Job Description

Medical Lead - Vaccines Pipeline

Location: Reading (Hybrid working: 3 days office)*

About the job

The Vaccines Pipeline Lead holds strategic accountability for shaping the external environment to ensure successful launch and adoption of Sanofi's pipeline vaccines in the UK and Ireland. This senior role drives scientific leadership, evidence generation, and stakeholder engagement to overcome access barriers and maximize the impact of innovative vaccines. The position requires strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to influence without authority in complex healthcare environments.


We are an innovative global healthcare company that helps the world stay ahead of infectious diseases by delivering more than 500 million vaccine doses a year. Across different countries, our talented teams are exploring new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. We chase the miracles of science every single day, pursuing Progress to make a real impact on millions of patients around the world.

Main responsibilities:

1. Strategic External Scientific Influence & Advocacy

Build and nurture strategic external relationships for the Sanofi vaccine pipeline Serve as the senior scientific representative for Sanofi Vaccines pipeline with national immunization committees and health authorities Establish Sanofi as the scientific authority in emerging vaccine areas through thought leadership and strategic partnerships

2. Pipeline Strategy & Launch Readiness

Co-lead cross-functional pipeline strategy development and implementation across UKIE Collaborate directly with global teams to influence global launch strategies and ensure local relevance Identify and address potential access barriers through strategic evidence generation and stakeholder engagement Oversee horizon scanning to anticipate landscape changes and policy shifts Make strategic decisions on pipeline priorities and resource allocation

3. Evidence Generation & Scientific Leadership

Develop and implement strategic evidence generation plans that address local evidence gaps Translate complex scientific data into compelling narratives for different stakeholder audiences Drive scientific excellence through continuous learning and knowledge sharing

4. Insight Generation & Strategic Application

Establish systematic approach to gathering external perspectives on pipeline assets Identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and potential barriers to vaccine adoption Provide scientific leadership in scenario planning and risk mitigation strategies

5. Cross-Functional Leadership & Governance

Lead collaboration with Market Access, Public Affairs, Commercial, and R&D Develop and manage pipeline budget and resource allocation Provide scientific training and support to internal teams on pipeline assets Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry codes Represent medical in senior leadership forums and strategic planning sessions

About you

Education & Experience

UK Registered Healthcare Professional or PhD in life sciences Minimum 6 years' pharmaceutical industry experience with significant medical affairs leadership. Experience in vaccines a significant advantage. Proven track record in successful product launches and pipeline development Experience in strategic planning and cross-functional leadership Deep understanding of UK/Ireland healthcare systems, policy development, and vaccine landscape Experience in evidence generation and publication strategy Previous line management experience an advantage

This senior role offers the opportunity to shape the future vaccine landscape in UKIE through scientific leadership, strategic influence, and cross-functional collaboration, ultimately turning innovative science into protection for patients.

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. Join us in shaping the future of respiratory care and making a difference in the lives of patients across the NHS.


Visas for those who do not already have the right to work in the UK will be considered on a case by case basis according to business needs and resources.


We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to candidates who request consideration under the Scheme and meet the minimum requirements for this role.


If you have a disability and require adjustments for the interview process, please email us at diversity.recruitmentUKIE@sanofi.com. We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience for all applicants.


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