About the Job

Context: As part of Sanofi's initiative to standardize processes and drive digital transformation across Manufacturing & Supply, this role is crucial in orchestrating the lifecycle management of MES systems, including the MARS (MES Accelerated Roadmap @ Sanofi) implementations across multiple production sites globally.

Job Summary: The MES Lifecycle Manager drives the strategic planning and execution of MES installations, updates and migrations across Sanofi's industrial network and the lifecycle planning in alignment with the Product Owner Vision & product Roadmap. This role provides technical and strategic leadership in developing and implementing long-term strategies to optimize MES performance, reduce obsolescence, and align MES capabilities with Sanofi's digital transformation goals.

Main Responsibilities:

Strategic MES Lifecycle Management:

Develop and execute a comprehensive MES lifecycle planning/ strategy aligned with Sanofi's digital transformation objectives, Product Owner Vision & product Roadmap

Orchestrate high-level planning of MES installations, updates, and migrations across global industrial sites

Create and implement strategies to reduce system obsolescence and optimize MES performance across the network

Lead and coordinate multiple concurrent MES lifecycle initiatives through effective coordination

Implementation Strategy & Site Engagement:

Establish strong collaboration and coordination with manufacturing sites for planning of updates, installations, and migrations

Partner with site leadership to ensure MES lifecycle activities align with production schedules and business priorities

Facilitate communication between digital teams and manufacturing sites to ensure mutual understanding of requirements and constraints

Develop site-specific implementation strategies that minimize disruption to manufacturing operations

Leadership & Projects/ initiatives oversight:

Drive & coordinate multiple MES lifecycle initiatives, ensuring alignment with stakeholders, PO and objectives

Establish effective governance practices to support MES lifecycle management

Drive decision-making processes, balancing technical, business, and compliance considerations

Apply project management approaches to ensure successful execution of MES lifecycle initiatives

Develop roadmaps and timelines for MES lifecycle activities across sites

Act as direct lead of external coordinators globally/ across the world

Digital Transformation & Innovation:

Spearhead the evolution of MES capabilities by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud services, and DevOps

Collaborate with leadership to define the future state of manufacturing systems and drive digital innovation

Drive strategic initiatives to enhance integration between MES and other critical systems (ERP, SCADA, LIMS, etc.)

Change Management:

Guide change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new MES technologies and processes

Align diverse stakeholders across IT, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business units to support MES lifecycle initiatives

Risk Management & Compliance:

Develop risk management strategies for MES lifecycle planning, ensuring GxP compliance and data integrity

Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure MES strategies meet evolving compliance requirements

Foster relationships with key industry groups to stay abreast of emerging trends and regulations

Monitor and report on initiative risks, issues, and mitigation strategies

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field

12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, with 8+ years' experience on MES, specifically Siemens Opcenter and Werum PAS-X

Demonstrated experience in project & initiative management of complex technology initiatives in regulated environments

Track record of successful coordination with manufacturing sites on technology implementations

Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GxP regulations

Strong knowledge of MES technologies and their integration with broader manufacturing and business systems

Project Management Certification (eg PMP) and Scrum certification are desired

Leadership & Soft Skills:

Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levels

Excellent project/ initiative coordination and stakeholder engagement capabilities

Ability to influence without direct authority and align diverse groups across the organization

Change management expertise with proven ability to drive organizational transformation

Cultural awareness and sensitivity in global interactions

Active listening and empathetic communication style

Exceptional communication skills, including ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

Strong facilitation skills for cross-functional meetings and workshops

Diplomatic approach to stakeholder management

Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities

Adaptability and resilience in managing complex, evolving situations

Calm and composed under pressure

Proactive problem-solving mindset

Technical Knowledge:

Good understanding of MES solutions (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Koerber PAS-X)

Expertise in managing technology obsolescence, including lifecycle management & risk mitigation

Strong knowledge of MES installation, migration, and update methodologies

Familiarity with emerging technologies in manufacturing (AI, Cloud)

Knowledge of integration approaches for complex manufacturing IT landscapes

Knowledge and Experience of JIRA, Confluence

Experience of project management methodology and tools – Microsoft Project

Experience with system validation and qualification in GxP environments

Knowledge of technology refresh strategies and implementation approaches

Working Environment:

Flexibility to contribute occasionally on operations out of working hours

Occasional travel to manufacturing sites in Europe, NA and Asia

Global, matrix organization environment

Must be able to work effectively across different time zones and cultures

Languages:

Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!