Strategy & Innovation Project Manager (contract)

TITLE: Strategy & Innovation Project Manager
REPORTS TO: Reports to Head of Strategy & Transformation Gold Bond
FORMAT: 100% Remote (USA)
SCHEDULE: M-F; 9am-5pm ET

Sanofi’s contingent workforce program, FLEXT Direct, is seeking a Strategy & Innovation Project Manager for a 12-month contract.

Job Purpose

• The Strategy & Innovation Project Manager leads cross-functional teams in the end-to-end delivery of New Product Development (NPD) projects, driving innovation aligned with Gold Bond’s strategic growth objectives. This role is responsible for implementing structured strategy and innovation processes, including stage gate methodologies, to evaluate and advance projects efficiently. This individual will be responsible for leading the Strategy & Transformation COE overall critical projects to ensure the quality, assessment and deliverables are achieved by all cross functional team leads and is accountable for addressing any challenges, business needs and collective goals. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in leading complex and multi-dimensional projects, cross-functional teams and highly effective communication. This individual should have experience working and partnering in consumer healthcare and CPG innovation, pharma or other corporate environments with a proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver strategy and innovation projects from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with business goals and consumer needs
• Define and execute project strategies in collaboration with functional partners
• Manage cross-functional project teams across Marketing, R&D, Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and other key areas
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, and resource requirements
• Ensure timely delivery of project scope, schedules, risk mitigation plans, budgets, and resource allocations
• Facilitate project kick-offs, workshops, and regular team meetings to drive execution
• Structure team discussions and enable timely decision-making
• Represent projects in stage gate governance and portfolio reviews
• Communicate project status, risks, and progress to stakeholders proactively
• Maintain accuracy in project and portfolio management systems
• Conduct post-project reviews and drive continuous improvement
• Assess team capabilities and foster a culture of cross-functional collaboration and execution excellence

Key Working Relationships:

• Cross-functional teams: Marketing, Sales, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Graphics, Finance, Regulatory, and, Legal
• Strategy and Transformation Center of Excellence
• Local Innovation Leads and Brand Leads
• External partners and collaborators

Skills, Experience & Knowledge Requirements:
Education -

• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• 8+ years as a project management leader

Experience -

• 10+ years in CPG and/or Pharma environment
• 5+ years leading critical project management/ transformation & innovation projects
• Experience in regulated environments (Pharma, OTC, Cosmetics, Consumer Health, Food Supplements)
• Preferred additional experience in Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Innovation Design, Brand Leadership
• Familiarity with NDA and 510(k) project requirements
• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and external partners

Skills -

• Strong understanding of NPD innovation processes and stage gate methodologies
• Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to navigate complex, decentralized environments
• Comfortable interacting with senior leadership
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a challenger approach