About the job
Sanofi has decided to invest into a new large state-of-the art facility for Insulin Drug Substance in Beijing, China. For this green field operation, we’re enhancing our legacy of excellence and build on decades of expertise on the whole value chain of insulin manufacturing. The new facility will be designed as a fully automated, green, modern, and state-of-the-art biologics facility. A large global and highly cross-functional program organization will be established to lead and execute the program until commercial routine manufacturing. As a Spare Part & storage engineer, you will be responsible for optimizing our spare parts operations to support uninterrupted production of essential pharmaceutical products. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on patient care by ensuring our manufacturing equipment operates at peak efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of pharmaceutical compliance. After project phase the position will move into local organization.
Meet Katrin, our Global Program Leader, and discover how we’re transforming insulin production. Watch now!
Main Responsibilities
Inventory Management
Establish, maintain and optimize spare parts inventory for each equipment regarding spare part strategy
Define minimum/maximum stock levels based on criticality, usage history, lead time and risk assessment
Ensure accurate inventory records in CMMS/ERP system (SAP)
Monitor obsolete, slow moving and expired spare parts and recommend disposition strategies
Storage Strategy & Warehousing
Design and implement storage strategies ensuring efficient space utilization and easy access
Ensure proper storage conditions in compliance with GMP and supplier recommendations
Define labelling, shelving, binning and segregation standards for spare parts
Implement FIFO/FEFO principles where applicable
Ensure ESD, corrosion prevention and special storage requirements for sensitive components
Ensure digital incoming goods registration with QR-coding or bar coding
Compliance & Quality
Ensure spare parts storage and handling comply with GMP, GDP, EHS and internal quality standards
Support audits and inspections (internal, regulatory and supplier) related to spare parts management
Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions and documentation related to inventory and storage
Close collaboration with QA on change control, deviation management and risk assessments related to spare parts
Collaborate with automation and digital teams for integration of Smart Instrumentation and IoT devices
Contribute to site historian parameterization
Supplier & Procurement Coordination
Work closely with procurement to optimize supplier selection
Support qualification of spare parts suppliers
Identify opportunities for vendor-managed inventory or consignment stock
Review technical specifications to ensure spare parts meet equipment and regulatory requirements
Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization
Identify opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs without compromising equipment reliability
Standardize spare parts across equipment where feasible
Support maintenance reliability initiatives by ensuring availability of critical spare parts
Use KPIs (stock turnover, service level, stock-outs, inventory value) to drive continuous improvement
About you
Qualifications:
Education: Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or Supply Chain Management
Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of experience in spare parts management, inventory control, or maintenance operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
GMP/GDP Knowledge: Essential understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Distribution Practices in pharmaceutical industry
Regulatory Compliance: Proven experience with regulatory compliance requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing
ERP Systems: Strong proficiency in SAP for inventory and procurement management (SAP experience specifically required)
EHS Standards: Knowledge of Environmental, Health & Safety standards and their application in pharmaceutical operations
Digital Systems: Experience with digital systems integration and IoT device implementation
Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of industrial equipment, mechanical systems, and maintenance practices in regulated environments
Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience in data analysis and reporting tools
Desired Skills & Competencies:
Project Management: Experience leading cross-functional projects and process improvement initiatives
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills for vendor management and contract optimization
Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges
Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners
Continuous Improvement: Mindset focused on operational excellence and process optimization
Languages: English (Project language), Chinese, German is a plus
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!