Head of Data Governance - Product Line

Reference no. R2862708 

Position title: Head of Data Governance - Product Line

Location: Toronto, ON

About the job

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Join Sanofi Digital Data & AI and you can play a vital part in the performance of our entire business while helping to make an impact on millions around the world.  

The Head of Data Governance Product Line is a strategic Digital leadership role responsible for driving the development, implementation, and evolution of data governance products and platforms across Sanofi's global operations. We are looking for a senior Digital Product leader, who will play a critical role in continuing evolution of our enterprise-wide AI-ready data capabilities, ensuring data trustworthiness, and establishing data governance standards that support Sanofi's mission to chase the miracles of science.

As a senior member of the Digital Data & AI team, he/she will report directly to the Global Head of Data, AI, Governance Platforms. This role will closely work with multiple transversal Digital teams across Sanofi's value chain, as well as key business stakeholders (including, but not limited to, legal, privacy, cybersecurity, compliance and various business data office teams), and will have exposure to Sanofi executive committee leadership in accountability for enterprise-wide Data Governance.

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. 

*Hybrid Schedule - 3 days per week onsite - required. *

Main Responsibilities:

Product Ownership

• Bring a product-first mindset to Data Governance ecosystem within Sanofi
• Own the design, development, and deployment of innovative Digital products that will enable and accelerate AI-Readiness of data within Sanofi
• Manage the lifecycle for data governance products and platforms, ensuring they meet business requirements and regulatory compliance standards
• Drive innovation in data governance technologies, including metadata management, data lineage, data quality frameworks, and automated governance solutions
• Collaborate with DevOps, Platform, Software and Data Engineering team members, and business stakeholders to build and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions

Strategic Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for data governance products and platforms across all business units (R&D, Clinical, M&S, Commercial, Corporate)
• Lead the Data Governance transformation from traditional compliance-focused approaches to product-centric, AI-Ready data capabilities
• Drive change management with senior Digital and Business leaders to align data governance initiatives with business objectives and digital transformation goals
• Champion the adoption of AI-Ready Data Charter principles and standards across the organization
• Work closely with Product Owners, Technical Data Stewards, and Business Data Stewards to ensure effective governance implementation

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all data governance products comply with regulatory requirements, data privacy laws, and Sanofi's internal policies
• Establish data quality frameworks and monitoring capabilities across priority datasets
• Implement enterprise data governance with clear ownership, roles, and responsibilities per domain
• Manage enterprise-wide data readiness compliance risks through collaboration with various business teams and risk and compliance groups

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing team of product owners, and technical data governance specialists
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the AI-Ready Data Product Line
• Provide mentorship and career development opportunities for team members

About You

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• BS - Data Science, Business Analytics, Information Management, Business Administration, or related field - required. Master's Degree - preferred.
• 10+ years of demonstrated Digital products or platforms ownership; data & AI products background
• 10+ years of experience in data & AI technologies, data management, data governance, or related fields
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and complex technology initiatives
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of agile product discovery, build and delivery
• Strong background in data governance and management frameworks, methodologies, and best practices
• Experience with modern data platforms, cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP), and data mesh architectures
• Experience with AI/ML platforms, Agentic systems, LLM technologies, CI/CD workflows, agile product build and release cycles
• Knowledge of data quality tools, metadata management systems, and data lineage technologies
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, FDA, GxP, etc.)

Leadership & Business Skills

• Highly curious and strong problem-solving aptitude
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to influence at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated experience as a product line leader, including management of teams of Product Owners, Analysts, Scrum Masters
• Proven ability to drive organizational change and adopt new technologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Key Competencies:

• Thought Leadership: Ability to envision and articulate the future of AI-Readiness for Enterprise Data
• Problem Solving Acumen: Curiosity to understand pain points, and drive to solve tough business problems
• Communication and Change Management: Proven ability to drive organizational transformation, and communicate at executive levels
• Collaboration: Strong partnership and relationship-building skills
• Innovation: Relentless drive to explore new technologies and approaches
• Results Orientation: Focus on delivering measurable business outcomes

Industry Background:

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or highly regulated industries preferred
• Understanding of clinical data, regulatory submissions, drug development and manufacturing processes preferred
• Knowledge of healthcare data standards and interoperability requirements preferred.

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. 

This position is for a current vacant role that we are actively hiring for.​

AI Usage

"Artificial Intelligence” refers to any systems that use automated processes, including algorithms and machine learning, to analyze data and make predictions, inferences, decisions, or recommendations without direct human involvement. These systems may process personal information to identify patterns, improve services, or support decision-making. The Company may use Artificial Intelligence for purposes including, but not limited to, resume screening and hiring, scheduling interviews or meetings, conducting surveys, matching skills with potential job openings, interview scoring, ensuring compliance with regulations applicable to our industry, and activities related to performance evaluation. Information collected and processed by the Company’s Artificial Intelligence systems may include the personal information detailed above and calendar availability. It excludes the information collected and processed for monitoring purposes. You should contact Human Resources if you have a question or concern regarding your personal information. You can also contact Canada’s Privacy Officer via Sanofi’s data subject request portal,  Data Subject Rights Webform. The Data Subject Rights Webform can also be used to request access or correction of your personal information and file a complaint. 

Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants.  Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

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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.

Toute compensation sera déterminée en fonction de l'expérience démontrée. Les employés peuvent être admissibles à participer aux programmes d'avantages sociaux de l'entreprise. Des informations supplémentaires sur les avantages sociaux peuvent être trouvées ici.