R&D Process Excellence and Change Management - Senior Manager

R&D Process Excellence and Change Management - Senior Manager

Department: Global R&D Strategy, Portfolio and Digital Develop

Business Area: R&D, Pharmacovigilance & Regulatory Affairs

Job Type: Direct Employee

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Parma, IT

About us

Chiesi is an international research-focused biopharmaceutical group with 90 years’ experience, operating in more than 30 countries, with its Headquarter in Parma, Italy. More than 8,000 employees across the group are united by a singular purpose: promoting a healthier world for our people, patients, and the planet. This is what drives us as we research, develop, and market innovative drugs across our main therapeutic areas. Discover more here.

At Chiesi we are thinking generations ahead, driving sustainable innovation with purpose. This fosters a culture of reliability, transparency, and ethical behaviour at every level. As a Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corp, we have embedded sustainability in our bylaws and continuously measure our impact.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We believe our differences make us stronger. We are a vibrant ecosystem of passionate, talented individuals united by strong values, each bringing unique perspectives that help us to continuously challenge the status quo for the better.

Chiesi Research & Development

Our R&D team represents a fundamental asset for the business. It is divided into integrated functional areas focusing on pipeline projects including discovery and preclinical research, global technical development, drug delivery technology, clinical development, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, intellectual property, quality assurance, R&D project and portfolio management. Headquartered in the new purpose-built and fully integrated Research and Development Centre in Parma (Italy), the team also has important operations in Paris (France), Chippenham (UK), Cary (US), Stockholm (Sweden), Toronto (Canada) and Shanghai (China).

Who we are looking for

This is what you will do

The R&D Process Excellence and Change Management – Senior Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and accelerating the digital transformation of R&D by connecting business processes, data, and technology.

Acting as a strategic orchestrator across functions, this role drives the design and implementation of end-to-end, data-driven processes enabled by advanced digital platforms (e.g., Veeva Vault), with theobjectiveof enhancing efficiency, quality, and speed across the drug development lifecycle.

Operating at the intersection of Process Excellence, Digital Innovation, and Change Management, the position engages senior stakeholders and contributes directly to enterprise-wide transformation programs.

You will be responsible for

• Lead the design and reengineering of end-to-end R&D processes, ensuring alignment with digital strategy and data architecture
• Translate business needs into structured functional requirements (e.g., URS, user stories) and guide solution design in collaboration with IT
• Orchestrate the functional design of digital solutions (e.g., Veeva Vault ecosystem), ensuring alignment between processes, data, and system capabilities
• Contribute to enterprise transformation programs, shaping decisions and ensuring consistency across domains and initiatives
• Define and implement performance frameworks to measure the impact of process and system transformations and drive continuous improvement
• Support the selection and adoption of innovative digital technologies, ensuring scalable and sustainable integration within the R&D landscape
• Drive change management and adoption initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and long-term value realization
• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration, aligning stakeholders across R&D, IT, Quality, affiliates
• Ensure compliance with GxP and applicable regulatory requirements throughout all initiatives

You will need to have

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a data‑driven mindset
• Solid experience in process mapping, optimization, and end‑to‑end workflow design
• Good understanding of pharmaceutical R&D processes (clinical, regulatory, or related areas)
• Strong experience with digital platforms supporting R&D
• Ability to translate business needs into functional requirements and collaborate effectively with IT teams
• Understanding of data flows and system integrations across digital ecosystems
• Understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data‑driven technologies, with the ability to identify and support use cases that enhance R&D processes, automation, and decision‐making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across functions
• Proven experience managing initiatives in complex, cross‑functional environments
• Experience in change management and driving adoption of new processes or systems
• Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Life Sciences, or related fields
• 10+ years of experience in digital transformation, process excellence, or continuous improvement roles within life sciences

We would prefer for you to have

Knowledge of Veeva Vault (RIM, Clinical, or Quality)

Exposure to AI‑enabled solutions (e.g., Generative AI) within digital platforms

Experience in large‑scale system implementation programs (e.g., Veeva Vault, LIMS, or similar platforms)

Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or similar methodologies

Location

The position is based in the HQ in Parma with hybrid working arrangements including working in presence and remote working.

What we offer

No matter where your path starts at Chiesi, it leads to inspiring possibilities. Your future is our focus, and we are committed to nurturing your development in our dynamic, friendly environment with access to resources and training every step of the way.

We provide top‑class benefits, including comprehensive healthcare programs, work‑life balance initiatives, and robust relocation support. Our salary package is competitive, comprising a basic salary, performance bonuses, and benefits benchmarked against the external market. Additionally, we offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and tax assistance services for foreign colleagues, all designed to help you thrive.

Chiesi is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of our business. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment based on attitude and merit, without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.