Job Title: Operational Excellence Leader
Main ResponsibilitiesSolution Design & Delivery:
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops with R&D Functions and stakeholders to map, streamline, and standardize processes, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities
- Develop comprehensive project plans, deliverables, and success metrics for each consulting engagement
- Design and implement change management strategies that ensure stakeholder buy-in and sustainable adoption
- Provide expert guidance on digital/IA solution selection, deployment, and optimization to maximize value realization
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
- Communicate effectively across all organizational levels, translating complex concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences
- Facilitate alignment of improvement initiatives with R&D strategic priorities through structured stakeholder engagement
- Present findings, recommendations, and progress updates to senior leadership and steering committees
- Navigate matrix organizations to influence decision-making and drive consensus among diverse stakeholder groups
Performance Monitoring & Value Realization:
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational efficiency and demonstrate consulting impact
- Monitor engagement progress, proactively identify and remove roadblocks, and challenge teams to achieve breakthrough results
- Conduct post-implementation reviews to validate value delivery and identify continuous improvement opportunities
- Document lessons learned and best practices to enhance consulting methodologies and organizational knowledge
Knowledge Transfer & Capability Building:
- Coach and mentor R&D staff on lean methodologies, process improvement techniques, and change management best practices
- Design and deliver training programs that build internal capability and reinforce sustainable change
- Develop and continuously optimize standards, playbooks, and toolkits based on engagement insights and client feedback
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement through knowledge sharing and capability development
About You Basic QualificationsYou will gain exposure to enterprise-level transformation topics and contribute directly to shaping the execution and realization of Sanofi R&D's strategic priorities. You will operate with independence, executive maturity, and strong analytical rigor, balancing objective challenges with collaborative partnership to drive sustainable change.
Experience:
- Experience: 10+ years in operational excellence consulting, internal consulting, or advisory roles, preferably within pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D environment
- Stakeholder Management: Proven track record of managing multiple stakeholder engagements simultaneously and delivering measurable results
- Project Delivery: Demonstrated success leading end-to-end projects from diagnostic through implementation and value realization
- Change Leadership: Strong exposure to change management methodologies, stakeholder engagement strategies, and digital transformation initiatives
- Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of pharmaceutical R&D operations, regulatory environments, and industry best practices
Soft Skills:
- Consulting Mindset: Client-focused approach with strong business acumen and ability to balance strategic thinking with pragmatic execution
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build trusted advisor relationships, influence without authority in matrix organizations, and navigate complex political landscapes
- Adaptability & Agility: High degree of flexibility to work across multiple projects, adjust to changing priorities, and thrive in ambiguous environments
- Leadership & Influence: Capacity to drive initiatives and decision-making, shape vision, challenge status quo with innovation and pragmatism, and inspire trust
- Coaching & Development: Strong mentoring abilities with capacity to develop people, provide structured feedback, and build organizational capability
- Autonomy & Initiative: Self-directed with ability to take calculated risks, anticipate potential issues, and drive results with minimal supervision
Technical Skills:
- Methodology Expertise: Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies (FIT4Future); ability to select and adapt approaches based on client context
- Functional Knowledge: Excellent understanding of R&D processes, value chains, and operational dynamics
- Analytical Capabilities: Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights
- Financial Acumen: Solid financial analysis and management accounting knowledge to quantify business cases and demonstrate ROI
- Solution Design: Proven ability to design tailored solutions that address root causes and deliver sustainable impact
Education:
- Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree in a scientific field, engineering, business administration, or related discipline; MBA or advanced degree a plus
Languages:
Desired Skills:
- Familiarity with R&D processes and regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, advanced Excel)
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
- Experience with digital transformation and AI/automation solution deployment
The salary range for this position is:
$161,250.00 - $232,916.66
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.
