Global CMC Automation and Robotics Leader

Role Summary

Global CMC Automation & Robotics Leader responsible for defining, leading, and executing the automation and robotics strategy across global CMC functions. Builds and leads a team of automation & robotics experts, collaborates with Sanofi Digital, and supports matrix teams across the US, France, and Germany. Focuses on lab automation, co-bots, mobile robots, and humanoid robotics to reduce development cycles, improve process robustness, and increase productivity. Location: Framingham, MA or Cambridge, MA or Waltham, MA.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a comprehensive strategy for lab automation & robotics across CMC, including automation platforms, mobile robots, co-bots, and humanoid robots
• Build and lead a team of advanced automation & robotics experts to support the CMC functions with their automation roadmap
• Support embedded Automation & Robotics teams in individual CMC global functions with vendor alignment, Capex preparation, strategic workforce hiring, and platform alignment across Global CMC
• Accelerate the implementation of Automation & Robotics in Global CMC, demonstrating project timeline acceleration, process productivity, and project team productivity
• Develop automation strategies, implement roadmaps, and track execution while delivering tangible business value
• Align the CMC strategy with similar initiatives across other Sanofi functions
• Collaborate with the Sanofi Digital team, leveraging technical expertise and participating in joint governance processes

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in an industrial or laboratory setting with strong global project management capabilities
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (preferred: Automation, Robotics, or Engineering Sciences with industrial experience)
• Deep understanding of scheduling and orchestration software for laboratory automation
• Experience managing projects requiring change management and transversal collaboration
• Device driver development and deployment: IVI-COM, IVI-D, RESTful, Virtual
• Proven track record implementing automation & robotics in industrial environments (Life Science or others)
• Experience with installing and programming standard interface devices: Serial, PCI, I/O, Ethernet, PCB, embedded computers
• Knowledge of programming and deploying SCARA, 6-axis, and cartesian robots
• Experience with modern AGV mission and fleet management software
• Integrating robotic middleware with low-level firmware and high-level AI/ML modules
• Advanced automation architecture design across ISA-95 levels and IIoT deployment
• Expertise in AI-driven robotics and perception systems (computer vision, sensor fusion)
• Proven experience delivering innovative automation solutions in laboratory settings with high innovation acumen
• Demonstrated global exposure and stakeholder management experience
• Fluent in English; French and/or German is a plus
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Skills

• Able to lead networks, teams, and experts with excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to manage a matrix organization and a team of direct reports
• Strategic thinking with pragmatic prioritization
• Results-oriented with from-concept-to-execution delivery
• Autonomy, adaptability to ambiguity, and structured, goal-oriented mindset

Education

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (preferred: Automation, Robotics, or Engineering Sciences)