Head of R&D Hub China

About the job

The Head R&D China Hub is a critical leadership role responsible for establishing, growing, and continuously improving the R&D Hub in Chengdu, China. This position requires a dynamic, self-motivated leader who can effectively communicate at all organizational levels, implement business strategies, drive innovation in process, data and technology, and oversee day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will set the vision for assigned teams and collaborate with R&D leadership and Sanofi hub towers to set goals, drive process efficiencies, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Hub Development:

Translate global R&D strategy into actionable plans for the China Hub

Build and grow an effective team capable of meeting challenging transformation timelines

Collaborate with Global Head R&D Hubs and Business Operations to drive initiatives and enhance connectivity across global R&D hub network

Direct activities with a focus on high-quality results and successful execution

Collaborate with R&D functions to support transition and implementation of activities in China, building relevant expertise, capacity, and capabilities while defining service offerings as needed.

Act as the main point of contact for both RDO leadership and the China Hub Leadership team

Align local reporting structures with global R&D functions, ensuring organizational objectives are met

Position the China Hub as a strategic extension of global R&D functions, ensuring integration, visibility and shared accountability

Manage a strategic resourcing model to meet R&D portfolio demands

Accountable for measurable business impact aligned with R&D portfolio priorities

Drive cultural change initiatives, fostering a purpose-driven mindset

Operational Excellence:

Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for R&D Hub setup and ongoing operations

Foster a culture of continuous improvement in end-to-end processes

Implement best practices to enhance operational effectiveness

Champion digital transformation initiatives and AI-enabled workflows to enhance productivity and decision-grade insights

Oversee budget management, resource allocation, and performance evaluation

Support management of third-party partnerships as needed

Ensure staff adherence to appropriate use of technical tools and systems to preserve both external regulatory compliance and internal quality standards

Lead and/or represent R&D in special initiatives

Manage demand for FTEs on a quarterly and/or yearly basis, ensuring proper team utilization

Establish robust governance model with global R&D leadership including performance reviews, risk dashboards and escalation pathways

Ensure inspection readiness and compliance with global regulatory and data governance standards

Team Development and Leadership:

Lead and develop a team of direct reports across various R&D activities

Collaborate with P&C for organizational design, recruitment, retention, team development, and change management activities

Design and implement comprehensive training programs to enhance team capabilities

Identify opportunities for internal talent development and new skill acquisition

Build succession pipeline for critical leadership and technical roles

Foster a culture of team excellence and collaboration

Stakeholder Management:

Maintain effective relationships with key R&D stakeholders, local team members and Chengdu hub pillars

Facilitate knowledge sharing with other R&D Hub teams (e.g., India and Hungary Hubs)

Ensure efficient onboarding and knowledge transfer for new team members

Develop and maintain strategic graduate hiring programs, identifying and establishing partnerships with leading universities as needed to build sustainable talent pipelines

Qualifications and Skills:

Master's degree or equivalent in sciences, business, project management, or related field

10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including team management

Extensive knowledge of global regulatory guidelines and clinical trial requirements

Strong understanding of R&D processes and deliverables

Proven success in leading teams and managing people in a matrix environment

Excellent project management skills, including the ability to lead complex projects

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Ability to cultivate internal and external relationships

Proficiency in AI / digital tools usage and implementation

International experience is an asset

Requirements:

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Capability to operate with discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive data

Experience in leading cross-functional teams and interacting with external partners

Ability to work effectively across time zones and cultures

Excellent English language skills – both written and spoken