MSAT Visual inspection lead

MSAT Visual Inspection Lead

Location: Site based from Waterford, Val‑De‑Reuil, Le Trait, Frankfurt or other Drug Product Site in Sanofi.

About The Job

This is a great opportunity to shape the future of Visual Inspection (VI) on a global scale.

As the Global MSAT Visual Inspection Lead, you will be at the heart of Sanofi's injectable manufacturing excellence — driving the strategy, standardization, and innovation of visual inspection programs across a network of drug product sites in three Global Business Units (GBUs). You will lead a team of VI experts, champion cutting‑edge inspection technologies and processes, and serve as the authoritative voice connecting Manufacturing Science, Analytics & Technology (MSAT) with Global Quality, Engineering, Procurement, and Business Strategy.

This is more than a technical leadership role — it is a platform to inspire teams, influence industry practices, and deliver meaningful impact for patients worldwide.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the Global Visual Inspection program as MSAT authority, serving as a strategic partner in Sanofi's enterprise‑wide VI strategy while aligning Global Quality, Global Engineering, Procurement, Business Strategy, and injectable manufacturing sites on all VI‑related topics.
• Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing team of VI experts distributed across 8 sites, providing specialist support across the full Drug Product injectable network.
• Drive global harmonization of VI strategy and implementation across Manual (MVI), Semi‑Automated (SAVI), and Automated (AVI) inspection modalities for vials, pre‑filled syringes, and cartridges.
• Deliver expert technical guidance on defect classification, VI recipe optimization, particulate control, false reject rate reduction, robotics, and layered inspection technologies, ensuring holistic VI lifecycle management.
• Lead the evaluation and acquisition of new VI lines and emerging technologies, ensuring full alignment with quality, regulatory, and operational requirements across the network.
• Champion innovation and industry benchmarking by identifying cost‑effective inspection solutions and actively engaging with PDA, Biophorum, A3P, and other industry bodies to define and disseminate best practices across the organization.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance and good documentation practices while providing structured mentorship and knowledge transfer to develop VI capability across new and existing associates.

About You

• Proven background in injectable manufacturing within a cGMP environment, with dedicated expertise in visual inspection and a track record of leadership and impact.
• Demonstrated experience in transformation programs, technology transfer, validation, and manufacturing support.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, CMC requirements, and current regulatory guidance and best practices in visual inspection, as defined by global health authorities.
• Experience preparing and reviewing regulatory dossiers with direct health authority interactions.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership presence — able to inspire, influence, and align cross‑functional and multicultural teams without direct authority.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and represent Sanofi in external industry forums.
• Proven ability to operate autonomously in complex, matrixed, and international environments.

Operational & Language

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in an additional European language is a valued asset.
• Flexibility to provide occasional off‑shift support, remotely or on‑site, as operational needs require.