Lindsay Pope
Lindsay Pope is an accomplished Procurement Consultant at Sanofi, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in procurement across biotechnology, higher education, government, and nonprofit sectors. In her current role, she focuses on external manufacturing and supply procurement, leading projects to redesign contracts, streamline sourcing processes, and bring clarity and transparency to existing CMO agreements. Pope leverages her deep expertise in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and cost optimization to ensure that procurement operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.
At Sanofi, Pope manages high-priority projects that include consolidating lab supply contracts, tracking contract negotiation and sourcing statuses, and implementing cost reduction initiatives. She collaborates closely with legal teams, external manufacturing partners, and leadership to coordinate project execution and reporting, while developing dashboards and analytics to drive data-informed decisions. Her approach emphasizes practical, results-driven strategies that integrate seamlessly into existing organizational systems.
A recognized leader in highly regulated procurement environments, Pope is also the founder of Apothecary Consulting, where she builds procurement departments from the ground up. She holds a Master’s Certificate in Environmental Policy and International Development from Harvard University, a Master’s in Public Administration from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Northeastern University. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers with organizations supporting women, children, and domestic violence initiatives, balancing her demanding career with her role as a mother of four.
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What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to the way I was raised and the supportive, accountable people around me. Growing up with parents and a grandmother who emphasized honesty and high standards taught me to face challenges directly and embrace growth. I’ve learned that true progress comes from acknowledging mistakes, staying accountable, and continually striving to improve. Even when I do well, I focus on doing better—because there is always room to grow.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my family: always strive to do better and hold yourself accountable. Their guidance taught me not to settle for “good enough” but to continually push for improvement and growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace the tasks that others shy away from. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently said yes to the difficult or undesirable work—whether it’s complex contracts, tough negotiations, or challenging conversations. Being willing to step into the uncomfortable not only accelerated my learning but also became a key driver of my success. Taking on the work others avoid builds resilience, sharpens your skills, and strengthens your confidence, making you a formidable professional.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include managing budget pressures, accurately forecasting needs, navigating complex compliance and regulatory requirements, and ensuring procurement aligns effectively with organizational systems. At the same time, there are significant opportunities: procurement can play a strategic role by forecasting demand, driving substantial cost savings, and contributing directly to organizational planning and decision-making.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are honesty, accountability, and service—particularly supporting women and children and preventing abuse and trafficking. In my professional work, I also prioritize practical efficiency and calm, thoughtful problem-solving, especially in procurement, where these principles help drive meaningful results.