Head of IT Project Management

Chiesi is an international research-focused biopharmaceutical group with 90 years’ experience, operating in more than 30 countries, with its Headquarter in Parma, Italy. This is what drives us as we research, develop, and market innovative drugs across our main therapeutic areas. At Chiesi we are thinking generations ahead, driving sustainable innovation with purpose. As a Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corp, we have embedded sustainability in our bylaws and continuously measure our impact. We believe our differences make us stronger. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. Promote a mindset of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared success. Lead initiatives that support engagement, well‑being, and recognition within the team. 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. 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 ca