Head of Data Governance Products

Reference no. R2862708 

Position title: Head of Data Governance Products

Location: Toronto, ON

About the job

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Join Sanofi in one of our corporate functions 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 Products 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 Data products and management 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 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:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• 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 transformation of data governance from traditional compliance-focused approaches to product-centric, AI-ready data capabilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership 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

Product Development & Management

• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of innovative AI-Ready data products and platforms

• Manage the product lifecycle for data governance tools, 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

• Establish and maintain data governance standards, best practices, and operating procedures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Digital Pillar Leads (DPLs) across R&D, M&S, Commercial, and Corporate functions to implement data governance capabilities

• Work closely with Product Owners, Technical Data Stewards, and Business Data Stewards to ensure effective governance implementation

• Collaborate with Data Engineering teams, AI/ML teams, and business stakeholders to enable data-driven decision making

• Interface with Global Data Management Leads and Process Chairs to drive end-to-end process improvements

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

• Drive the adoption of responsible AI principles and ethical data use practices

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing team of data governance professionals, product managers, and technical specialists

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the data governance organization

• Provide mentorship and career development opportunities for team members

• Establish centers of excellence and communities of practice for data governance

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for data governance matters with Sanofi executive leadership and business stakeholders

• Present data governance strategies, Progress, and outcomes to senior management and board-level committees

• Build strong relationships with external partners, vendors, and industry experts in the data governance space

• Represent Sanofi at industry conferences and data governance forums

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 experience in data management, data governance, or related fields

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and complex technology initiatives

• Proven track record in product management and platform development, including demonstrated launches

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of 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

• 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 portfolio line leader, including management of teams of Product Owners, Analysts, Scrum Masters

• Experience in agile methodologies and product management frameworks

• Proven ability to drive organizational change and adoption of 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.​

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.