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Company Context
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Sanofis strategic direction is to standardize processes across sites, embrace digital transformation of its Manufacturing & Supply perimeter, simplify its current solution landscape, and leverage advanced technologies to bring business value.
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The MARS (MES Accelerated Roadmap @ Sanofi) program aims to implement Computer-assisted batch review, enabled by the definition and roll-out of a core Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This program will transform Sanofi plants, improving compliance, cost, and cycle time performance.
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Over recent years, Sanofi has deployed various Production sites across GBUs (multiple pharmaceutical processes, Weighing & Dispensing & full MES), with a second wave currently in motion. This represents a strategic opportunity for Manufacturing & Supply Transformation to:
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Design standardized end-to-end processes to generate business value and deliver best-in-class solutions to industrial sites, with high focus on electronic batch record management & review by exception process
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Deliver innovative "state of the art" tools enabling performance for manufacturing processes
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Allow new generation of deployment more Agile & business centric
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Maintain robust and highly available solutions to operate industrial processes efficiently
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Team Leadership and Management:
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Lead and manage a team of MES developers and deployment experts
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Drive knowledge building and skill development within the team
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Foster a culture of continuous learning and best practice sharing among team members
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Assess and enhance the technical capabilities of the team. Identify skill gaps and implement targeted training and development programs
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Create a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and problem-solving
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Facilitate resource allocation and management for various MES projects across Digital Manufacturing & Supply
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Support the MES Capability Manager and Product Owner (Platforms) through technical delivery, ensuring knowledge transfer, and contributing to operational excellence
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MES Development:
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Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of MES applications and interfaces
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Guide the team in developing robust, scalable, and maintainable code
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Ensure adherence to software development best practices and coding standards
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Lead code reviews and quality assurance processes
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Drive the adoption of agile development methodologies
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MES Deployment and Integration:
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Lead the planning and execution of MES deployments, updates, and migrations across manufacturing sites
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Oversee MES installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) processes
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Ensure smooth data flow and system interoperability between MES and other systems
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Guide the team in developing and implementing deployment strategies
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Oversee the creation and maintenance of system documentation
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Technical Strategy/ delivery and Innovation:
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Develop and maintain the technical roadmap for MES development and operations
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Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in manufacturing systems
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Evaluate and recommend new technologies and approaches to enhance MES capabilities
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Lead initiatives to improve system performance, scalability, and reliability
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Guide the strategic evaluation of technical options and assess/manage associated risks
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Operational Excellence:
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Establish and maintain operational frameworks for MES support and maintenance
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Implement metrics and KPIs to track system performance and team productivity
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Lead initiatives to optimize MES operations and reduce system downtime
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Ensure compliance with GxP regulations and industry standards
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Drive continuous improvement in MES operations and support processes
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Delivery and Project Management:
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Drive timely and high-quality delivery of MES development and deployment projects
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Establish and maintain delivery frameworks that ensure consistent, predictable outcomes
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Implement delivery metrics and KPIs to track performance, quality of service, and team productivity
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Lead risk mitigation strategies to address potential delivery challenges proactively
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Coordinate cross-functional implementation activities to ensure smooth deployment across different industrial sites
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Establish delivery governance to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the delivery lifecycle
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Oversee the implementation of various MES projects, maintaining accountability for the results delivered by the development and deployment teams
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Coordinate closely with Product Owner for Platforms, and also with Product Owners for Siemens OPCenter/ INOVA & Opstrakker to support development/ deployment/ migration projects
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Ensure optimal resource allocation and project outcomes
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Stakeholder Management:
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Collaborate with MES Product Owners, business stakeholders, and IT teams
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Communicate effectively with management on project status, risks, and resource needs
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Work with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs teams to ensure compliance
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Build and maintain strong relationships across all organizational levels
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Required Skills and Qualifications
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Experience & Knowledge:
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12+ years of experience in software development and IT, with at least 8+ years focused on MES solutions: Siemens OPCenter, Koerber PAS-X, and Opstrakker
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Proven experience in people management and team leadership
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Strong track record of successfully managing and developing technical teams
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Demonstrated experience in managing delivery timelines, resources, and quality simultaneously
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Strong development background, including experience in designing and implementing complex software solutions for manufacturing environments
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Strong background in MES deployment, installation, updates, and migrations
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Experience with installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) processes
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Experience with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GxP regulations
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Technical Skills:
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Strong expertise in MES solutions:
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Siemens OPCenter Execution Pharma
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Koerber PAS-X (Werum)
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Opstrakker (elogbook/eforms)
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MES development skills including .NET, SOAP, PowerShell, and scripting
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Strong expertise in MES installation, upgrade, and migration processes
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Experience in system qualification (IQ/OQ) and validation
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Proficiency in Mendix low-code development platform
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Experience with cloud technologies and cloud-native development
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Strong knowledge of database technologies and SQL
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Understanding of manufacturing processes and automation systems
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Experience with system integration and API development
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Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools
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Experience with Kubernetes is a plus
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Leadership and Soft Skills:
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Demonstrated people management skills with ability to mentor, develop, and retain talent
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Strong leadership capabilities with proven ability to inspire and motivate teams
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Results-oriented approach with focus on delivery excellence and accountability
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Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to manage stakeholder expectations at all levels
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Strategic thinking and strong decision-making abilities, coupled with a proactive problem-solving mindset
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Customer-centric approach with focus on delivering value
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Change management expertise and adaptability to dynamic environments
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Collaborative team player experienced in matrix organizations
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Agile methodology practitioner with ability to manage competing priorities effectively
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Resilience and ability to work effectively under pressure
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Education:
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Engineering degree or masters in computer science or related field (or equivalent experience)
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MBA or equivalent business management qualification is a plus
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Language: Fluency in English
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Working Environment:
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Occasional travel requirement to manufacturing sites in Europe & North America
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Flexibility to contribute occasionally on operations out of working hours
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Global, matrix organization environment
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Must be able to work effectively across different time zones and cultures
