Skip to main content
Two women in white lab coats look at a computer screen together

SMS Area Lead- Vaccines

Toronto, Canada Permanent Posted on   Mar. 03, 2025 Closing on   Mar. 17, 2025
Apply now

Reference 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.

#GD-SP ​
#LI-SP                    

#LI-Onsite​

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
  • You have not viewed any jobs yet.

  • You have not saved any jobs yet.

Man at whiteboard pointing to presentation and looking at coworker

Developing
our talent

We believe better is out there – and that extends to how we support people. Our People Strategy prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency in talent development. It’s allowed us to chart personalized plans to keep employees and managers on the same page when it comes to training and succession planning. From upskilling to mentorship, we prepare our teams with the resources they need to pursue progress.

Illustration of map pins on globe

Find out more about this location

Experience possibility

  • Your Saved Jobs

    Learn more
  • Cambridge Crossing

    We're bringing together 2,500 people from across our organization — R&D, Medical, Commercial and Global colleagues all working to realize the power of collaboration.

    Learn more
  • Innovation in Action

    Our flexible lab of the future will transform how we conduct research, while our innovation center will be fully integrated with existing R&D locations.

    Learn more
  • Sustainable and Green

    Our new facility was built to minimize the environmental impact — helping protect our planet and people. Using resources efficiently, we're providing greener, healthier workspaces.

    Learn more
  • Sanofi’s AI Centre of Excellence in Toronto

    The Centre is focused on using leading technologies to develop world-class data and artificial intelligence (AI) products to create value for the health sector.

    Learn more
  • Ama

    Ama puts her project management techniques and ServiceNow knowledge to use to help advance Sanofi’s Digital Data operating model. Learn how our team connects data and AI to do what’s never been done before.

    Learn more
  • Sanofi Canada's Philanthropic Efforts

    By chasing the miracles of science to improve people’s lives, we surprise ourselves with what we can achieve. Our team is humbled by the impact our efforts make.

    Learn more
  • Emmanuel

    Emmanuel, Head of the Sanofi Digital Accelerator, shares how his team builds digital solutions that enable patients to receive new treatments to help improve their lives.

    Learn more
  • Dimitrije

    Dimitrije shares insights into the work carried out by the AI Centre of Excellence in Toronto.

    Learn more
  • Ziv

    Read Ziv's first-hand account describing the reasons he chose to join Sanofi – and many of the reasons why he now chooses to stay.

    Learn more
  • When you grow, we all grow

    We strive to support your whole self with thoughtfully crafted rewards that benefit you physically, financially, mentally and socially. Whatever your role, you'll thrive in our inclusive teams.

    Learn more
  • Build a career with purpose

    Bring your passion to your role and impact millions of people around the world. You're in the driver's seat – just set your goals, and we'll provide the training and support that will get you there.

    Learn more
  • Bolder, better futures

    Change your life. And the lives of millions around the globe. How? By starting a career where you're supported to grow, while having a tangible impact and learning from the best.

    Learn more
  • Our locations

    We're in 60+ countries, all pulling together to define the future of healthcare. Wherever you work, you'll develop your career alongside experts, using technology to chase bigger breakthroughs.

    Learn more
  • Sanofi Stories

    At Sanofi every voice matters. Get to know the talented Sanofians shaping our future and pushing us toward our ambitious goals.

    Learn more
  • Sanofi at Cambridge Crossing

    Dubbed Sanofi at Cambridge Crossing, our new state-of-the-art facility will create an innovation hub promoting close collaboration and integration among business units. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to chasing the miracles of science that improve people’s lives.

    Learn more
  • Why Sanofi

    Get access to the tools, training, and support to reach your goals. By fulfilling your potential, you’ll help us achieve our aim of halving the time from discovery to therapy.

    Learn more
  • Our people & culture

    We're the first in Pharma to have a DE&I board. We also have Employee Resource Groups that create spaces for every Sanofian to be heard. Your voice matters – use it to shape our future.

    Learn more
  • Sanofi's Postdoctoral Program

    Designed for high-caliber Ph.D. graduates, Sanofi's Postdoctoral Program helps you advance your scientific career in a state-of-the-art environment.

    Learn more
  • Physician Careers at Sanofi

    At Sanofi, physicians like you have the opportunity to collaborate on new ideas and challenge established thinking. Learn about Physician careers here.

    Learn more
  • AI Centre of Excellence

    The AI Centre of Excellence at Sanofi is a unique data-driven team based in Downtown Toronto. We pride ourselves on being data-obsessed and highly focused on using state-of-the-art technologies to drive global impact.

    Learn more
  • Learn more

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.