R&D Strategy Director

Job Title

R&D Strategy Director

Basic Information

• Grade: L4
• Location: Paris
• Job type: Permanent
• Hiring Manager: Mathilde BRYSE

About The Job

Le contenu du poste est libellé en anglais car il nécessite de nombreuses interactions avec nos filiales à l’international, l'anglais étant la langue de travail.

Job offer is accessible to all, regardless of gender.

The Global R&D Strategy team’s overarching objective is to equip Sanofi’s leaders with robust, objective and externally focused insights to develop R&D strategy and to make smarter strategic portfolio and project decisions. We achieve this by ensuring robust valuation and prioritization of the R&D portfolio and optimization of resources.

The Global R&D Strategy Team works with key stakeholders (R&D and GBUs) to support portfolio and project decision-making aligned to our corporate strategy and agreed TA strategies.

Main Responsibilities

The R&D Strategy team is looking to add a team-oriented member to build an internal consulting capability in R&D at Sanofi to drive R&D strategy and decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Use advanced analytics to develop R&D strategy and shape decision making (e.g., stage gate analysis, strategic planning, decision trees) to optimize resource utilization.
• Present analytics to key Go/No‑go decisions during governance meetings and consolidate analyses into a holistic TA and cross‑TA portfolio view.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive R&D strategy outlining portfolio strategy and trade‑offs, resulting footprint and platform implications, digital enablers and inputs into organizational design.
• Ensure R&D asset, TA and company pipeline valuation using a consistent and rigorous process across Sanofi.
• Provide challenge to cross‑functions and project teams’ assumptions via quantitative analyses of previous performance and external benchmarks.
• Use AI to draw insights, identify new data sources and continuously improve the analytics platform.
• Collaborate with cross‑function leaders (Business Development, Corporate Strategy, Corporate Finance) to model and value strategic alternatives.
• Support prioritization of TA and platforms to match focus areas and white spaces.
• Advise on cross‑fertilization between platforms to drive innovation.
• Support the Head of R&D Digital Strategy in developing an R&D digital, data and AI strategy aligned with the overarching R&D strategy.

Strategic Planning

• Articulate growth ambition and strategy; safeguard integrity of the R&D strategy by influencing key decisions.
• Conduct market research and data‑driven analysis leveraging AI to identify white spaces.
• Develop and implement a harmonized framework for R&D pipeline inclusion and prioritization.
• Define and track KPIs (e.g., BOI, EPS) for R&D Strategy.
• Support clear and consistent messaging with stakeholders inside and outside R&D.

TA/Platform Focus

• Analyze right‑to‑win resources, CMC and future competitiveness in each space.
• Support prioritization of TA and platforms.
• Advise on cross‑fertilization between platforms.

About You

As a Leader within this group, you will gain exposure to all functions, therapy areas and truly understand the company-wide vision.

Experience managing ambiguity, structuring complex strategic problems, conducting complex analyses, presenting findings and facilitating decision‑making is key.

We are looking for motivated individuals with a hard‑work ethic and a track record of achievement.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience.
• Direct experience in life sciences and experience in banking or strategy consulting would be a significant asset.

Soft Skills

• Good business judgment, problem structuring, and ability to manage ambiguity.
• Ability to synthesize information and present key findings concisely.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Maturity and leadership to interact at senior levels.
• Aptitude to learn quickly and apply learning across multiple situations.

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical skills, mastery of Excel and solid grasp of corporate finance principles.
• Experience with Enrich (PlanView Advisor) or other portfolio management and visualization tools.

Education

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Advanced degree (PhD in Life Sciences, MD, Vet, Pharm D) and an MBA is highly preferred.

Language

• Fluent in English (speaking and writing).

Benefits

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science where your growth can be as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.