
SMS Area Lead- Vaccines
Toronto, Canada Permanent Posted on Mar. 03, 2025 Closing on Mar. 17, 2025Reference No. R2787406
Position Title: SMS Area Lead
Department: Manufacturing Excellence Performance
Location: Toronto, Ontario,
About the Job
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.
Sanofi Manufacturing and Supply is starting an accelerated journey for all our sites to improve performance using the SMS 2.0 Framework. The role is to drive Industrial excellence to achieve the Process Centric Unit’s (PCU’s) Strategy and Ambition. The Level 2 Continuous Improvement Specialist brings a high level of expertise and leadership in lean methodology, industrial performance, digital solutions, transformation, and change management.
The main impact expected for the CI Specialist is to support Continuous Improvement projects and work as business partner with his area to reach the targeted level of performance and achieve the strategy.
We are an innovative global healthcare company that helps the world stay ahead of infectious diseases by delivering more than 500 million vaccine doses a year. Across different countries, our talented teams are exploring new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. We chase the miracles of science every single day, pursuing progress to make a real impact on millions of patients around the world.
Main Responsibilities:
Sanofi Manufacturing System (SMS 2.0) Deployment and Sustainment
Support and Alignment: Support the deployment and maturity of the Sanofi Manufacturing System (SMS) 2.0 Standards to manufacturing units and support functions. Ensure alignment with Global SMS 2.0 standards, including continuous improvement and replication of best practices across departments.
Process Confirmation and Sustainment: Ensure process confirmation and sustainment of SMS standards through planning, ownership, follow-up, and prioritization.
Training and Coaching: Provide training, education, and coaching on SMS standards and Lean tools. Promote a performance and data-driven mindset on the shopfloor.
Manufacturing Excellence Routine Activities
Mindset and Culture Change: Drive the change of mindset and culture related to continuous improvement and learning organization network.
Continuous Improvement: Identify, understand, and lead/support execution of site priorities and continuous improvement objectives. Assist in identifying, quantifying, and improving business opportunities.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI): Assist in establishing KPIs and performance standards, challenging leading vs. lagging indicators, and coaching the behaviors they drive.
Improvement Methodologies: Ensure teams utilize appropriate improvement methodologies (SMS, Lean, Six Sigma) and provide necessary training on tools and applications.
Tool Utilization: Oversee the operation of SMS and related tools (e.g., +QDCI, DCM, VSB, Obeya, Process Confirmation, Standard Agenda, Skills Matrix, Gemba Walks, 5S, OEE) within functional areas to ensure proper utilization and effectiveness.
Sustainable Results: Ensure sustainable results through change management and pragmatic control plans. Lead waste elimination efforts to build operator skills in identifying and eliminating waste.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Instill a continuous improvement mindset throughout the organization with a standardized approach. Work with business leaders to identify process gaps for inclusion in continuous improvement plans.
Digital Transformation: Ensure the effective use of digital tools to transform site operations. Stay informed about new standards, methods, and approaches, and contribute to standard definitions where possible.
Cross-Site Best Practices: Support and leverage cross-site sharing of best practices. Build and deepen overall business acumen to provide deep problem-solving expertise across various business topics.
About You
Requirements
Education, Experience & Certifications
Minimum:
Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Engineering or similar discipline.
10-15 years of experience in Lean concepts implementation, Operational roles, or manufacturing in Pharma, Automotive.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Preferred:
Master's Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering or similar discipline.
8-10 years of experience in Lean concepts implementation, Operational roles, or manufacturing in Pharma, Automotive.
Lean & Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Experience in team leadership would be an advantage
Experience in Project management would be an advantage
Competencies
Experience: Continuous Improvement Specialist has experience in process improvement, lean methodologies, and project management.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills are essential for identifying inefficiencies and proposing effective solutions.
Collaboration: The ability to work collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders.
Continuous Learning: Staying updated on industry best practices and.
SMS certification intermediate level within 6 months
Knowledge on Lean problem-solving methodologies and Root-cause Analysis (such as GPS3) is needed.
Knowledge in Lean Manufacturing and experience in partaking in transformation programs (such as Fit4) would be advantageous.
Good functional knowledge on PCU operational/functional processes
Ability to analyze and make data driven proposals.
Ability to coordinate multiple CI programs
Capability in data analysis and diagnostics
Good knowledge of plant operations
Strong communication skills (Oral, Written and presentation).
Ability to influence at all levels
High level of autonomy
Problem Solving-solving skills
Strong Computer Literacy (Advanced PowerPoint, Excel, and Word)
Knowledge or experience with PowerBI is an advantage.
Personal Characteristics
Independent, open-minded thinker and a good active listener.
Energetic in the pursuit of improved processes and ultimately of improved performance.
Analytical and thorough in the completion of their work.
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 new vacant role that is now open for applications.
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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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
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