Job Description

Who we are looking for


Purpose


We are looking for a Site Program Lead to support and coordinate the Operational Readiness Programs of out new pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Nerviano (Milan). This individual will play a key role in translating strategic objectives into executional readiness across multiple streams.


The Program Lead will act as a program manager and integrator, working across functions (Production, QC, QA, Engineering, Supply Chain, IT, etc.), identifying readiness gaps, driving stream-level planning and execution, and enabling the site to transition from project to operational state in a GMP-compliant and business-ready manner.

Main Responsibilities



  • Act as program manager for selected readiness streams, such as the creation of QC laboratories or the setup of new production departments.

  • Define and manage stream plans, milestones, risks, and interdependencies.

  • Coordinate and align cross-functional contributors involved in each readiness stream (e.g. Engineering, Validation, HR, QA, Procurement).

  • Ensure timely delivery of stream outputs (e.g. procedures, layouts, equipment, documentation, people readiness).

  • Monitor the overall progress of operational readiness activities, escalating bottlenecks and proactively proposing solutions.

  • Interact with technical SMEs, project managers, and business owners to ensure cross-stream alignment.

  • Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and governance routines for stream tracking and decision-making.

  • Support or lead risk assessments, implementation planning, and problem-solving related to GMP readiness.

  • Represent the operational readiness function in internal meetings and report regularly to site leadership.

Experience Required



  • Minimum 8–12 years of experience in pharmaceutical operations, technical operations, or manufacturing projects.

  • Proven experience in greenfield or brownfield site projects, tech transfer, or operational startup environments.

  • Solid understanding of GMP principles, pharmaceutical quality systems, and regulatory expectations.

  • Experience in or close interaction with QC labs, production departments, or MS&T is highly preferred.

  • Background in project or program management in complex, matrixed environments.

Education



  • Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.

  • Project management certification (e.g. PMP, Prince2) is a plus.

Languages



  • Fluent English and Italian (written and spoken) is mandatory.

  • Knowledge of French will be considered a plus

Technical & Soft Skills



  • Strong program management and organizational skills: able to track multiple workstreams and interdependencies.

  • Good knowledge of tech transfer dynamics, GMP documentation, and operational setup activities.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills – able to engage with senior leaders and operational teams alike.

  • Analytical, structured, and solution-oriented.

  • Capable of leading cross-functional meetings, facilitating decisions, and driving alignment.

  • Comfortable with ambiguity and capable of working in a fast-evolving project environment.

What we offer


You would join a dynamic, fast-growing, challenging and friendly environment.

In Chiesi we firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, that is why we invest in continuous training, learning and development. Therefore, we strive to continuously promote and satisfy development needs, paying particular attention to the quality of our working environment and to collective well-being.

We want our people to come to work happy every day, and we know how important it is to find the right work-life balance in order to be able to give our best. That is why we offer flexible working approach, remote working, support in the relocation process, tax assistance service for foreign colleagues and many other people-care services.


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