About this role
- Location: Waterford, Ireland
- Start Date: 1 September 2027
- Duration: 24 months | Three 8-month rotations
- Working Model: on-site
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary: €41,600 gross per annum
- Assessment Centre: January 2027 | In person, Waterford
Your opportunity at Sanofi
Ready to turn your academic knowledge into real-world experience?
Join Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company, through our 24-month Graduate Programme in Waterford . Explore three different functions, gain hands-on industry experience and develop the skills to shape your future career.
Quality Systems & Compliance is at the heart of delivering safe, effective, and compliant healthcare products to patients worldwide. This programme offers graduates the chance to build expertise in quality management, problem-solving, and regulatory excellence while making a tangible impact on product quality and operational performance.
One programme. Three rotations. A world of experience.
Why explore just one area when you could experience three?
Our structured Graduate Programme takes you through three 8-month rotations , providing exposure to different functions, meaningful projects and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.
Your rotation journey
Rotation 1: Quality Systems & Data Integrity | Months 1–8
Start your journey in Quality Systems , where you'll gain an understanding of GMP compliance, data integrity principles, and quality documentation processes that help ensure the safe and reliable manufacture of healthcare products.
- Support the Data Integrity Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) through quality systems, documentation, and compliance activities.
- Conduct routine GMP and data integrity checks, helping to identify and address quality issues while ensuring proper documentation practices are followed.
- Assist with technical writing, document management, CAPA follow-up activities, and initiatives that strengthen inspection readiness and continuous improvement across the site.
Rotation 2: Compliance | Months 9–16
Build your expertise in Compliance , working closely with teams responsible for maintaining inspection readiness and ensuring adherence to GMP and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in internal audits and compliance assessments, helping identify opportunities for process improvements.
- Support inspection readiness activities by reviewing documentation, tracking actions, and coordinating with operational teams.
- Monitor SOP compliance and contribute to initiatives that strengthen quality culture and regulatory adherence across the site.
Rotation 3: Advanced QMS & Compliance Projects | Months 17–24
In your final rotation, you'll take on more ownership through strategic quality and compliance projects, applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme.
- Lead or support complex CAPA investigations, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
- Coordinate audit activities, working with stakeholders to prepare documentation, track commitments, and support successful outcomes.
- Contribute to cross-site quality initiatives, such as QMS harmonization projects, process improvements, or compliance enhancement programmes with regional or global impact.
Your development focus
Throughout the programme, you'll develop knowledge and practical skills to support your future career in Quality Systems and Compliance , building the expertise required to ensure products, processes, and quality systems meet the highest regulatory and operational standards.
- Develop a strong understanding of quality management principles, regulatory requirements, GMP compliance, and Quality Management Systems (QMS) within a highly regulated industry.
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration, communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills through exposure to diverse teams and business processes.
- Build expertise in risk assessment, problem-solving, root cause analysis, CAPA management, auditing, and continuous improvement methodologies to support effective decision-making and operational excellence.
Your growth, our commitment
Your development is at the heart of our programme. Here's what you can look forward to:
- Three diverse rotations: Explore different functions and build a broader understanding of the business.
- Dedicated cross-functional mentor: Receive guidance from an assigned mentor, with monthly check-ins throughout the programme.
- A buddy in every rotation: Get practical, day-to-day support as you settle into each new team.
- Hands-on training: Learn directly from experienced colleagues and develop skills through practical experience and training opportunities.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for curious, motivated graduates who are eager to learn, collaborate and explore new opportunities.
To be eligible, you'll need to:
- Have graduated within the past two years or be due to graduate before 1 September 2027.
- Hold a minimum 2.1 primary degree or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related Life Sciences field .
- Have full, unrestricted right to work in Ireland.
Essential skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess risks and identify effective solutions.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the confidence to work across diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Desirable qualifications:
- Previous internship, placement, research, or work experience within a regulated industry such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, or healthcare.
- Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), GMP requirements, or regulatory compliance principles.
- Experience participating in quality improvement, auditing, process improvement, or compliance-related projects.
- Demonstrated leadership experience through academic, extracurricular, or professional activities.
Previous experience through internships, placements or relevant work is an advantage, but not essential.
About Sanofi
We're an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world.
Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives.
What we offer
Alongside structured professional development, you'll receive:
- Annual salary: €41,600 gross per annum
- Bonus: Performance related bonus 8% (STI)
- Benefits: Access to an attractive benefits package.
Your recruitment journey
We want you to know what to expect at every step:
- Apply & complete a short survey: After applying, you'll receive a mandatory screening survey.
- On-demand video interview: Selected candidates can record their responses at a convenient time within the given deadline.
- Short connect call: An informal conversation with our recruitment team to discuss your application and confirm a few details.
- In-person assessment centre: Final assessments are planned for January 2027 at our Waterford site .
Candidates will be assessed at each stage, with progression to the next step depending on the outcome. Further details will be shared with those progressing.
Ready to start your journey?
You don't need to have your whole career figured out. If you're curious, eager to learn and excited to explore what the pharmaceutical industry has to offer, we'd love to hear from you.
Three rotations. Two years. Your future starts here.
Apply now and start your journey with Sanofi!
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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 !