Job title: Automation Lead

Location: Beijing Site

About the job

Are you ready to take the lead in a mega project exceeding €2 billion in capital investment?

Join us in the exciting challenge of designing and building our state-of-the-art Insulin Flex Facilities (IFF) to support the Biologics License Application (BLA). This groundbreaking project offers you the opportunity to bring your expertise to the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation.

We deliver 4.3 billion healthcare solutions annually, thanks to the meticulous planning and excellence of our Manufacturing & Supply teams. With your ambition and talent, you can help us achieve even more—bringing hope to millions of patients and families worldwide.

As Automation Project Leader for the Insulin Flexible Facility in China, within our Global Manufacturing Systems & Automation team, you will drive innovation and integrate cutting-edge automation solutions, shaping our global manufacturing strategy while ensuring the success of this flagship project. This greenfield initiative involves building a brand-new infrastructure and establishing state-of-the-art system architectures from scratch, differentiating it from established sites like Frankfurt.

Main Responsibilities

Lead the automation activities for the China IFF greenfield program, ensuring alignment with project objectives on cost, timelines, quality, and resources.Oversee the development of entire system architectures for the site, including:Process Automation for manufacturing, equipments and utilitiesCCTV and security systemsCentral utility building and Building Management Systems (BMS)Warehouse and Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS)Quality Control labs, wastewater treatment plant, and tank farmAdministrative building and three fully automated production facilitiesDevelop detailed project plans for the automation and manufacturing systems scope, including schedules, resource allocation, milestones, and deliverables.

Ensure all buildings and facilities are fully automated and digitized, enabling seamless data integration and operational efficiency across the entire greenfield site.

Design and oversee the implementation of control systems for insulin manufacturing processes, adhering to safety, GMP, and sustainability standards.

Integrate digital applications with automation systems to enable connectivity across production, quality control, and data management.Serve as the subject matter expert in GMP-compliant automation design, commissioning, and qualification.Manage installation, FAT, SAT, mechanical completion, and start-up activities for the entire greenfield project.Ensure global consistency in automation designs and execution between European and Chinese facilities.Proactively identify and manage risks, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing project disruptions.Ensure consistency in automation design and execution between European and Chinese facilities, adhering to a uniform approachIdentify and manage risks proactively, ensuring compliance with GMP and minimizing disruptions to project timelines and costs

About you

List here ideally the must-haves criteria to be successful on the role.

Experience

Proven success in managing greenfield projects, from initial setup to fully operational facilities, particularly in the biopharma sector.Strong background in automation of diverse systems, including utilities, production, and supporting facilities like labs and warehouses.

Soft skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.Exceptional communication skills to bridge cultural differences and foster collaboration.Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovation.Open-minded and eager to learn new tools and methods.Commitment to developing teams for long-term success.

Technical skills

Expertise in Process Control Systems, SCADA, PLCs, and related technologies.Knowledge of lab automation, AGV systems, and building automation technologies (BMS, EMS).Proficiency in designing and implementing robust system integration architectures.

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related disciplines.

Languages

Fluency in English and Mandarin (written and spoken) is essential.Proficiency in French or German is a plus.

Why choose us?

Play an instrumental part in creating best practice within our manufacturing facility.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.

Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.

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. You can be one of those people. Chasing change, embracing new ideas and exploring all the opportunities we have to offer. Let’s pursue progress. And let’s discover extraordinary together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.
 

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

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.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!