: Packaging PCU Leads, Managers, and Building Owner/HSE Champion
• Matrix Relationships: Cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Global teams
• Budget Responsibility: Multi-million dollar packaging operations budget
Operational Excellence Leadership:
• Lead state-of-the-art packaging operations featuring two fully integrated vial and syringe lines with advanced serialization capabilities, converting bulk products to finished pallets in a single, seamless process
• Drive 24x7 manufacturing excellence across packaging, DP logistics, and staging operations, ensuring optimal equipment effectiveness and throughput
• Champion digital transformation initiatives by strategically implementing robotics, automation, AI tools, and Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance operational efficiency
• Ensure regulatory compliance with cGMP standards, FDA requirements, and international regulatory frameworks across all packaging activities
Strategic Business Partnership :
• Execute product launches for US, European, and international markets, ensuring flawless market introduction of critical vaccines
• Lead capital investment projects and technology transfers, driving ROI optimization and operational capability enhancement
• Collaborate with Global Device Unit and technical teams to resolve complex packaging challenges and implement innovative solutions
• Drive sustainability initiatives including eco-friendly packaging materials, waste reduction, and energy-efficient processes
People Leadership & Development:
• Cultivate high-performing teams through supportive leadership, coaching, and development of packaging professionals across all levels
• Foster inclusive culture that leverages diverse perspectives and promotes psychological safety, innovation, and continuous learning
• Implement talent development strategies including succession planning, cross-functional assignments, and technical skill advancement
• Champion safety culture ensuring zero-harm workplace practices and comprehensive risk management
Cross-Functional Collaboration :
• Serve on FFIP Management Committee providing packaging expertise to drive integrated decision-making and shared accountability
• Partner with Manufacturing Excellence teams to implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Collaborate with Quality teams to ensure product integrity and maintain the highest quality standards throughout packaging operations
About You
Education / Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business administration, Operations Management, or related fields.
• MBA, Masters degree in Engineering or related fields - preferred
• 12+ years of progressive pharmaceutical manufacturing or medical devices experience with demonstrated expertise in packaging operations.
• 7+ years of people leadership experience, including managing managers in complex manufacturing environments
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational improvements and digital transformation initiatives
• Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical packaging technologies, serialization systems, and track-and-trace requirements
• Expertise in cGMP compliance, FDA regulations, and international pharmaceutical quality standards
• Experience with advanced packaging equipment including high-speed filling lines, inspection systems, and automated packaging solutions
• Proficiency in manufacturing systems (MES, ERP, LIMS) and data analytics tools for operational decision-making
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business objectives into operational excellence
• Change leadership experience driving digital transformation and process optimization initiatives
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
• Results orientation with proven ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget
Additional preferred qualifications :
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Experience with vaccine manufacturing or sterile product packaging operations
• International assignment experience or global manufacturing exposure
• Sustainability program leadership experience in manufacturing environments
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.
Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and 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, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
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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.
"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
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