Corporate Strategy Lead

Sanofi Group; Paris; On-site; EUR 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi Group is seeking a Corporate Strategy Lead to shape the long‑term strategic direction from Paris, collaborating with senior leadership across R&D, Commercial, Finance and BD. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Strategy, you will combine analytical rigor with pharmaceutical industry know‑how to drive portfolio decisions and growth opportunities.

You will orchestrate end‑to‑end strategic evaluations, conduct risk‑adjusted financial analyses, and mentor a team of junior strategists while

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred (PhD/MD/PharmD).
• 10+ years combined experience in strategy consulting and pharma/biotech.
• Deep understanding of the full R&D value chain from target ID to lifecycle.
• Hands-on BD/M&A experience is a strong differentiator.
• Fluency in English; French or other languages are assets.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Corporate Strategy Head to drive portfolio decisions across R&D and commercial pipelines.
• Lead end-to-end strategic evaluations from discovery through commercialization.
• Perform hands-on financial and strategic analyses: NPV, portfolio optimization, scenario planning.
• Coordinate PSW and TA strategy networks across global functions.
• Identify and evaluate inorganic growth opportunities: BD targets, licensing, M&A.
• Deliver insights to Strategy Board and governance forums for executive decisions.
• Mentor junior strategists and foster analytical excellence.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Hands-on execution

Communication

Strategic agility

Influence & leadership

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD in Life Sciences

MD or PharmD

Tools

Financial modeling

Job description

Descriptif de poste mentionné en anglais compte tenu des dimensions globales

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.

About the Job

Reporting to the Head of Corporate Strategy, under the sponsorship of the Chief Strategy Officer and members of the Executive Committee, the Corporate Strategy Lead will serve as a key partner in shaping Sanofi's long-term strategic direction. This senior-level position sits at the intersection of scientific expertise, strategic rigor, and business acumen, requiring the analytical depth of an experienced consultant combined with the operational fluency of a pharmaceutical industry professional.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading transversal strategic planning exercises, evaluating emerging business opportunities, and providing critical support to executive-level decision‑making processes. This role requires close collaboration with senior leadership across Research & Development, Commercial, Finance, and Mergers & Acquisitions to identify strategic growth opportunities, address organizational challenges, and generate actionable insights that inform enterprise‑wide decisions.

Main Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the Corporate Strategy Head to drive high‑stakes portfolio decisions across Sanofi's R&D and commercial pipeline, combining strategic rigor with execution speed
• Lead end-to-end strategic evaluations of Sanofi's therapeutic area portfolio—from early discovery through commercialization—guiding critical prioritization and resource allocation decisions
• Conduct hands‑on financial and strategic analysis: risk‑adjusted NPV modelling, portfolio optimization, competitive landscape assessment, and scenario planning to inform Executive Committee decisions
• Drive preparation and coordination for PSW (Portfolio Strategy Week) and facilitate the TA strategy network across global functions
• Identify and evaluate inorganic growth opportunities: assess BD targets, licensing deals, and M&A prospects that strengthen portfolio positioning and fill strategic gaps
• Deliver actionable insights to cross‑functional governance forums and the Strategy Board, translating complex R&D, commercial, and financial data into clear strategic recommendations
• Serve as a strategic integrator and trusted advisor to senior leadership, connecting insights across R&D, Commercial, Finance, and BD to drive aligned decision‑making
• Mentor junior strategists and build a culture of analytical excellence and collaborative problem‑solving

About You

Education & Experience

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, advanced degree preferred: PhD in Life Sciences, MD, or PharmD
• 10+ years of combined experience spanning:
  Strategy consulting — MBB or Tier 1 firm experience highly valued
  Pharmaceutical/biotech industry — in a strategic or operational role (R&D, Commercial, Portfolio Management, or BD/M&A)
• Deep understanding of the full R&D value chain: from target identification and clinical development through regulatory approval, launch, and lifecycle management
• Hands‑on BD/M&A experience is a strong differentiator — prior involvement in deal evaluation, due diligence, or transaction execution preferred
• Proven track record of influencing senior executives and driving strategic outcomes in complex, matrixed organizations

Core Competencies & Skills

• Advanced analytical capabilities — Expert‑level financial modeling (NPV, risk‑adjusted ROI, portfolio optimization), competitive intelligence, and application of strategic frameworks
• Hands‑on execution — A demonstrated commitment to direct engagement in data analysis, synthesis, and insight generation, complementing strategic oversight with personal analytical contribution
• Communication excellence — Exceptional presentation and strategic storytelling skills; proven ability to distill complexity into executive‑ready narratives
• Strategic agility — Demonstrated capacity to operate effectively amid ambiguity, shifting priorities, and accelerated decision‑making cycles
• Influencing and leadership — Proven ability to constructively challenge assumptions, introduce fresh perspectives, and build alignment across Research & Development, Commercial, Finance, and Business Development stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Business acumen — Thorough understanding of pharmaceutical economics, market dynamics, and the relationship between scientific innovation and commercial viability

Languages

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French or other languages is an asset

Why choose us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future‑focused team.
• 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.
• 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.