Site Program Lead

Who we are looking for

Purpose

We are seeking a Site Program Lead to support and coordinate the Operational Readiness Programs at our new pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Nerviano (Milan). This role involves translating strategic objectives into executional readiness across multiple streams.

The Program Lead will function as a program manager and integrator, collaborating across functions such as Production, QC, QA, Engineering, Supply Chain, and IT. Responsibilities include 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

• Manage selected readiness streams, such as establishing QC laboratories or setting up 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, including procedures, layouts, equipment, documentation, and personnel readiness.
• Monitor overall progress of operational readiness activities, escalate bottlenecks, and propose solutions proactively.
• Engage 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 or close interaction with QC labs, production departments, or MS&T is highly preferred.
• Background in project or program management within complex, matrixed environments.

Education

• Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2) is advantageous.

Languages

• Fluent in English and Italian (written and spoken) is mandatory.
• Knowledge of French is a plus.

Technical & Soft Skills

• Strong program management and organizational skills to track multiple workstreams and interdependencies.
• Good knowledge of tech transfer dynamics, GMP documentation, and operational setup activities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to engage with senior leaders and operational teams.
• Analytical, structured, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to lead cross-functional meetings, facilitate decisions, and drive alignment.
• Comfortable working in a fast-evolving environment with ambiguity.

What we offer

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

At Chiesi, we believe our people are our most valuable asset. We invest in continuous training, learning, and development, aiming to promote growth and ensure a positive working environment and collective well-being.

We want our people to come to work happy every day. To support this, we offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, relocation assistance, tax support for foreign colleagues, and other people-care services.