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Strategic MES Lifecycle Management:
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Develop and execute a comprehensive MES lifecycle planning/ strategy aligned with Sanofis digital transformation objectives, Product Owner Vision & product Roadmap
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Orchestrate high-level planning of MES installations, updates, and migrations across global industrial sites
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Create and implement strategies to reduce system obsolescence and optimize MES performance across the network
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Lead and coordinate multiple concurrent MES lifecycle initiatives through effective coordination
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Implementation Strategy & Site Engagement:
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Establish strong collaboration and coordination with manufacturing sites for planning of updates, installations, and migrations
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Partner with site leadership to ensure MES lifecycle activities align with production schedules and business priorities
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Facilitate communication between digital teams and manufacturing sites to ensure mutual understanding of requirements and constraints
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Develop site-specific implementation strategies that minimize disruption to manufacturing operations
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Leadership & Projects/ initiatives oversight:
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Drive & coordinate multiple MES lifecycle initiatives, ensuring alignment with stakeholders, PO and objectives
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Establish effective governance practices to support MES lifecycle management
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Drive decision-making processes, balancing technical, business, and compliance considerations
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Apply project management approaches to ensure successful execution of MES lifecycle initiatives
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Develop roadmaps and timelines for MES lifecycle activities across sites
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Act as direct lead of external coordinators globally/ across the world
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Digital Transformation & Innovation:
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Spearhead the evolution of MES capabilities by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud services, and DevOps
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Collaborate with leadership to define the future state of manufacturing systems and drive digital innovation
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Drive strategic initiatives to enhance integration between MES and other critical systems (ERP, SCADA, LIMS, etc.)
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Change Management:
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Guide change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new MES technologies and processes
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Align diverse stakeholders across IT, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business units to support MES lifecycle initiatives
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Risk Management & Compliance:
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Develop risk management strategies for MES lifecycle planning, ensuring GxP compliance and data integrity
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Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure MES strategies meet evolving compliance requirements
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Foster relationships with key industry groups to stay abreast of emerging trends and regulations
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Monitor and report on initiative risks, issues, and mitigation strategies
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Required Qualifications:
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Masters degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field
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12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, with 8+ years experience on MES, specifically Siemens Opcenter and Werum PAS-X
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Demonstrated experience in project & initiative management of complex technology initiatives in regulated environments
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Track record of successful coordination with manufacturing sites on technology implementations
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Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GxP regulations
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Strong knowledge of MES technologies and their integration with broader manufacturing and business systems
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Project Management Certification (eg PMP) and Scrum certification are desired
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Leadership & Soft Skills:
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Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans
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Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levels
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Excellent project/ initiative coordination and stakeholder engagement capabilities
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Ability to influence without direct authority and align diverse groups across the organization
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Change management expertise with proven ability to drive organizational transformation
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Cultural awareness and sensitivity in global interactions
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Active listening and empathetic communication style
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Exceptional communication skills, including ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
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Strong facilitation skills for cross-functional meetings and workshops
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Diplomatic approach to stakeholder management
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Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities
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Adaptability and resilience in managing complex, evolving situations
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Calm and composed under pressure
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Proactive problem-solving mindset
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Technical Knowledge:
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Good understanding of MES solutions (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Koerber PAS-X)
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Expertise in managing technology obsolescence, including lifecycle management & risk mitigation
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Strong knowledge of MES installation, migration, and update methodologies
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Familiarity with emerging technologies in manufacturing (AI, Cloud)
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Knowledge of integration approaches for complex manufacturing IT landscapes
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Knowledge and Experience of JIRA, Confluence
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Experience of project management methodology and tools Microsoft Project
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Experience with system validation and qualification in GxP environments
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Knowledge of technology refresh strategies and implementation approaches
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Working Environment:
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Flexibility to contribute occasionally on operations out of working hours
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Occasional travel to manufacturing sites in Europe, NA and Asia
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Global, matrix organization environment
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Must be able to work effectively across different time zones and cultures
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Languages:
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Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus
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.
