Head of Strategic Partnerships
Synthorx
Sales & Business Development
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Posted on Oct 2, 2025
Job title: Head of Strategic Partnerships
About the job
At Sanofi, we are an innovative global healthcare company united by one mission: chasing the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
The Head of Strategic Partnerships is a key role between the Head of Public Affairs and Public Affairs Managers, responsible for developing and implementing strategic partnership initiatives that advance Sanofi's business objectives and enhance the company's reputation with key stakeholders. This role will drive collaborative relationships with external organizations, government bodies, patient advocacy groups, and industry associations to create mutual value and support Sanofi's strategic priorities along with internal strategic projects in accordance with global initiatives and priorities.
Main Responsibilities:
Strategic Partnership Development and Management
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic partnership strategy aligned with Sanofi's corporate objectives and public affairs priorities
Identify, evaluate, and establish high-value partnerships with key external stakeholders including government entities, industry associations, patient advocacy groups, and other healthcare organizations
Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure partnership initiatives support business goals across therapeutic areas and markets
Design and implement partnership governance frameworks to ensure effective collaboration and value creation
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior external stakeholders to advance Sanofi's strategic interests
Represent Sanofi in key external forums, conferences, and multi-stakeholder initiatives
Collaborate with Country Public Affairs teams to support local partnership initiatives and ensure alignment with global strategy
Serve as a key liaison between external partners and internal business units
Policy Influence and Advocacy
Work with the Head of Public Affairs to shape policy positions that support strategic partnerships
Develop advocacy strategies to advance partnership objectives and address shared challenges
Monitor policy developments that may impact strategic partnerships and recommend appropriate responses
Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure all partnership activities adhere to relevant regulations and company policies
Proactive horizontal leadership and alignment
Project Management and Implementation
Lead the development and execution of strategic partnership projects from conception to implementation
Establish clear objectives, timelines, and success metrics for partnership initiatives
Manage partnership budgets and resources effectively
Track and report on partnership outcomes and impact
Internal Coordination and Alignment
Coordinate with Global Business Units and Country teams to ensure partnership activities support local and global priorities
Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across the organization
Provide regular updates to senior leadership on partnership activities and outcomes
Develop internal capabilities to support effective partnership management
About you
Education: Advanced degree in business, public policy, healthcare, or related field
Technical skills
12+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or strategic partnerships in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry
Proven track record of developing and managing successful strategic partnerships
Experience working with diverse stakeholders including government officials, patient advocacy groups, and industry associations
Greater Gulf market experience is a plus
Proficient in written and spoken English, Arabic is an advantage.
Leadership skills
Ability to lead without direct authority
Strategic vision and innovative thinking
Collaborative leadership style
Results-oriented approach
Adaptability and resilience in a changing environment
Soft Skills:
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
Excellent relationship building and networking skills
Outstanding communication and presentation abilities
Proven negotiation and influencing skills
Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive cross-functional collaboration
Project management expertise
Deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and policy landscape
Leadership Qualities
What We Offer:
Opportunity for Impact: Join a leading global healthcare company and take a leading role in transforming the lives of MS patients.
Leadership Growth: Lead an engaged and high-performing team while contributing to the broader strategic direction of Sanofi Specialty Care.
Innovative and Collaborative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning.
Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive salary package, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
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, 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!