AI-Enabled Early Operational Strategy Lead

Job Title: AI-Enabled Early Operational Strategy Leader

Location: Cambridge, MA Morristown, NJ

About the Job

Are you ready to shape the future of medicine? The race is on to speed up drug discovery and development to find answers for patients and their families. Your skills could be critical in helping our teams accelerate progress.

We are at the forefront of digital transformation in clinical operations, leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to revolutionize how we prepare and execute clinical studies. Our team is passionate about using data-driven approaches to accelerate drug development and ultimately improve patient outcomes. We work in a collaborative, innovative environment where your AI expertise will directly impact the efficiency and success of our clinical trials.

We are seeking an initiative-taking and experienced AI-Enabled Early Operations Strategy Leader to support the digital transformation of preparation for clinical studies. This role will be pivotal in driving innovation and efficiency in our processes for providing tailored operational insights and strategies.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of current digital technologies and innovations as well as direct experience implementing these related roadmaps, including experience in methodology to assess business case, go-no go stage gates, and ROI. The incumbent must have strong leadership and change management skills, and a passion for delivering transformative approaches for our patients.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

• Influences and leads critical elements of the digital transformation of early operations strategy.

• Leads the development of AI-powered prescriptive models that not only identify what will happen but determine the optimal course of action to achieve desired outcomes, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and strategic planning capabilities.

• Rotates through the roles within the Early Operations Strategy organization to identify and rapidly propose and deploy solutions to transform our clinical trial preparation activities globally.

• This person will serve as a catalyst for digital change within the organization and offer expert perspectives on potential solutions and changes for ways of working.

• Through the early generation of operational insights to support indication-level and study-level planning, organizing and execution of clinical studies, this person will assess firsthand areas for change.

• Develop a transformation plan to solve shared challenges or develop / propose digital solutions.

• Transform Early Operations Strategy for increased efficiency, modernization, and acceleration to support our future ambitions.

• Contribute to Sanofi’s commitment to accelerate the development of new drugs for all patients through our clinical trials.

• Lead the identification and implementation of AI-powered solutions to transform early operations strategy.

• Drive digital innovation by assessing business cases, establishing go/no-go criteria, and measuring ROI for AI initiatives.

• Coordinate data-driven feasibility activities including eHealth records analyses, site identification, and enrolment modelling.

• Develop and support the implementation of AI solutions that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of our clinical trial planning.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI technologies into operational workflows.

• Evaluate and select AI vendors, managing relationships and overseeing implementation.

• Present data-driven insights to study teams and leadership to inform strategic decision-making.

• Stay current with emerging AI technologies and industry trends, identifying opportunities for application.

• Lead and oversee the strategic management of indications, programs, and/or studies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital adoption across the organization.

About You

Education:

• Master’s Degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least 3 years of experience with identification and implementation of AI-enabled solutions in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries.

Experience:

• Experience in the conduct of clinical trials or related experience is highly valued.

• Strong English communication skills (verbal and written).

• Proven track record implementing AI/ML solutions in clinical development or healthcare settings.

• Experience building business cases and measuring ROI for digital transformation initiatives.

• Demonstrated success in leading change management for technology implementations.

Technical skills:

• Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies and their practical applications in pharmaceutical clinical operations.

• Data science expertise with ability to translate complex analyses into actionable insights.

• Proficiency with digital tools for data visualization and communication.

• Knowledge of clinical development processes and regulatory considerations.

Soft skills:

• Strategic thinking with ability to identify opportunities for digital innovation.

• Exceptional communication skills to explain technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

• Collaborative leadership style that inspires teams to embrace new technologies.

• Problem-solving mindset with focus on practical, impactful solutions.

• Adaptability to navigate evolving technologies and changing business needs.

• Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence by skilfully navigating interpersonal relationships, adapting communication style to different audiences, resolving conflicts constructively, and fostering a positive team environment.

• Skilled at mobilizing diverse stakeholders toward common goals by establishing trust, articulating compelling visions, and creating mutual value in matrix environments where formal authority is limited.

Core knowledge, competencies & skills:

• Digital: Advanced

• Leadership skills: Intermediate

• Risk Management skills: Intermediate

• Project Management skills: Intermediate

• Scientific Background: Intermediate

• Business Acumen: Advanced

• Clinical Development Knowledge: Intermediate

• Problem Solving skills: Advanced

• Change Management skills: Advanced

• Emotional Intelligence: Advanced

• Vendor Management skills: Intermediate

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.

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.

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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.