Job title: Head - Data Governance

Location: Morristown, NJ or Cambridge, MA

You will join a strategic team within R&D Digital Data office that plays a pivotal role in helping Sanofi unlock the full potential of data across the R&D value chain. This team leads efforts to coordinate cross-R&D data governance, methodologies, processes, and frameworks for data collection and use - ultimately enabling and driving data innovation, efficiency gains, and quality and compliance across R&D.

As the Head of Data Governance for R&D, you will serve as the strategic leader accountable for defining and orchestrating data governance frameworks and data processes across the R&D organization, with a primary focus on clinical, portfolio, and CMC domains. You will define and champion the data playbook, frameworks, and change management strategy for the Federated DaaP (Data as a Product) operating model - enabling data transformation and AI-at-scale ambitions. You will ensure all data usage remains compliant with data use policies and processes while maximizing value through cross-functional collaboration with Digital R&D teams.

*Hybrid Schedule - 3 days per week onsite - required. *

Main Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Framework Development

• Define and orchestrate comprehensive data governance frameworks, best practices across clinical, portfolio, and CMC domains
• Champion the data playbook and Federated DaaP (Data as a Product) operating model, driving consistent and scalable governance practices
• Establish policies, standards, processes, and data community of practices that embed governance into the fabric of R&D data management
• Define data best practices, frameworks, and guidelines to ensure consistent and effective data governance across the organization

2. Data Excellence & FAIR Principles

• Drive adherence to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles and processes to maximize data utility and value across the data lifecycle
• Implement robust data quality frameworks and data observability practices to ensure data is fit for purpose
• Establish data risk classification methodologies and business metadata standards that enable trusted, governed data consumption
• Drive data lineage, cataloging, and discoverability initiatives to enhance transparency and traceability
• Partner with business, legal, compliance, data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital teams to embed governance processes and frameworks
• Engage with data producers, consumers, and stewards across the R&D value chain to ensure governance frameworks are practical and business-aligned
• Collaborate with development teams to drive adoption of Governance as Code (GaaC) and AI-powered governance tools that accelerate data capabilities - including data risk classification, business catalogues, data quality, and data observability
• Leverage automation and intelligent tooling to reduce manual governance overhead and increase scalability

3. Change Management & Adoption

• Lead the change management strategy for the federated data model and data community of practices, ensuring broad organizational adoption
• Foster a culture of data accountability, stewardship, and ownership across all levels of the organization
• Build and nurture cross-functional data governance communities of practices that empower data producers, consumers, and stewards
• Drive stakeholder engagement and adoption through targeted communication, training, and enablement programs
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure governance maturity, adoption, and business impact over time

About You

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Life Sciences, Data Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in R&D data governance, data lifecycle management, or related fields
• 5+ years in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Proven track record of implementing data governance frameworks and processes that drive cross-functional data trust, governance, and adoption in a regulated environment
• Experience governing large, complex data ecosystems in a regulated environment
• Strong leadership and global team management skills in a matrix environment
• Proficiency in data governance tools (e.g., Informatica) and modern data management platforms
• Deep expertise in data governance frameworks, data privacy regulations, and R&D standards and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to drive enterprise level change
• Significant experience in working with Clinical, Portfolio, and CMC data sets

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.

The salary range for this position is:
$206,250.00 - $297,916.66

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.