Job title: Head of Vaccines, India
About the Team
The Vaccines Business Unit operates through a strategic partnership model in India, leveraging local expertise to deliver Sanofi's innovative vaccine portfolio. We combine global vaccine innovation with local market knowledge to navigate India's complex healthcare landscape, ensuring access to life-saving vaccines. Our team plays a critical role in advancing public health outcomes while driving sustainable business growth through strategic partnerships and government engagement in one of the world's most important vaccine markets.
Position Overview
Lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of Sanofi's Vaccines business across India through comprehensive partnership management, government engagement, and commercial strategy execution. This role is instrumental in delivering ambitious revenue targets while maintaining healthy BOI through strategic alliance management, successful product launches, and effective government tender negotiations. You will spearhead the transformation of vaccine access in India while ensuring business continuity and growth in a partnership-driven commercial model.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Vaccines - India at Sanofi is responsible for executing comprehensive commercial strategies through strategic partnerships to maximize growth and market penetration of Sanofi's vaccine portfolio. This role requires strategic leadership in alliance management, government relations, and business performance optimization while ensuring sustainable patient access to innovative vaccines across India's diverse healthcare landscape.
Strategic Partnership & Alliance Management
Lead comprehensive partnership strategy execution for vaccine portfolio across India
Drive alliance management with existing partners to ensure optimal execution of customer-facing activities aligned with MCO strategy
Identify, evaluate, and finalize appropriate partners for new product launches as per the requirement
- Lead complex negotiations with alliance partners to establish commercial terms and conditions that maximize value while ensuring equitable risk-reward distribution
Monitor and optimize partner performance to deliver P&L targets and grow top line while maintaining healthy BOI through strategic resource allocation
Develop and implement partnership governance frameworks ensuring seamless collaboration and performance accountability
Drive continuous improvement in partnership management processes and capabilities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
Establish robust partner evaluation criteria and due diligence processes for future alliance opportunities
Government Relations & Tender Management
Lead strategic negotiations with Government of India on current and future IPV tenders, including comprehensive issues management
Develop and execute government engagement strategies to secure optimal tender outcomes and sustainable pricing frameworks
Navigate complex regulatory landscape and policy environment to ensure favorable conditions for vaccine access and business sustainability
Drive policy advocacy initiatives to support vaccine access, immunization programs, and public health outcomes
Manage crisis communication and stakeholder engagement during supply disruptions or policy changes
Ensure compliance with government regulations, tender requirements, and public health guidelines
Lead cross-functional teams in tender preparation, submission, and post-award implementation
Business Strategy & Portfolio Management
Execute comprehensive business strategy for vaccine portfolio aligned with MCO objectives and India for India growth strategy
Lead portfolio optimization strategies to maximize market penetration across private and public segments
Accelerate New Product Planning activities in close collaboration with Medical and Regulatory teams for successful launches
Identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities in vaccine space including digital health integration
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans with clear milestones and performance indicator
Drive evidence-based decision making through market intelligence and competitive analysis
Evaluate investment opportunities, conduct scenario planning, and recommend portfolio adjustments based on market dynamics
Ensure optimal resource allocation across partnership activities, government engagement, and market access initiatives
Organizational Leadership & Development
Build and lead high-performing, lean teams aligned with MCO blueprint
Create inclusive environment promoting diversity and equal opportunities
Develop succession planning and talent retention strategies for critical roles
Foster people engagement and continuously develop team talents and capabilities
Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Collaborate seamlessly with MCO strategies, pricing teams, and franchise teams through prior business case alignment
Partner with Medical Affairs on scientific strategy and evidence generation for vaccine portfolio
Work with Regulatory Affairs to ensure timely approvals and compliance management
Coordinate with Global Vaccines teams on best practice sharing and strategic alignment
Foster people engagement and continuously develop team talents and capabilities
About you
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy
Foster people engagement and continuously develop team talents and capabilities
Experience
10-12 years of Progressive experience in pharmaceutical/vaccine industry with significant exposure to vaccines or biologics
Minimum 6-8 years in leadership roles with P&L responsibility and complex stakeholder management
Proven track record of managing commercial or marketing activities with accountability for results delivery at local or global level
Demonstrated experience in alliance management, partnership development, and complex negotiations
Foster people engagement and continuously develop team talents and capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Indian healthcare policy landscape, immunization programs, and regulatory environment
Previous experience in partnership-driven business models and alliance management
Understanding of vaccine cold chain, distribution, and quality management systems
Core Competencies & Skills
Technical Skills
Strategic business planning and execution for vaccine/biologics portfolios
Deep understanding of vaccine landscape, immunization programs, and public health policies
Alliance management and partnership development expertise
Functional Competencies
Leadership and team management in complex, matrixed organizations
Strategic stakeholder engagement and relationship management with government and partners
Commercial excellence and market access strategy development
Cross-functional collaboration and project management in pharmaceutical environment
Crisis management and business continuity planning
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
Transformative leadership with ability to inspire and engage teams
Strong negotiation and influencing skills for complex stakeholder environments
Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across diverse regional contexts
Personal Attributes
Results-oriented with strong execution focus and accountability mindset
Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence
High ethical standards and integrity in all business dealings
Key Stakeholders
Internal Stakeholders
MCO Vaccines Leadership Team
India Country Leadership Team
Global Vaccines Franchise Teams
Medical Affairs and Regulatory Affairs (Vaccines)
Supply Chain and Commercial Operations
Legal and Compliance Teams
External Stakeholders
Government of India (Ministry of Health, NTAGI, State Health Departments)
Alliance Partners and Distribution Partners
Healthcare Professionals
Key Opinion Leaders in Vaccines and Public Health
Why choose us?
Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
Be a part of a dynamic and collaborative global team, influencing and shaping recruitment and sourcing strategies across the organization.
Drive innovation and implement cutting-edge recruitment and sourcing technologies/ methodologies to attract top talent in a competitive market.
Make a real impact on Sanofi's mission by connecting the best talent with opportunities to improve people's lives.
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
