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,…