Head of Device Product Development

Date:  28 Sept 2026
Department:  GTD Global Technical Development
Business Area:  R&D, Pharmacovigilance & Regulatory Affairs
Job Type:  Direct Employee
Contract Type:  Permanent
Location: 

Parma or Chiesi Affiliates in , 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

Reporting to the Sr. Director Device Development, the Head of Device Product Development is responsible for managing and overseeing Device Product Development department staff and activities, ensuring feasibility of design, development, manufacturing and testing of Medical Devices and Device Constituent Part of Drug Device combinations products in development and promoting cutting edge approaches and device solutions for device product development.

You will be responsible for

  • Support and oversee the department staff and ensure they work in accordance with company quality, device related cGMP, HSE requirements and regulations
  • Support the department in the identification of the best design, development and manufacturing strategies from prototyping to product launch
  • Ensure the identification and development of innovative device products, manufacturing and testing technologies suitable to support Chiesi’s strategy
  • Participate in Due Diligences for in-licensing opportunities
  • Support the definition of IP strategies and patents
  • Scout, identify and manage as per applicable policies the strategic vendors for device related matters including design agencies, CMOs, test labs, consultants, etc
  • Ensure the successful transfer of the device product and relevant manufacturing and testing specifications to Manufacturing or relevant CMO
  • Support the preparation and revision of relevant SOPs and processes
  • Identify, manage and develop the staff of the Device Product Development Department, ensuring that their technical skills and competences are aligned with the needs of the projects
  • Assure the people training, the development of competences and the appropriate allocation of resources and skills to relevant activities, are in compliance with company procedures and project needs
  • Ensure the department acts as a centre of excellence for medical devices and combination products balancing internal capacity and competences with outsourcing
  • Contribute to the definition of the device projects portfolio and the required resources (CAPEX, OPEX, FTE) including the proposal communication to the management
  • Responsible for department adherence to safety and environmental rules and regulations
  • Review and approval of Design Controls documentation
  • Expertise in medical device quality, risk management, manufacturing, and regulatory frameworks, including ISO 13485, ISO 14971, cGMP, and related global regulatory requirements.

You will need to have

  • Substantial leadership experience within the development of drug-device combination product combining deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of regulated innovation environments
  • Experience in managing, coaching and developing teams
  • The candidate brings the credibility and strategic perspective that comes from many years of progressively broader leadership responsibilities in comparable roles.
  • Experience in successfully leading multidisciplinary organizations through periods of growth, transformation, and delivery, while developing both individual contributors and teams
  • Can demonstrate sustained accountability for strategic R&D activities from concept through commercialization, including contributing to the successful industrialisation and ongoing optimisation of products
  • Strong scientific and engineering foundation complemented by extensive hands-on industrial experience
  • Comfortable operating at the intersection of innovation, quality, regulatory requirements, and business objectives, and has a proven track record of translating technological opportunities into sustainable value
  • Combines intellectual rigor with strong interpersonal awareness, creating trust-based relationships while maintaining a clear sense of purpose and integrity
  • An engaged listener who values diverse perspectives, communicates with confidence and respect and navigates complex situations with both analytical discipline and human sensitivity
  • Demonstrates sound judgment, balancing evidence with empathy, challenge conventional thinking when appropriate and inspire others through authenticity and credibility
  • A natural collaborator, that foster open dialogue, build productive connections across teams and bring a positive energy and sense of humor that strengthens engagement and resilience
  • Has a decision-making grounded in logic and facts, while recognizing the importance of culture, motivation and individual needs in achieving sustainable results
  • Fluent in written and spoken English

Location

The role is based in Parma. Remote working is possible with regular presence at the R&D Center in Parma

Budgeted Salary Range (package applied for role based in Italy)

The budgeted salary range approved for this role is between €82,720 and €113,740. This range reflects the typical compensation expected for candidates with the experience and expertise required for the position.  

Final offer may vary based on the selected candidate's skills, experience, qualifications, overall profile, 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 pension, private medical insurance, wellbeing programme, flexible benefits programme. 

The package outlined above is based on the role being located in Italy. Where the role is offered in a different Country, the applicable salary, bonus and benefits will be aligned to the relevant local market and internal frameworks. Full details of the applicable package will be provided at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process. 

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.

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