R&D Category Manager - Temporary (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 Procurement

With the aim of complying with internal procedures to safeguard corporate interests, Global Procurement Department ensures the best conditions for the supply of goods and services, striving to guarantee the highest level of internal customer satisfaction. It conducts its commercial and operational activities with fairness, transparency, traceability, responsibility, and ethics, in collaboration with all other corporate functions.

Organized by Teams, Direct, Indirect, Sustainable and R&D Procurement, the Function is structured to best support the entire Group and respond effectively to diverse business needs.

Who we are looking for

This is what you will do

You will join the Global R&D Procurement organization at Chiesi Farmaceutici, supporting the management of external partners and procurement activities across the assigned R&D category.

Working closely with the relevant Global Category Lead and R&D stakeholders, you will contribute to the execution of category priorities and sourcing strategies, supporting the delivery of the R&D pipeline through effective supplier selection, contracting, negotiation and performance management.

The role requires a strong combination of procurement expertise, business partnering capabilities and understanding of the R&D outsourcing environment, with the ability to independently manage sourcing initiatives and complex external relationships in a global and cross-functional setting.

You will be responsible for

Manage sourcing initiatives across the assigned R&D category, from demand definition through supplier selection, negotiation and contracting.

Contribute to category strategies and sourcing plans through market intelligence, supplier insights and business recommendations.

Partner with R&D stakeholders to translate scientific and operational needs into effective sourcing and contracting solutions.

Lead competitive bids and commercial negotiations with CROs, CDMOs and other R&D service providers.

Manage supplier relationships and performance within the assigned scope, supporting issue resolution and continuous improvement.

Support supplier landscape development, risk mitigation, cost optimization and value creation initiatives.

Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Legal, Finance and other relevant functions, ensuring compliance with Procurement, GxP and corporate requirements.

You will need to have

University degree in scientific, economic, business or other relevant disciplines.

4+ years of relevant experience in Procurement, Outsourcing Management, Strategic Sourcing, Contract Management or R&D technical roles with significant responsibility for external partners, preferably within Pharmaceutical, Biotech, CRO/CDMO or Life Sciences environments.

Good understanding of R&D outsourcing models, supplier landscapes and relevant pricing and contracting models.

Practical exposure to sourcing processes, commercial negotiations and supplier management.

Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a global and cross-functional environment.

Proactive, pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset, with strong ownership and execution capabilities.

Fluency in English, written and spoken.

We would prefer for you to have

Previous exposure to R&D or pharmaceutical development environments.

Experience working with CROs, CDMOs or other specialized R&D service providers.

Familiarity with strategic supplier relationships, supplier performance management or sustainability topics.

Location

HQ Parma or hybrid

Budgeted Salary Range

The budgeted salary range approved for this role is between €46.000 and €57.500 . This range reflects the typical compensation expected for candidates with the experience and expertise required for the position.

Final offer may vary based on the selected candidate's skills, experience, qualifications, overall profile, 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 company   pension, private medical insurance, wellbeing programme, flexible benefits programme…

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.