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