R&D - Head of China Research -Suzhou

JOB PURPOSE

The position is responsible for driving and managing an organization’s efforts to foster and harness innovation through strategic collaborations with external partners, including startups, biotech firms, universities, research institutions, and other key stakeholders. This leadership role is pivotal in identifying innovation opportunities that enrich and accelerate the Global Research portfolio while maximizing value capture from the local ecosystem. The role supports the organization in leveraging external innovation to enhance competitiveness and long-term growth of R&D pipeline.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Implement the strategic vision of Sanofi Center for Open Innovation in alignment with Global R&D pipeline strategy and Research Therapeutic Areas’s directions
• Build and lead a high-performing team dedicated to driving innovation and identifying and assessing (including validating) external opportunities to fueld global portfolio/pipeline
• Establish SMART goals to concretely measure the success
• Manage the budget and resources of the Center effectively, ensuring efficient allocation of funding to high-potential and high priority programs and activities.

Innovation Program Establishment and Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

• Lead the center to

  identify, establish, and manage partnerships with external partners, e.g. startups, biotech companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and other external entities.

  scout and evaluate for breakthrough opportunities, in the form of assets, technologies and/or targets/MoAs to create opportunities for Sanofi global portfolio enrichment

  map and analyze market trends and field evolution to recommend emerging, innovative opportunities

• Oversee the execution of innovation programs, initiatives, and projects within the center, ensuring full alignment with Global Reserch priorities
• Foster an internal culture of practical innovation by facilitating cross-functional teams and projects aimed at exploring new technologies, business models, and processes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for open innovation activities with external partners.
• Create opportunities for collaboration, co-creation, and knowledge exchange with external partners to accelerate innovation, facilitating global Research TA achieving the portfolio goals

Collaboration with Internal Teams:

• Ensure open communication and close collaboration with Global Research TAs and Platforms to guarantee alignment with global strategies and efforts, creating seamless synergy.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices for innovation across the organization.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Regularly report on the progress and outcomes of innovation initiatives to senior management.
• Provide insights and recommendations to Global Research TAs and the senior management team on potential growth opportunities based on external innovations.
• Oversee the protection and management of intellectual property arising from collaborative innovation projects.
• Ensure that legal agreements and IP rights are in place with external partners to safeguard the company’s interests.

Education

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences (or M.S. with additional 5 year industrial experience)
• MBA (highly desirable)

Experience & knowledge

• Strategic thinker with an eye for breakthrough opportunities and a track record of turning innovative ideas into successful value propositions, e.g. deals, services, collaborations, etc.
• Strong understanding of China innovation ecosystems and dynamics, including VC, startup, academic, CRO and research hospitals
• Extensive first-hand experience in drug discovery, with deep insights into R&D processes, organiational management, and strong engagement with the biotech sector and the Chinese innovation ecosystem.
• Excellent leadership and communication (esp. oral presentation) skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across internal business partuers (e.g. Finance, HR, ITS, Communication, Legal, etc.) and external partners.
• Experience in managing IP, legal frameworks, and partnership agreements is a plus.
• Experience in newco formation is a plus.

Skills

• Strategic and creative thinking
• Ability to see and navigate overall strategic direction AND drive execution (scientific and technical) execellence
• Ability of building effective relationships with internal and external partners
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) and interact with people at different levels and from various background
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively