External Manufacturing Manager

Business Area: Supply Chain/Logistics & Procurement

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.

Global Technical Operations & Supply

Global Technical Operations & Supply (Global TechOp&S) is Chiesi’s global manufacturing and supply area, responsible for ensuring consistent, outstanding quality, service and value across our end‑to‑end supply chain. Global TechOp&S oversees the entire lifecycle of the drug: from process optimization and industrialization, to manufacturing, engineering, quality oversight, and supply chain management. Throughout this journey, Operational Excellence drives continuous improvement. This end‑to‑end model is powered by our four manufacturing sites – Parma (IT), Blois (FR), Santana de Parnaíba (BR), and Nerviano (IT) – together with our Virtual Plant network of external partners.

This is what you will do

We are looking for an External Manufacturing Planning Manager to oversee external manufacturing operations across a portfolio of contract manufacturing partners, ensuring reliable product availability for global markets while balancing service levels, inventory, and operational efficiency.

The resource will act as the key interface between external manufacturers and internal stakeholders, driving demand fulfillment, supply risk management, new product introductions, and product lifecycle management within a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment.

The role also includes leading and developing a team of supply chain professionals and ensuring the effective execution of business objectives and priorities.

You will be responsible for

• Oversee the production planning activities across assigned contract manufacturing partners, ensuring product availability while balancing service, inventory, and cost objectives.
• Drive proactive management of supply risks, capacity constraints, and operational deviations, coordinating mitigation plans with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate contract manufacturing operations, including production commitments, order execution, and delivery performance, ensuring alignment with business requirements.
• Coordinate logistics and transportation strategies with external manufacturing partners to optimize service levels and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements related to components, packaging materials, and product changes.
• Collaborate with Demand Planning, Finance, Procurement, Quality, and Industrialization teams to support supply chain strategy and execution for:
  • New product launches and supplier onboarding.
  • Product lifecycle management and supply continuity.
  • External manufacturing network optimization.
• Monitor supplier performance identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contract manufacturing partners, fostering collaboration, accountability, and long‑term performance.

You will need to have

• Master’s degree in scientific or engineering disciplines
• Experience of minimum 5 years in supply planning, external manufacturing or production planning
• Fluency in English (professional working proficiency)
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally in complex, matrix organizations
• Solid problem‑solving mindset with a results‑oriented approach
• Ability to manage priorities, risks, and complex supply chain activities.
• Stakeholder management across cross‑functional teams and external partners.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving

We would prefer for you to have

• Experience within regulated industries, preferably Pharma or food
• Experience in People management
• Knowledge of Italian
• Knowledge of SAP and IBP

Location

Location is flexible, but presence in the Parma office will be required 2–3 times per week.

Compensation Range

The minimum salary for this role is €54,000, aligned to our established salary framework. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

This role is eligible to participate in an annual bonus scheme, subject to company and individual performance.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including pension, private medical insurance, wellbeing programme, flexible benefits programme, ticket restaurant and more.

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.