Global Head of Spend Management Controlling

The Global Head of Spend Management Controlling is a senior leadership role within Sanofi's Controlling Operations organization, responsible for overseeing end-to-end Spend Management financial processes at a global scale. This role serves as the central point of expertise and governance for Spend Management forecasting, closing, reporting, and process transformation across all Market and Customer Operations (MCOs), R&D Pillars, Global Functions, and Manufacturing & Supply (M&S) sites worldwide.Operating at the intersection of financial stewardship, digital transformation, and strategic partnership, this role plays a critical part in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Sanofi's global financial reporting, directly impacting decisions at the highest levels of the organization.Key Responsibilities1. Spend Management Forecasting, Closing & ReportingLead the global Spend Management forecasting cycles, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent delivery across all 4 Service Lines, MCOs, R&D Pillars, Global Functions, and M&S sites.Oversee the monthly and annual actual closing processes for Spend Management, ensuring full alignment with Group Controlling standards and timelines.Drive the production and delivery of high-quality Spend reporting and analytics to Service Line Controllers and senior stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making.Define and enforce global data quality standards to guarantee the integrity and reliability of Spend Management financial data across all reporting dimensions.Monitor and analyze Spend Management variances, providing meaningful insights and commentary to Group Controlling and Service Line Heads.2. Process Streamlining, Automation & Service ExcellenceCo-Lead with the GPO team the design and implementation of a global process optimization roadmap for Spend Management controlling, identifying opportunities to streamline, standardize, and automate end-to-end Spend workflows.Champion the adoption of digital tools and automation technologies to reduce manual effort, increase process efficiency, and enhance data accuracy across all hub organizations.Define and maintain global governance policies and data quality frameworks for Spend Management processes, ensuring consistent application across all geographies and business units.Continuously assess service delivery performance against defined KPIs, driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.Act as a trusted partner to Service Line Controllers, delivering high-quality, value-added services that support their financial planning and reporting needs.Collaborate with IT, HR, and Finance transformation teams to co-develop scalable solutions that future-proof the Spend controlling function.3. Global Team Leadership & Hub ManagementLead, develop, and inspire a global team of over 20 professionals distributed across 3 hub organizations, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative culture.Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance objectives for team members, ensuring alignment with global priorities and individual development goals.Drive talent development initiatives, identifying and nurturing future leaders within the team.Ensure effective coordination and knowledge-sharing across hubs, leveraging the diversity of the global team to deliver consistent and high-quality outcomes.Manage resource allocation across hubs to optimize capacity and capability in line with business demands. Education: Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; professional qualification (e.g., CIMA, ACCA, CPA) is a strong advantage.Experience: Minimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in Financial Controlling, FP&A, or a related Finance function, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.Global Exposure: Demonstrated experience managing finance processes in a complex, multinational environment; prior experience in a shared services or hub-based model is highly desirable.People Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing large, geographically dispersed teams.Process Transformation: Hands-on experience leading finance process automation and optimization initiatives, ideally leveraging tools such as SAP, Workday, Anaplan, or similar platforms.Required Skills & CompetenciesTechnical SkillsDeep expertise in Spend Management controlling, financial forecasting, and management reportingStrong command of financial systems and data analytics tools (SAP, Workday, Anaplan, Power BI, or equivalent)Solid understanding of financial governance frameworks and internal controlsProficiency in process design, automation, and continuous improvement methodologiesLeadership & Interpersonal SkillsExceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire and align a global team around a shared visionStrong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levelsHigh degree of cross-cultural awareness and ability to work effectively across diverse teams and geographiesExcellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insightsStrategic & Analytical SkillsStrategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term transformation goals with short-term operational deliveryStrong analytical mindset with a focus on data quality, accuracy, and continuous improvementAbility to manage ambiguity and drive decisions in a fast-paced, complex environment Work at a company delivering life-changing treatments to millions—with genuine commitment to patients, communities, and our planet.Drive progress from within: help make our operations simpler, faster, and more sustainable with smarter solutions.Build your career in flexible roles, explore new areas, and grow in alignment with your ambitions.Collaborate with leaders and colleagues worldwide, creating effective solutions to complex challenges.Be part of inclusive, high-performing teams where every role matters and every voice contributes.Enjoy comprehensive benefits supporting your wellbeing, development, and sense of belonging.