Head of Sustainability - Execution

ABOUT THE JOB

At Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, we have one shared mission – we work passionately, every day, to ‘serve healthier, fuller lives’ now and for the generations to come. In order to do so, we strive to act as a force for good by integrating sustainability throughout our business and operating responsibly from both a social and environmental point of view.

Everything we do is centered around people’s interests – our consumers, our customers, healthcare professionals, and our employees – across the world.

We are building loved brands that serve 1bn consumers worldwide, through our key platforms: Allergy, Physical & Mental Wellness, Pain, Digestive Wellness and Cough, Cold & Flu.

We aspire to become the best Fast Moving Consumer Health (FMCH) company in and for the world and we aim to build a work environment where people can thrive, grow, enjoy and be at their best.

Our Team

You will be part of the Global Sustainability team at Sanofi Consumer Healthcare (Sanofi CHC). Our objective is to deliver our ambitious sustainability strategy founded on 2 pillars: Healthier Society,  Healthier Planet. Find out more at Consumer Healthcare - Sanofi.

Main responsibilities

The Global Sustainability team is seeking a seasoned sustainability leader to operationalize Sanofi CHC’s sustainability strategy. Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, the leader will collaborate closely with key functions to execute against public targets and integrate sustainability principles into Sanofi CHC’s day-to-day operations, including Sanofi CHC’s brands.  The Head of Sustainability will:

• Set the strategic direction to operationalize Sanofi CHC’s sustainability strategy, working across material social and environmental topics and key functions to ensure meaningful progress against targets is made.

• Provide sustainability expertise and direction via tools, trainings and guidelines to embed and integrate sustainability consideration into all relevant business activities.

• Actively participate in Sanofi CHC’s sustainability governance, including key taskforces and working groups to accelerate progress and support implementation.

• Support the organization as it develops LCAs and robust, audit-ready sustainability data for internal and external purposes (e.g. claims, reporting).

• Engage as relevant with external partners to drive sustainability initiatives, partnerships, and community engagement.

• Stay current with emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in sustainability to ensure a best-in-class sustainability programme.

• Alongside the Sustainability Leadership Team, help lead the Sustainability function, providing vision, direction and team leadership.

ABOUT YOU

We believe that professionals with the following experience and skillsets are well-suited for this position:

Education

• Bachelors’ degree in relevant field (corporate responsibility, sustainability, environmental or social sciences, etc.); advanced degree preferred.

Skills/Experience

• 10+ years relevant experience in corporate sustainability leadership, driving sustainability execution and implementation.

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of sustainability topics across such as climate, circularity, water, human rights, DEI, responsible sourcing, etc.

• Strong understanding of international sustainability regulations and relevant standards (e.g. CSRD, EU Taxonomy, CSDDD, B Corp, etc.).

• Experience engaging with senior leadership and Boards.

• People and team management experience

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and trends, and derive actionable insights.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience driving organizational change, managing international teams.

• Preferred - Experience working in healthcare or fast-moving consumer products industries.

Organisational skills

• Excellent ability to multitask and consolidate an expansive array of sustainability topics and stakeholders.

• Excellent attention to detail, with a high level of accountability in work quality.

Communication

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to deliver concise, credible and impactful presentations to senior management.

• An ability to work with stakeholders at all levels, developing strong and collaborative working relationships.

Impact oriented

• A hands-on, can-do attitude combined with an ability to work strategically and seize opportunities.

• Ability to work at pace and deliver key milestones.

Desired traits

• Ability to see the big picture.

• An open mind, with an ability to pivot and flex as needed.

• An international mindset, preferably developed from living in several countries.

Languages

• Professional proficiency in English, both in understanding, speaking and writing.

• French preferred but not required.

Opella, the Consumer Healthcare business unit of Sanofi, is the purest and third-largest player globally in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market.  

We have an unshakable belief in the power of self-care and the role it can play in creating a healthier society and a healthier planet.

That’s why we want to make self-care as simple as it should be by being consumer-led always, with science at our core. 

Through our unique and balanced portfolio of more than 100 loved brands, including 15 global and local high-growth challengers such as Allegra, Dulcolax and Buscopan, we deliver our mission: helping more than half a billion consumers worldwide take their health in their hands.  

This mission is brought to life by an 11,000-strong team, 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites, and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. 

We are also proud to be the first major fast-moving consumer healthcare company to achieve B Corp certification. 

Join us on our mission. Health. In your hands.