Job title: Head - Data Governance
Location: Morristown, NJ or Cambridge, MA
About the Job
Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.
At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. We believe our cutting-edge science and manufacturing — fueled by data and digital technologies — have the potential to transform the practice of medicine, turning the impossible into possible for millions of people. As one of the leading investors in life sciences, manufacturing, and research and development, we focus on delivering new and better ways to address unmet medical needs. Our products empower self-care, prevent and treat diseases, and help people live better.
You will join a strategic team within R&D Digital Data office that plays a pivotal role in helping Sanofi unlock the full potential of data across the R&D value chain. This team leads efforts to coordinate cross-R&D data governance, methodologies, processes, and frameworks for data collection and use — ultimately enabling and driving data innovation, efficiency gains, and quality and compliance across R&D.
As the Head of Data Governance for R&D, you will serve as the strategic leader accountable for defining and orchestrating data governance frameworks and data processes across the R&D organization, with a primary focus on clinical, portfolio, and CMC domains. You will define and champion the data playbook, frameworks, and change management strategy for the Federated DaaP (Data as a Product) operating model — enabling data transformation and AI-at-scale ambitions. You will ensure all data usage remains compliant with data use policies and processes while maximizing value through cross-functional collaboration with Digital R&D teams.
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.
*Hybrid Schedule - 3 days per week onsite - required. *
Main Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership & Framework Development
Define and orchestrate comprehensive data governance frameworks, best practices across clinical, portfolio, and CMC domains
Champion the data playbook and Federated DaaP (Data as a Product) operating model, driving consistent and scalable governance practices
Establish policies, standards, processes, and data community of practices that embed governance into the fabric of R&D data management
Define data best practices, frameworks, and guidelines to ensure consistent and effective data governance across the organization
2. Data Excellence & FAIR Principles
Drive adherence to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles and processes to maximize data utility and value across the data lifecycle
Implement robust data quality frameworks and data observability practices to ensure data is fit for purpose
Establish data risk classification methodologies and business metadata standards that enable trusted, governed data consumption
Drive data lineage, cataloging, and discoverability initiatives to enhance transparency and traceability
Partner with business, legal, compliance, data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital teams to embed governance processes and frameworks
Engage with data producers, consumers, and stewards across the R&D value chain to ensure governance frameworks are practical and business-aligned
Collaborate with development teams to drive adoption of Governance as Code (GaaC) and AI-powered governance tools that accelerate data capabilities — including data risk classification, business catalogues, data quality, and data observability
Leverage automation and intelligent tooling to reduce manual governance overhead and increase scalability
3. Change Management & Adoption
Lead the change management strategy for the federated data model and data community of practices, ensuring broad organizational adoption
Foster a culture of data accountability, stewardship, and ownership across all levels of the organization
Build and nurture cross-functional data governance communities of practices that empower data producers, consumers, and stewards
Drive stakeholder engagement and adoption through targeted communication, training, and enablement programs
Establish metrics and KPIs to measure governance maturity, adoption, and business impact over time
About You
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Life Sciences, Data Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field
10+ years of Progressive experience in R&D data governance, data lifecycle management, or related fields
5+ years in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry
Required Skills & Competencies:
Proven track record of implementing data governance frameworks and processes that drive cross-functional data trust, governance, and adoption in a regulated environment
Experience governing large, complex data ecosystems in a regulated environment
Strong leadership and global team management skills in a matrix environment
Proficiency in data governance tools (e.g., Informatica) and modern data management platforms
Deep expertise in data governance frameworks, data privacy regulations, and R&D standards and regulations
Demonstrated ability to drive enterprise level change
Significant experience in working with Clinical, Portfolio, and CMC data sets
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 US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive 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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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
