The DSP Operation Specialist position is based in the Jacob Production building, a biotechnology platform dedicated to the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies that operates continuously with teams on a 5*8 schedule. It is the largest industrial-scale cell culture unit of Sanofi in France for the production of therapeutic antibodies: for cancers, inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The building houses the stages from cell culture (Upstream) through purification (Downstream), formulation and filling of formulated drug substances, with production capacity for clinical and commercial batches.
The DSP Operation Specialist reports directly to the DSP Production Manager of the building. This is a hybrid, both operational and cross-functional role, which takes place in a context of profound transformation aimed at moving the building from a launch phase to a routine production phase at full capacity, with teams on a 5*8 schedule. This position aims to address the missing industrial fundamentals in the Downstream scope (HSE – Quality), while supporting the cultural evolution of the building towards operational excellence.
Main responsibilities
Strategy & Projects
• Works closely with the DSP Production Manager to define and deploy the strategy of the Downstream scope
• Takes part in the operational structuring of the building's DSP and in defining performance priorities
Cultural transformation
• Defines and leads the cultural transformation of the building towards operational excellence and industrial maturity
• Rallies and mobilises teams around a culture of rigour, accountability and continuous improvement
• Develops employees' autonomy and accountability through coaching and learning by doing
• Anchors HSE and Quality fundamentals as pillars of performance
• Acts as a change agent by inspiring teams and creating spaces for dialogue
Production & Routine Operations
• Contributes to the supervision of manufacturing activities in the Downstream scope, supporting the DSP Production Manager
• Drives transformation through continuous improvement of routine operations (+QDCI, SMS tools)
• Monitors operational performance and anchors a prevention culture to avoid recurrence of deviations
• Ensures compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality standards on the shop floor
• Contributes to the proactive integration of HSE into the activities of the sector
Management & Culture
• Contributes to supervising and animating the teams in the scope, in support of hierarchical management
• Collaborates cross-functionally with support functions (Quality, Technical Resources, Finance, HR, SMS, MSAT)
• Acts as back-up to the DSP Production Manager in their absence
Development opportunities
This role with a strong project and production dimension allows you to contribute to a major industrial transformation programme, in an environment presenting many technical and human challenges, with a prospect of progression towards a Production Manager position.
About you
Experience
• Significant experience in a pharmaceutical industrial site, ideally in bio-production, combining dual expertise in project management and management of functional/operational teams
• Experience in leading transformation within a GMP environment
Interpersonal skills
• Leadership and decision-making: ability to rally, organise and coach teams, shape a vision and lead initiatives with a high level of autonomy
• Change management: ability to give meaning to transformations and create buy-in in the face of resistance
• Problem solving: ability to proactively identify and solve complex operational challenges, with agility and anticipation
• Driver of operational excellence: promotes efficiency, continuous improvement and high performance
• Collaborative and responsible: encourages cross-team collaboration and clear written and oral communication between departments
Technical skills
• Knowledge of regulations (GMP, HSE, HR)
• Knowledge of biotechnology processes: monoclonal antibodies and Downstream expertise
• Industrial production facilities, techniques and processes, ideally in bio-production
• Project management skills (Lean) and management of functional and operational teams
Education
• Higher degree (Bac+5 type) or equivalent
Languages
• French & English (professional level required)
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.
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The salary range for this position is: €54 400,00 - €72 533
Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.