Global Head of Data and Digital Transformation Vx RnD

Role Summary

Global Head of Data and Digital Transformation leads a specialized team of Data Catalysts within Vaccine R&D, driving digital and AI transformation across Vaccine R&D Labs. The role sits at the intersection of science and technology, aligning digital initiatives with Sanofi’s enterprise objectives and ensuring continuity of critical laboratory operations. The holder provides strategic leadership, partnering with senior stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities and orchestrate a comprehensive Digital/AI strategic roadmap for Vaccine R&D.

Responsibilities

• Digital Strategy Leadership: Spearhead the development and execution of the comprehensive Digital/AI strategy for Vaccine R&D, ensuring strategic alignment with enterprise objectives and addressing scientific teams’ needs. Establish governance frameworks and roadmaps that advance the vaccine R&D mission and create sustainable competitive advantage.
• Portfolio Strategy & Investment: Develop and manage a strategic portfolio of Vaccine R&D digital initiatives with clear prioritization and ROI metrics. Lead investment decisions for digital/AI capabilities and build compelling business cases.
• Workforce Transformation: Lead the cultural and capability shift to a digitally fluent scientific workforce, promoting training pathways and development opportunities for scientists to leverage digital tools.
• Digital Product Implementation: Oversee deployment of Digital, Data, and AI solutions led by Lab Digital Product team, ensuring right-first-time design and fit-for-purpose Lab Digital Products for Vaccine R&D.
• Change Management: Drive adoption of new digital ways of working through influence and collaborative leadership across stakeholders without direct hierarchical authority.
• Strategic Partnership: Interface between Vaccine R&D and enterprise Digital/IT functions to align priorities and resources.
• Innovation Cultivation: Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, identifying emerging technologies with potential to transform vaccine development.
• Business Continuity: Ensure on-time delivery of critical scientific workflows for Clinical Testing & Quality Control of clinical batches, maintaining operational excellence.
• Data Governance: Promote data culture and implement data standards across the value chain in partnership with Pharma R&D data office to enable End-to-End Data Continuum from Research to Clinical.

Qualifications

• Scientific Foundation: PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline, with demonstrated understanding of vaccine development processes and laboratory realities.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect business strategy with digital capabilities and identify transformative opportunities.
• Executive Presence: Experience influencing and collaborating with C-suite and senior leadership as a trusted strategic advisor on digital transformation.
• Digital/AI Expertise: Substantial experience implementing Digital, Data, and AI solutions in scientific or healthcare environments, with appetite for emerging technologies.
• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to develop and execute transformational digital strategies delivering measurable business value.
• Influence Leadership: Ability to lead through influence rather than hierarchical authority and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Change Management: Experience guiding organizations through digital transformation while maintaining operational excellence and continuity.
• Talent Development: Track record of building high-performing teams and developing digital capabilities within scientific organizations.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of how digital initiatives drive business value in R&D contexts and ability to articulate ROI to senior stakeholders.
• Communication Excellence: Ability to translate between technical and scientific domains for diverse audiences.
• Innovation Mindset: Proactive in exploring and adopting emerging technologies that can transform vaccine development.
• Resilience: Ability to navigate ambiguity and overcome obstacles in complex transformation initiatives.
• Strategic Foresight: Capability to anticipate industry trends and position the organization for future success.
• Enterprise Perspective: Balance functional needs with enterprise-wide priorities to optimize value creation.

Skills

• Digital Strategy
• AI/Data Transformation
• Stakeholder Management
• Governance & Compliance
• Change Leadership
• Lab Digital Product Management
• Program & Portfolio Management
• Data Standards & Governance
• Strategic Partnerships

Education

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline

Additional Requirements

• Experience leading global teams and influencing across scientific disciplines and geographic locations
• Demonstrated ability to secure investment and resources for digital initiatives