Global Category Research & Preclinical Lead - Temporary

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 Corporate Functions

At Chiesi, the Corporate Functions serve as drive and support for the Group’s business operations. Encompassing key areas such as Global Finance, Global Procurement, Global ICT, Global Human Resources, Global Legal, Compliance & IP, and Global Communications & Public Affairs, these functions ensure consistency, efficiency, and operational integrity.

Complementing these functions, the Transformation Office is responsible for ensuring the strategic alignment of the organization. It promotes an integrated, digital, and customer‑centric approach, supporting growth, efficiency, and value creation in an increasingly data‑driven world. The Transformation Office ensures coherence between vision and execution, acting as a catalyst for change across the entire organization.

The Strategy, Sustainability & Growth Department is also part of the Corporate Functions. It includes areas such as Global Strategy, SV&S and Business Development, Competitive Intelligence, and other key capabilities. It is accountable for defining the ‘One Chiesi’ Strategy and allocating resources to create long‑term, sustainable, shared value for the Group and its stakeholders.

Who We Are Looking For

You will join the Global R&D Procurement organization at Chiesi Farmaceutici, acting as Global Category Lead for Research & Preclinical services. The role is designed to ensure continuity, strategic leadership and operational excellence across critical external partnerships supporting early‑stage R&D activities. You will work in close business partnership with Global Research & Preclinical Development and GRD Preclinical stakeholders, contributing to the delivery of the R&D pipeline through robust category strategies, effective supplier governance and value‑driven R&D Procurement solutions.

You will be responsible for

• Define and execute the category strategy for Research & Preclinical services, ensuring alignment with R&D priorities, pipeline needs and Global Procurement objectives.
• Act as a strategic business partner to Global Research & Preclinical Development and GRD Preclinical leadership, translating scientific and operational needs into sourcing and contracting strategies.
• Responsible for category management activities, including supplier strategy, sourcing, negotiation, contracting and performance governance, where applicable.
• Manage and evolve strategic supplier relationships, fostering long‑term partnerships with key CROs and service providers at both operational and executive level.
• Ensure cost predictability, risk mitigation and contractual robustness, supporting budget planning and financial discipline across the category.
• Drive alignment with GxP, Quality, Legal and Compliance requirements, ensuring all activities adhere to internal policies and external regulations.
• Contribute to the integration of ESG and sustainability criteria into supplier evaluation and category decision‑making, in coordination with Sustainable Procurement.
• Collaborate closely with other Global Procurement Category Leads to ensure consistency, knowledge sharing and best‑practice adoption across R&D categories.

You will need to have

• University degree in scientific, economic or other disciplines.
• Preferably 6 years+ experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotech procurement, with proven expertise in Preclinical Outsourcing or Category Management within pharmaceutical, biotech or life sciences environments. Please consider that we are also open to consider more junior profiles.
• Strong understanding of Research & Preclinical development activities and related external service models.
• Proven experience in complex contract negotiations and supplier governance.
• Ability to operate effectively in a global, cross‑functional and matrix organization.
• Good stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

We would prefer for you to have

• Previous exposure to early‑stage R&D or non‑clinical development environments.
• Experience with strategic partnerships and long‑term supplier models (beyond transactional sourcing).
• Familiarity with ESG, sustainability or responsible sourcing frameworks in R&D contexts.
• A pragmatic, solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to balance strategy and execution.

Location

Please note that the position is open in Europe. The person may choose their base location but will be required to travel periodically to Parma, where the headquarters is located.

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 programmes, 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.