Location: Geel, Belgium
Job type: Permanent – full time
About The Job
Strategic leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence and digital transformation across the site. This position combines analytical rigor with strategic vision to deliver breakthrough performance improvements through technology, continuous improvement methodologies, and change management. The role serves as the architect of the site's performance roadmap and digitalization strategy, translating business objectives into actionable initiatives while fostering a culture of data-driven decision making and continuous improvement.
About Sanofi
We're an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives.
Main Responsibilities
Strategic Performance Management: Develop and maintain the Site Performance Roadmap through strategy cascading, define Critical Business Needs (CBNs), lead internal/external benchmarking to identify performance gaps, and create a prioritized portfolio of initiatives aligned with business objectives and financial targets
Performance Execution & Transformation: Lead focused transformation initiatives for breakthrough performance, drive standardization through SMS 2.0 ecosystem deployments, deploy Smart Factory solutions including AI with associated change management, and own Material & Supplier cost improvement initiatives as business interface for procurement
Digital Strategy & Governance: Develop the Site Digitalization Roadmap in collaboration with Digital and Global Functions, manage Smart Factory budget (Capex/Opex), drive implementation of digitalization projects (iShift, MARS, LIMS, etc.), ensure master data accuracy through Data Stewards, and provide analytical capabilities to site functions
Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Manage operational KPI framework (+QDCI) with cascaded reviews from shopfloor to SLT, drive financial impact tracking of performance actions (3P, Sievo), monitor performance trajectory versus ambition, and represent the site in above-site performance reviews
Team Leadership & Capability Development: Build and lead a high-performing OpEx & Smart Factory team, modernize OpEx capabilities with strong digital profiles (Data Analytics, AI, Connectivity), drive training programs, and foster relationships with global OpEx community for best practice sharing
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Operations, Finance, Procurement, Quality, Digital, Engineering, and other functions to ensure alignment and value realization across all performance and digital initiatives
About You
Required Qualifications and Experience
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; Master's degree preferred
Minimum 7+ years of manufacturing operations experience with at least 5 years in leadership roles
Proven track record in operational excellence and digital transformation initiatives
Strong project management experience in complex, cross-functional environments
Experience in data-driven decision making and performance management systems
Knowledge of Operational Excellence methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, Continuous Improvement)
Preferred
Experience with Manufacturing 4.0, AI/GenAI applications in operations
Understanding of ERP systems and digital solutions in manufacturing
Knowledge of pharmaceutical or regulated industry processes
Experience with change management and organizational transformation
Background in data analytics and visualization tools
Key Competencies
Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business strategy into operational roadmaps, identify performance gaps through benchmarking, and develop prioritized portfolios that deliver measurable business impact
Analytical Excellence: Strong data analytics capabilities, proficiency in performance monitoring and deep-dive analysis, ability to leverage big data for insights, and evidence-based decision making
Performance Passion: Relentless drive for continuous improvement, results-oriented mindset, ability to spot deviations early and implement corrective actions, and commitment to breakthrough performance
Leadership & Change Management: Proven ability to lead transformation initiatives, build high-performing teams, drive adoption of new technologies and methodologies, and foster a performance culture across all organizational levels
Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of Operational Excellence techniques, Manufacturing 4.0 concepts, digital solutions, and AI applications in operations
Collaboration & Influence: Strong stakeholder management skills, ability to work effectively across functions and with global teams, and capability to represent the site in external forums
Language Requirements
Fluency in English required
Dutch language skills advantageous
Why choose us?
At Sanofi, we believe in continuous learning and development. We encourage innovative thinking and welcome fresh ideas for process improvements and system optimizations
An international work environment, in which you can develop your talent and realize ideas and innovations within a competent team
An individual and well-structured introduction and training when you onboard
You can create your own career path within Sanofi. Your professional and personal development will be supported purposefully
As a globally successful and constantly growing company, Sanofi provides international career paths as well
We offer a dynamic work environment where your contributions will have a direct impact
Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it's through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally
Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact
Drive implementation science, powerful crowdsourcing and open innovation, discovering the ways to bring science to live faster, contributing to a patient first mindset
Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks' gender-neutral parental leave
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