CAPEX Program Scheduling & Optimization Product Owner

About the Role

Sanofi is driving a comprehensive digital transformation across our global operations, with Global Engineering systems serving as a critical enabler of this strategic initiative. As we leverage digital solutions to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing excellence and maintain our industry leadership, we are seeking a dynamic professional to play a pivotal role in this journey.

This unique position combines dual responsibilities: serving as the Service Owner for Primavera (Oracle SaaS), our enterprise program scheduling solution for major CAPEX programs, while also leading as the Product Owner for a future AI-enabled scheduling optimization tool. Primavera is currently being consolidated from multiple platforms to a standardized Oracle SaaS solution, with an existing implementation team managing the migration. You will work alongside this team during transition and assume ongoing service ownership post-implementation, while simultaneously developing an innovative AI solution that will complement Primavera to revolutionize our scheduling capabilities.

The role will initially focus predominantly on Primavera service ownership (50%+ of effort), ensuring successful service transition and stabilization. As the Primavera service matures, the focus will evolve toward product ownership of the AI scheduling optimization tool, eventually comprising approximately 75% of responsibilities. This evolution offers an exciting opportunity to drive both operational excellence and cutting-edge innovation in our CAPEX program delivery.

Main Responsibilities

A. Primavera Service Ownership (Current Focus - Evolving)

• Collaborate with the existing Primavera implementation team (project lead, change management specialist, data migration specialist) during the Oracle SaaS migration phase

• Assume ongoing service ownership post-implementation, ensuring service quality, operational efficiency, and cost optimization

• Oversee the complete service lifecycle from deployment through retirement, in partnership with Global Engineering

• Monitor, measure, and report on service levels, ensuring adherence to established SLAs

• Define and maintain the operational framework for managed services

• Manage incidents to ensure application operates without disruption and maintains service stability

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service efficiency and user satisfaction

• Drive continued deployment to new sites, ensuring consistent global standards

• Coordinate with vendors to ensure optimal service delivery while supporting Global Engineering in vendor relationship management

• Proactively identify technology approaching end-of-life and develop technology refresh roadmaps

• Evaluate opportunities to expand Primavera usage to replace other scheduling applications (e.g., Microsoft Project in cloud)

B. AI Scheduling Optimization Product Ownership (Future Focus - Growing)

• Define and champion the product vision for an AI-enabled program scheduling optimization tool that complements Primavera

• Conduct discovery and research to understand user needs, pain points, and opportunities in CAPEX program scheduling

• Build and maintain the product roadmap, prioritizing features that deliver maximum value to Global Engineering and project teams

• Define user stories, acceptance criteria, and success metrics for the AI scheduling assistant

• Collaborate with data science, AI/ML teams, and technology partners to evaluate and select appropriate AI solutions

• Ensure the AI tool leverages historic and current Primavera schedule data to enable rapid schedule creation (reducing time from multiple resources during 2 weeks to automated draft within 1 day)

• Define requirements for intelligent monitoring, alerting, and recommendation capabilities to keep programs on track

• Lead product discovery, prototyping, and iterative development following agile product management practices

• Engage with Global Engineering stakeholders to validate product direction and gather continuous feedback

• Measure and optimize product adoption, user satisfaction, and business value delivered

• Position the AI tool as a strategic differentiator in Sanofi's CAPEX program delivery capabilities

C. Cross-Functional Responsibilities (Both Roles)

• Define and maintain integrated roadmaps for both Primavera service and AI optimization product in collaboration with Global Engineering and Digital partners

• Ensure compliance with Sanofi AI requirements and guidelines

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards (GxP, SOX, GDPR)

• Collaborate closely with Digital Architecture COE, Digital Tech, Digital Risk Advisors, Data and AI Foundations, and Cyber Security teams to ensure compliance, security, and effectiveness

• Participate in service change management processes, providing impact analysis for proposed changes

• Drive value creation and financial performance in alignment with the digital manufacturing strategy

• Optimize costs while maintaining quality and compliance standards

• Contribute as a member of the Digital Global Engineering Service Line team to foster integrated ways of working, positioning solutions as part of a cohesive ecosystem

About you

Required Qualifications

Technical Expertise:

• Strong understanding of Program Portfolio Management (PPM) applications and processes

• Deep knowledge of program and project scheduling applications, methodologies, and best practices

• Experience with enterprise scheduling tools (Primavera P6, Planisware, Microsoft Project, or similar)

• Knowledge of Digital/IT service delivery models and frameworks

• Experience with ITIL framework and IT service management best practices

• Experience with agile product management methodologies and tools (e.g., Jira, product road-mapping tools)

• Understanding of AI/ML concepts and their application to business problems (or strong willingness to learn)

• Proven track record in service delivery and operational excellence

• Strong data analysis skills and comfort working with large datasets

Industry Knowledge:

• Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences, or highly regulated industries

• Understanding of CAPEX project delivery in complex, regulated environments

• Knowledge of quality and regulatory requirements (GxP, SOX, GDPR)

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making capabilities

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, both written and verbal, with ability to influence across organizational boundaries

• Demonstrates innovative thinking by identifying opportunities to maximize application potential and recognizing how systems can address both current and emerging business needs

• Proactively identifies and articulates business opportunities that could be addressed through technological solutions, showing strategic vision and a business-first mindset

• Ability to balance operational service management with strategic product innovation

• Comfortable working in ambiguity and defining new product directions

• Strong prioritization skills and ability to manage competing demands across dual responsibilities

• Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively with implementation teams, vendors, and cross-functional partners

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing or engineering environments

• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies, particularly AI/ML applications in industrial settings

• Hands-on experience managing or implementing Primavera P6, Oracle Primavera Cloud, or similar enterprise scheduling platforms

• Experience with cloud-based SaaS solutions and cloud service management

• Experience with AI-powered tools or intelligent automation solutions

• Familiarity with cybersecurity practices in enterprise applications

• ITIL certification (ITIL Foundation or higher)

• Product management certification (Certified Scrum Product Owner, Pragmatic Institute, or similar)

Language Requirements:

• Fluent spoken and written English

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field

• 5-8 years of experience in Digital / IT service management, product management, or related roles, preferably in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments

• Demonstrated experience managing enterprise applications through their full lifecycle

• Experience in product ownership or product management roles is highly desirable

When joining our team, you will experience:

Professional Growth:

• Make a significant impact in a unique role at the intersection of Engineering, Digital, and AI innovation

• Shape the future of CAPEX program scheduling at Sanofi through both operational excellence and cutting-edge AI solutions

• Develop your talent across both service management and product ownership disciplines within a competent global team

• Access purposeful professional and personal development opportunities with clear career paths within Sanofi

• Be at the forefront of AI adoption in Global Engineering, with opportunities to expand your expertise in emerging technologies

Work Environment:

• International work environment with diverse, collaborative teams across multiple time zones

• Culture that values innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies while delivering tangible business value

• Balance of operational stability (Primavera service) and innovation (AI product development)

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, disability, or gender identity.

At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients, and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.