Head of Sustainability - Strategy & Governance

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 dynamic and experienced sustainability leader to drive the development and implementation of Sanofi CHC’s sustainability strategy. Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, the leader will also develop and oversee the governance framework required to deliver on the strategy, continuous improvement of sustainability practices across Sanofi CHC, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements. The Head of Sustainability will:

• Develop and update Sanofi CHC’s forward-thinking sustainability strategy, aligning with Sanofi CHC’s core values, business strategy, regulatory requirements including CSRD, and industry best practices.  This includes the development of public-facing targets and roadmaps for implementation.

• Oversee sustainability reporting, B Corp certification, and stay current with emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in sustainability to ensure Sanofi CHC’s practices remain cutting-edge.

• Lead the design and implementation of sustainability governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure effective management and reporting of sustainability performance.  Key supporting actions:

  • Maintain overview of the portfolio of sustainability initiatives across the business.

  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, develop and maintain dashboards to track performance.

  • Ensure Sanofi CHC has the right governance and setup to collect, aggregate, validate and publicly disclose sustainability data, working closely with Finance.

  • Drive the operationalization of the Sustainability Steering Committee alongside the Chief Sustainability Officer.

  • Prepare presentation and reports on key topics for senior leadership and governance.

  • Conduct regular assessments of sustainability initiatives to ensure continuous improvement, and infuse best demonstrated practices into the organization.

• Collaborate with key functions across Sanofi CHC to integrate sustainability considerations into business activities.

• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including investors, regulators, NGOs, and community groups to enhance our sustainability credentials and reputation.

• Educate and inspire employees at all levels to foster a culture of sustainability throughout the organization and mobilize employees regarding their role in helping Sanofi CHC achieve its sustainability targets.

• 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, developing and implementing sustainability strategies.

• 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.), and an eye for robust sustainability reporting.

• Experience engaging with senior leadership and Boards; close engagement with investor relations preferred.

• 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.