Job Title: Director of Packaging Operations
Location: Swiftwater, PA
About the Job
Join Sanofi's Manufacturing & Supply (M&S) organization as Director of Packaging at our premier Swiftwater facility, where you'll lead cutting-edge packaging operations that deliver life-saving vaccines to patients worldwide. This strategic leadership role offers the opportunity to drive digital transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable manufacturing practices while leading a world-class team in one of the industry's most advanced packaging environments.
As Director of Packaging within the Formulation, Filling, Inspection, and Packaging (FFIP) platform, you will serve as a key member of the M&S leadership team, driving strategic initiatives that directly impact global vaccine supply. This role combines operational leadership with strategic vision, positioning you at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation while ensuring patients receive safe, effective vaccines when they need them most.
We deliver 4.3 billion healthcare solutions to people every year, thanks to the flawless planning and meticulous eye for detail of our Manufacturing & Supply teams. With your talent and ambition, we can do even more to protect people from infectious diseases and bring hope to patients and their families
Main Responsibilities
• Reports to: FFIP Platform Head
• Direct Reports: Packaging PCU Leads, Managers, and Building Owner/HSE Champion
• Matrix Relationships: Cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Global teams
• Budget Responsibility: Multi-million dollar packaging operations budget
Operational Excellence Leadership:
• Lead state-of-the-art packaging operations featuring two fully integrated vial and syringe lines with advanced serialization capabilities, converting bulk products to finished pallets in a single, seamless process
• Drive 24x7 manufacturing excellence across packaging, DP logistics, and staging operations, ensuring optimal equipment effectiveness and throughput
• Champion digital transformation initiatives by strategically implementing robotics, automation, AI tools, and Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance operational efficiency
• Ensure regulatory compliance with cGMP standards, FDA requirements, and international regulatory frameworks across all packaging activities
Strategic Business Partnership :
• Execute product launches for US, European, and international markets, ensuring flawless market introduction of critical vaccines
• Lead capital investment projects and technology transfers, driving ROI optimization and operational capability enhancement
• Collaborate with Global Device Unit and technical teams to resolve complex packaging challenges and implement innovative solutions
• Drive sustainability initiatives including eco-friendly packaging materials, waste reduction, and energy-efficient processes
People Leadership & Development:
• Cultivate high-performing teams through supportive leadership, coaching, and development of packaging professionals across all levels
• Foster inclusive culture that leverages diverse perspectives and promotes psychological safety, innovation, and continuous learning
• Implement talent development strategies including succession planning, cross-functional assignments, and technical skill advancement
• Champion safety culture ensuring zero-harm workplace practices and comprehensive risk management
Cross-Functional Collaboration :
• Serve on FFIP Management Committee providing packaging expertise to drive integrated decision-making and shared accountability
• Partner with Manufacturing Excellence teams to implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Collaborate with Quality teams to ensure product integrity and maintain the highest quality standards throughout packaging operations
About You
Education / Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business administration, Operations Management, or related fields.
• MBA, Masters degree in Engineering or related fields - preferred
• 12+ years of progressive pharmaceutical manufacturing or medical devices experience with demonstrated expertise in packaging operations.
• 7+ years of people leadership experience, including managing managers in complex manufacturing environments
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational improvements and digital transformation initiatives
• Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical packaging technologies, serialization systems, and track-and-trace requirements
• Expertise in cGMP compliance, FDA regulations, and international pharmaceutical quality standards
• Experience with advanced packaging equipment including high-speed filling lines, inspection systems, and automated packaging solutions
• Proficiency in manufacturing systems (MES, ERP, LIMS) and data analytics tools for operational decision-making
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business objectives into operational excellence
• Change leadership experience driving digital transformation and process optimization initiatives
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
• Results orientation with proven ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget
Additional preferred qualifications :
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Experience with vaccine manufacturing or sterile product packaging operations
• International assignment experience or global manufacturing exposure
• Sustainability program leadership experience in manufacturing environments
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.
Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
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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!
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; natural or protective hairstyles; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
North America Applicants Only
The salary range for this position is:
$161.250,00 - $232.916,66All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.