Head of Clinical Project Management

Date: 24 Jun 2026

Department: Global Clinical Development

Business Area: R&D, Pharmacovigilance & Regulatory Affairs

Job Type: Direct Employee

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Italy, 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 Clinical Project Management Head is a senior leadership role within the Clinical Operations function, responsible for ensuring the effective and compliant delivery of clinical project management activities across all phases. driving alignment with corporate objectives in terms of timelines, budget, and quality standards. The role is responsible for the line management and professional development of a team of Clinical Project Managers (CPMs) who lead the execution of clinical trials across all development phases. This position ensures the effective allocation of resources, fosters talent development, and drives consistent project delivery in alignment with organizational goals.

You will be responsible for

STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Financial Planning & Control: ensure robust planning, monitoring, and optimization of the clinical operations budget, supporting financial forecasting and medium- to long-term sustainability of the portfolio.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

• Manage, mentor and develop the internal team of Clinical Project Managers.

• Provide direct line management to a team of Clinical Project Managers, ensuring clarity of roles, performance expectations, and ongoing feedback.

• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings, performance appraisals, and career development discussions.

• Develop and implement individual development plans (IDPs) and training strategies to support professional growth and long-term retention.

• Mentor and coach CPMs to enhance leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Proactively identify and manage talent gaps, succession planning, and team capabilities.

RESOURCE PLANNING & PROJECT ALLOCATION

• Oversee the allocation of CPMs to clinical trials based on competencies, experience, workload, and project complexity.

• Ensure optimal resourcing across projects by monitoring workload balance and adjusting assignments as needed.

• Collaborate with Clinical Operations Leaders to anticipate future needs and align capacity with pipeline priorities.

• Act as an escalation point for resource conflicts and contribute to resolution strategies.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE & FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Drive consistent, high-quality execution of clinical trials through strong leadership and oversight of project managers.

• Promote best practices in project planning, , and cross-functional coordination.

• Ensure CPMs maintain compliance with internal SOPs, GCP, and regulatory standards.

• Develop and refine functional tools, KPIs, templates, and guidance documents for project management activities.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION & STRATEGY

• Represent the Clinical Project Management function in cross-functional forums and governance bodies, ensuring clear positioning and effective decision-making Contribute to operational strategy, portfolio planning, and functional budget discussions bringing a GCO-wide perspective to support prioritization and resource allocation.

CULTURE & ENGAGEMENT

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and empowering team culture.

• Promote a mindset of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared success.

• Lead initiatives that support engagement, well-being, and recognition within the team.

You will need to have

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences (PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) preferred; Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience considered.

• At least 8–10 years of experience in clinical research, including substantial experience in clinical project management and people leadership.

• Proven experience in line management of clinical professionals, including performance management, coaching, and resource planning.

• Proven experience budgeting and resources planning.

• Strong knowledge of ICH-GCP, clinical trial lifecycle, regulatory requirements, and CRO/vendor management.

• Strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to lead in a matrixed, global environment.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); additional languages are an asset.

• Excellent knowledge of healthcare compliance and other relevant guidance.

• Excellent knowledge of the clinical development settings.

• Excellent project management capabilities with demonstrated capability to problem solve and mediate complex issues.

• Understands financial procedures, budget management

Location

The position is based at our headquarters in Parma and offers flexible working arrangements, including both hybrid and predominantly remote options.

Compensation range

The minimum salary for this role is €74.000, 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 company car, pension, private medical insurance, wellbeing programme, flexible benefits programme 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.