Country Security Manager at Sanofi

About the job

• This role is responsible for safeguarding personnel, assets, information, and business operations, including the management of reputational risk. The position holder will develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive security programs across all Sanofi operations and business interests in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This is a 12‑month Fixed Term Contract with the possibility of renewal. The role reports to the Head of Security for Africa (Regional Security Head), based in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

People Protection

• Define and implement relevant security measures to ensure the safety of SANOFI employees, business travelers, non‑nationals, and their families.
• Assess the country environment (risk and threat assessment).
• Implement security awareness training programs for all employees.
• Conduct security audits for expatriate housing, offices, sites, etc.
• Maintain records of security checks.
• Ensure appropriate security setup during all company events.
• Manage and approve travel plans for international business travelers.
• Implement security measures for international employees and their families during major events or periods of instability.
• Organize any required VIP protection for ExCom members, expatriates, and high‑risk personnel.
• Provide a 24/7 hotline for expatriate staff and their families, as well as travelers on mission and during planned events.
• Contact new international assignees in coordination with People & Culture.
• Provide security briefings for traveling employees, VIEs, and expatriates.
• Coordinate emergency assistance and lead evacuation procedures for international business travelers and expatriate families (Country Evacuation Plan).
• Support the evaluation of trustworthiness of domestic staff (where applicable).

Products & Patients Protection

• Report product security issues (e.g., theft) and support incident management.
• Conduct market surveys and/or sample purchasing before and after product launches.
• Promote internal awareness on anti‑counterfeiting, falsification, and illicit trade.
• Carry out AFIT investigations where required.
• Ensure correct supply chain flow (storage, transportation, and destruction).

Site & Asset Protection

• Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments for all facilities and operations.
• Validate site security documentation and assess enforcement of site security procedures.
• Supervise the preparation and implementation of site security action plans.
• Monitor, implement, and follow up on the Site Security Action Plan.
• Oversee security systems, access control, CCTV, and perimeter protection for all Sanofi facilities.
• Lead and manage the manned‑guarding security service provider.
• Plan and deploy site security governance (organization, processes, systems, threat assessment, risk identification).
• Maintain the effectiveness of physical building security measures through controls and regular self‑assessments.
• Deploy Information Protection programs and policies on site (e.g., phishing campaigns, clear‑desk policy).
• Report incidents and define security response measures.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Contribute, alongside Health, Safety & Environment and Sanofi Business Support & Facility Management, to site incident preparedness and response.
• Supervise security tenders (security services and equipment) with Procurement.
• Participate in the selection of security services and monitor quality of execution.

Information Protection

• Follow up on and reinforce information protection security guidelines.
• Identify risks of information leakage.
• Support security technology upgrades and advise on risk management strategies.
• Support data protection and privacy regulation policies.

Crisis Management

• Implement Crisis Management processes and support Business Continuity Plans.
• Prepare security crisis response plans according to identified risks.
• Execute crisis management plans (including training and exercises).
• Facilitate the Crisis Management Team during security incidents and emergencies.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency response plans and procedures (Emergency Response Plan).

Global and Transversal Tasks

• Continuously update and adapt security measures to safeguard directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, representatives, and all activities and operations.
• Conduct accurate risk assessments to anticipate geopolitical crises.
• Implement Global Security Policy and procedures.
• Compile and implement local security workflow procedures.
• Keep the Country Council informed of Corporate Security policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with the Regional Security Head on relevant topics.
• Report activities and incidents in the prescribed format and tools.
• Develop and manage the annual security budget for country operations.
• Provide security support to all stakeholders.
• Reduce security incidents, deviations, and breaches year over year.
• Oversee effective threat intelligence and risk communication.
• Identify changes in site threats, risks, operations, and activities impacting the security of people, assets, and products.
• Lead investigations of security incidents, breaches, and violations where required.
• Establish security requirements and standards for security vendors and contractors.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders (law enforcement, emergency services, government agencies, customs, security counterparts and providers, associations, and any other entities required by law).
• Participate in industry security forums and professional associations.

About you

Education: 

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Security Management is advantageous

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years working as a corporate Security Manager
• Experience in risk management is advantageous

Functional competencies:

• Technical: Security Project Management, Risk Management Programs, Personnel Security Management, Security Analytics
• Functional: Risk Assessments, Security Management, Business Management, Crisis Management, Information Security, Organizational Performance Management
• Transversal: Stakeholder Relationship Management

Essential Competencies

• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and a well-structured thought process
• Ability to multi-task and to meet tight deadlines
• Strong networking & interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Rigor, discretion, relational capacity, proactive mindset
• Ability to identify and report risks
• Ability to disseminate security culture among peers
• Ability to respond positively under duress and/or emergency situations
• Knowledge of security best practices
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations