About the JobContext: As part of Sanofi's initiative to standardize processes and drive digital transformation across Manufacturing & Supply, this role is crucial in orchestrating the lifecycle management of MES systems, including the MARS (MES Accelerated Roadmap @ Sanofi) implementations across multiple production sites globally.Job Summary: The MES Lifecycle Manager drives the strategic planning and execution of MES installations, updates and migrations across Sanofi's industrial network and the lifecycle planning in alignment with the Product Owner Vision & product Roadmap. This role provides technical and strategic leadership in developing and implementing long-term strategies to optimize MES performance, reduce obsolescence, and align MES capabilities with Sanofi's digital transformation goals.Main Responsibilities:Strategic MES Lifecycle Management:Develop and execute a comprehensive MES lifecycle planning/ strategy aligned with Sanofi's digital transformation objectives, Product Owner Vision & product RoadmapOrchestrate high-level planning of MES installations, updates, and migrations across global industrial sitesCreate and implement strategies to reduce system obsolescence and optimize MES performance across the networkLead and coordinate multiple concurrent MES lifecycle initiatives through effective coordinationImplementation Strategy & Site Engagement:Establish strong collaboration and coordination with manufacturing sites for planning of updates, installations, and migrationsPartner with site leadership to ensure MES lifecycle activities align with production schedules and business prioritiesFacilitate communication between digital teams and manufacturing sites to ensure mutual understanding of requirements and constraintsDevelop site-specific implementation strategies that minimize disruption to manufacturing operationsLeadership & Projects/ initiatives oversight:Drive & coordinate multiple MES lifecycle initiatives, ensuring alignment with stakeholders, PO and objectivesEstablish effective governance practices to support MES lifecycle managementDrive decision-making processes, balancing technical, business, and compliance considerationsApply project management approaches to ensure successful execution of MES lifecycle initiativesDevelop roadmaps and timelines for MES lifecycle activities across sitesAct as direct lead of external coordinators globally/ across the worldDigital Transformation & Innovation:Spearhead the evolution of MES capabilities by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud services, and DevOpsCollaborate with leadership to define the future state of manufacturing systems and drive digital innovationDrive strategic initiatives to enhance integration between MES and other critical systems (ERP, SCADA, LIMS, etc.)Change Management:Guide change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new MES technologies and processesAlign diverse stakeholders across IT, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business units to support MES lifecycle initiativesRisk Management & Compliance:Develop risk management strategies for MES lifecycle planning, ensuring GxP compliance and data integrityCollaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure MES strategies meet evolving compliance requirementsFoster relationships with key industry groups to stay abreast of emerging trends and regulationsMonitor and report on initiative risks, issues, and mitigation strategiesRequired Qualifications:Master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, with 8+ years' experience on MES, specifically Siemens Opcenter and Werum PAS-XDemonstrated experience in project & initiative management of complex technology initiatives in regulated environmentsTrack record of successful coordination with manufacturing sites on technology implementationsDeep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GxP regulationsStrong knowledge of MES technologies and their integration with broader manufacturing and business systemsProject Management Certification (eg PMP) and Scrum certification are desiredLeadership & Soft Skills:Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plansStrong interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levelsExcellent project/ initiative coordination and stakeholder engagement capabilitiesAbility to influence without direct authority and align diverse groups across the organizationChange management expertise with proven ability to drive organizational transformationCultural awareness and sensitivity in global interactionsActive listening and empathetic communication styleExceptional communication skills, including ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiencesStrong facilitation skills for cross-functional meetings and workshopsDiplomatic approach to stakeholder managementExcellent negotiation and conflict resolution capabilitiesAdaptability and resilience in managing complex, evolving situationsCalm and composed under pressureProactive problem-solving mindsetTechnical Knowledge:Good understanding of MES solutions (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Koerber PAS-X)Expertise in managing technology obsolescence, including lifecycle management & risk mitigationStrong knowledge of MES installation, migration, and update methodologiesFamiliarity with emerging technologies in manufacturing (AI, Cloud)Knowledge of integration approaches for complex manufacturing IT landscapesKnowledge and Experience of JIRA, ConfluenceExperience of project management methodology and tools – Microsoft ProjectExperience with system validation and qualification in GxP environmentsKnowledge of technology refresh strategies and implementation approachesWorking Environment:Flexibility to contribute occasionally on operations out of working hoursOccasional travel to manufacturing sites in Europe, NA and AsiaGlobal, matrix organization environmentMust be able to work effectively across different time zones and culturesLanguages:Fluent in English; additional languages are a plusPursue progress, discover extraordinaryBetter is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.Watch our and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at !Pursue progress, discover extraordinaryBetter is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.Watch our and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at !
