SMS Area Lead - Drug Product

Job Title: SMS Area Lead - Drug Substance

Location: Swiftwater, PA

About the Job

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.

The Sanofi Manufacturing System (SMS) Area Lead serves as the Operational Excellence (OPEX) representative in a specific department (e.g., DS, Filing, Packaging, QC, etc). This role is responsible for driving continuous improvement, supporting performance initiatives, driving the SMS maturity and leading problem-solving efforts using SMS tools.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

Being the OPEX representative for a specific department(s) and/or Process Centric Units (PCUs)

• Support the deployment and maturation of SMS 2.0 operating standards as defined in respective ecosystems

• Ensure milestone adherence for SMS area’s roadmap

• Support the assigned area with performance measurement, analysis, reporting, and corrective/preventive action

Supporting execution of performance initiatives including the Continuous Improvement project portfolio defined for this area, and deployment of operating standards as codified in the respective ecosystems

• Drive continuous improvement for the assigned SMS 2.0 areas as the Level 2 CI Specialist

• Provide coaching and guidance to Level 1 CI specialists to assure CI loop is delivering the desired performance and is aligned with the SMS 2.0 CI pillar standard

• Participate in the identification and prioritization of performance improvement initiatives on the shop floor

Leading problem-solving sessions leveraging existing SMS tools as Gemba Problem Solving (GPS3)

• Serve as a GPS3 onsite expert to lead critical investigations

• Provide GPS3 training in support of SMS Upskilling Lead

• Internal

• Coach departments/PCUs during investigations to establish embedded, self-sufficient GPS3 ways of working within the operational areas

Being the OPEX method and training referent for his/her area and supporting M&S network (e.g. Maturity Assessment execution, SMS Trainer…)

• Contribute to the SMS training program by being a certified trainer and by defining and supporting the SMS upskilling plan for the specific area

• Coordinate the preparation and execution of Maturity Assessments with the PCU, SMS Program Lead, and visiting Assessors

• Expert knowledge of SMS Standards to manage performance for specific area supported

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field, with 3+ years of experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing operations, or a related area.
      OR

• In lieu of a degree, 9+ years of relevant experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing operations, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of career growth and progression.

• Strong knowledge and practical application of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, CI, Manufacturing Excellence, SMS, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field, with 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or operational excellence roles.

• SMS Intermediate certification or an equivalent Lean and/or Six Sigma certification from a recognized organization (e.g., AME, ASQ, LEI, LSSI).

• Proven experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, CI, Manufacturing Excellence, SMS, or similar framework  

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 im