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Head of mRNA CoE Strategy, Innovation and Performance

Waltham, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Who we are

Every day, 2.5 million Sanofi vaccine doses reach patients worldwide - powered by bold ideas, cutting-edge science, and passionate people like you. Across every stage — from discovery to delivery — Sanofians are shaping the future of vaccines. In global R&D hubs, exceptional offices, and state-of-the-art manufacturing sites, we’re reimagining what’s possible. But science alone isn’t enough — it’s the extraordinary minds behind it that truly make the difference.

Job title: Head of mRNA CoE Strategy, Innovation and Performance - Vaccines

Location: Waltham, MA or Cambridge, MA

About the Job

At Sanofi, we believe in a world in which no one suffers or dies from vaccine-preventable diseases. And while the pandemic has shaken up our industry, creating new opportunities and risks, we believe the acceleration of innovation with mRNA technology means vaccines for more people faster than before.

That’s why we’re looking for bold, optimistic world-changers to join the team at our mRNA Center of Excellence. We’re investing €400m a year into the new Center, hiring a team of 400 dedicated employees for it and using it as the foundation to implement integrated end-to-end mRNA vaccine capabilities and research with R&D, digital and CMC teams.

Join our MRNA center of excellence team as Head of mRNA CoE Strategy, Innovation and Performance. In this critical role, you will be part of the mRNA CoE leadership team, driving strategic planning and aligning business units' needs with mRNA technology. You will liaise with the Vaccines Innovation Franchise to integrate Sanofi Vaccines strategy into CoE plans. You will coordinate the CoE scientific strategy, identify new innovation areas, and develop the innovation roadmap. Additionally, you will manage partnerships and collaborations with Sanofi Vaccines CSO and CoE functional heads. You will implement capabilities for governmental contracts and funding, such as the IPCEI Med4Cure project. You will steer strategic initiatives to maintain the CoE's competitive edge and act as Deputy Head, advising on complex topics and advocating for innovative initiatives. Deputy Head of the mRNA CoE, you will advise on complex issues, influence stakeholders, and promote innovative initiatives.

Key accountabilities

CoE strategy and competitive intelligence: develop a strategic business plan to position the mRNA platform within the company and integrate new areas of innovation in collaboration with functional heads, drive strategic decisions using competitive intelligence, develop threat assessments, and communicate growth opportunities to key stakeholders.

CoE strategic planning, optimization, and performance: enhance performance and efficiency through scenario planning based on strategic orientations, resource allocation, and robust KPI tracking, while aligning priorities and collaborating with key stakeholders.

Strategic Project Management: Evolve mRNA CoE organization, implement project referentials, set leadership priorities, lead transversal topics, and drive a cultural shift towards agility and flexibility

Innovation, Partnerships and funding: ensure governmental funding plan execution (EU Med4Cure), manage the innovation roadmap, lead scientific external communication and collaborations, develop partnerships, and secure external funding to maintain its competitive advantage.

About you:

Education and experience:

  • Master's Degree or PhD in Life sciences or Engineering school and /or Business School 

  • +15y experience in life sciences, healthcare industry or equivalent 

  • Strategic consultant/strategic planning experience in a Private or Governmental set up is a plus

  • Proven track record to effectively partner with leaders in scientific/technical/business organizations and navigate through complex projects at scale in a highly matrixial environment (R&D, M&S, ComOps, Strategy ….)

Qualifications

  • Demonstrates strong problem-solving, analytical, strategic, and project management skills, with experience in agile methodologies and the ability to lead significant organizational change.

  • Exhibits excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building abilities, with a flexible approach to navigating ambiguity and a high level of enthusiasm for the mRNA CoE’s mission.

Language requirements

  • Fluent in English / French is a plus 

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.

  • Play an instrumental part in creating best practice within our manufacturing facility

PursueProgress. 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 our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

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.

#GD-SP ​
#LI-SP    

#LI-Hybrid

#mRNA
#vhd

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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.

What does it take to protect the world from disease?

For over a century, we’ve been pioneering breakthroughs that help protect millions from diseases like polio, influenza, RSV, and more. And we’re not stopping there.

Powered by groundbreaking technologies - mRNA platforms, recombinant proteins, and AI-driven insights - we’re pushing the boundaries of science.

"I’m immensely proud of the pace of our innovation – the urgency by which our teams are working to transform the practice of medicine."
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Thomas Triomphe

Executive Vice President, Vaccines

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Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence

Step into the future of healthcare with Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence. Discover how a global team is transforming medicine with cutting-edge mRNA technology – and explore the skills, inspirations, and breakthroughs driving this revolution. Ready to shape the future?

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About Sanofi Vaccines

Explore our commitment to protecting global health through the power of vaccines. We’re building healthier communities with innovative solutions that save millions of lives each year. Dive into the future of vaccines, discover the diseases we’re tackling, and learn why vaccination is critical at every stage of life.

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