MSAT Visual Inspection Lead

Location: Site based from Waterford, Val-De-Reuil, Le Trait, Frankfurt or other Drug Product Site in Sanofi

About the job

Our Team:

We are an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company with one unwavering purpose: to chase the miracles of science and improve people's lives.

Our deep understanding of the immune system — combined with an innovative and growing pipeline — enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people worldwide. At Sanofi, we believe that progress is powered by people: bold thinkers, collaborative leaders, and passionate scientists who dare to push boundaries every day.

Join us. And help change the world.

This is a great opportunity to shape the future of Visual Inspection (VI) on a global scale.

As the Global MSAT Visual Inspection Lead, you will be at the heart of Sanofi's injectable manufacturing excellence — driving the strategy, standardization, and innovation of visual inspection programs across a network of drug product sites in three Global Business Units (GBUs). You will lead a team of VI experts, champion cutting-edge inspection technologies and processes, and serve as the authoritative voice connecting Manufacturing Science, Analytics & Technology (MSAT) with Global Quality, Engineering, Procurement, and Business Strategy.

This is more than a technical leadership role — it is a platform to inspire teams, influence industry practices, and deliver meaningful impact for patients worldwide.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead the Global Visual Inspection program as MSAT authority, serving as a strategic partner in Sanofi's enterprise-wide VI strategy while aligning Global Quality, Global Engineering, Procurement, Business Strategy, and injectable manufacturing sites on all VI-related topics.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of VI experts distributed across 8 sites, providing specialist support across the full Drug Product injectable network.

• Drive global harmonization of VI strategy and implementation across Manual (MVI), Semi-Automated (SAVI), and Automated (AVI) inspection modalities for vials, pre-filled syringes, and cartridges.

• Deliver expert technical guidance on defect classification, VI recipe optimization, particulate control, false reject rate reduction, robotics, and layered inspection technologies, ensuring holistic VI lifecycle management.

• Lead the evaluation and acquisition of new VI lines and emerging technologies, ensuring full alignment with quality, regulatory, and operational requirements across the network.

• Champion innovation and industry benchmarking by identifying cost-effective inspection solutions and actively engaging with PDA, Biophorum, A3P, and other industry bodies to define and disseminate best practices across the organization.

• Ensure full regulatory compliance and good documentation practices while providing structured mentorship and knowledge transfer to develop VI capability across new and existing associates.

About you

Proven background in injectable manufacturing within a cGMP environment, with dedicated expertise in visual inspection and a track record of leadership and impact
Demonstrated experience in transformation programs, technology transfer, validation, and manufacturing support

Qualifications

Advanced degree in a scientific discipline
Deep knowledge of GMP, CMC requirements, and current regulatory guidance and best practices in visual inspection, as defined by global health authorities
Experience preparing and reviewing regulatory dossiers with direct health authority interactions

Skills & Competencies

Exceptional leadership presence — able to inspire, influence, and align cross-functional and multicultural teams without direct authority
Outstanding communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and represent Sanofi in external industry forums
Proven ability to operate autonomously in complex, matrixed, and international environments

Operational & Language

Fluency in English required; proficiency in an additional European language is a valued asset
Flexibility to provide occasional off-shift support, remotely or on-site, as operational needs require

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better 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 ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

MSAT Visual inspection lead

Job Description