Head of Rare Logistics
Preferably Northern 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.
Global Technical Operations & Supply
Global Technical Operations & Supply (Global TechOp&S) is Chiesi’s global manufacturing and supply area, responsible for ensuring consistent, outstanding quality, service and value across our end‑to‑end supply chain. Global TechOp&S oversees the entire lifecycle of the drug: from process optimization and industrialization, to manufacturing, engineering, quality oversight, and supply chain management. Throughout this journey, Operational Excellence drives continuous improvement. This end‑to‑end model is powered by our four manufacturing sites - Parma (IT), Blois (FR), Santana de Parnaíba (BR), and Nerviano (IT) - together with our Virtual Plant network of external partners.
This is what you will do
The Head of Rare Logistics is accountable for the end-to-end orchestration, performance, and continuous optimization of the global logistics network dedicated to the Rare Disease portfolio. Operating in a zero-tolerance environment for patient disruption, the role ensures reliable, compliant, and patient-centric delivery across highly complex, low-volume, high-criticality supply chains. The person will act as the single point of accountability for logistics orchestration, with direct responsibility for managing and governing external logistics providers (3PLs, transport partners, cold chain providers, and distribution networks).
This role focuses on orchestration of a complex external ecosystem, ensuring alignment of partners to deliver seamless, patient-centric logistics globally.
Scope of Responsibility (Rare Disease only)
- Global commercial distribution
- Interplant and CMO-to-network logistics flows
- Registration, validation, and launch batches
- Medical, regulatory, and commercial samples
- Patient-named / compassionate use distribution
- Device and combination product logistics
- Cold chain and specialty distribution
- Global transport, warehousing, and distribution network (RD-specific)
- Full governance of logistics service providers and partners
You will be responsible for
1. Logistics Strategy & Network Design
- Define and continuously optimize the global logistics strategy for Rare Disease
- Design a resilient, agile, and patient-centric distribution network
2. End-to-End Logistics Orchestration
- Act as the single orchestration point across the RD logistics ecosystem
- Ensure seamless integration with planning, supply, and commercial priorities
3. External Provider Management
- Own selection, governance, and performance management of all logistics providers
- Establish SLAs, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans
4. Control Tower & Risk Management
- Establish and lead a Global Logistics Control Tower
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks
5. Compliance & Quality
- Ensure full compliance with GDP and regulatory standards
6. Patient-Centric Execution
- Guarantee on-time, in-full delivery for patient-critical therapies
7. Organizational Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing Rare Disease logistics organization
You will need to have
- At least 10 years experience in pharma/biotech logistics
- Fluent English
- Strong experience managing global logistics networks and external providers
- Expertise in cold chain and specialty distribution
- Deep knowledge of GDP
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
We would prefer for you to have
- Experience in the Rare Diseases field is highly valued
Location
The position is open across Europe, with a preference for Northern Italy.
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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