Staff & Global R&D Legal Counsel

Job description

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 Corporate Functions Global Legal, Compliance and Intellectual Property Global Legal, Compliance and Intellectual Property (IP) Department mission is to provide high quality and proactive management of Chiesi Group's legal and corporate affairs and IP management by achieving creative, practical and effective solutions for business strategies and targets in compliance with laws, regulations and internal standards. The department covers key areas such as Global Legal Business, Corporate, Protection & Innovation, Intellectual Property and Trademarks, Compliance, and Data Protection, working proactively to mitigate risk and uphold ethical standards. Through close collaboration with business functions, Legal enables innovation and protects value, ensuring that Chiesi’s actions remain consistent with its values and commitments. Who we are looking for This is what you will do Legal support to all Staff functions, including both corporate Staff functions and Staff functions with global responsibilities, and to Global Research & Development across a wide range of activities requiring legal assessment, feasibility analysis and risk evaluation, as well as comprehensive support in contract drafting, negotiation and execution. Legal business partner, supporting complex, cross-functional and high‑impact projects, ensuring alignment with applicable laws and regulations, internal policies, and Chiesi’s values and strategic priorities. You will be responsible for 1) Support to Staff Functions Finance and Global Procurement Legal support to the Finance functions, including intercompany agreements and agreements with Chiesi qualified vendors engaged by Global Procurement. Legal point of contact, under the supervision of your line manager, for R&D Procurement‑related matters, supporting the negotiation, execution and management of agreements with vendors involved in R&D projects managed through Procurement, including: CROs, CMOs and CDMOs; vendors supporting clinical and non‑clinical studies; other critical R&D service providers. Global SV&S Team Active involvement, under the supervision of your line manager, in sustainability projects of high strategic relevance, including: legal support for collaborations and partnerships with local and international non‑profit organizations, in line with Chiesi’s purpose and sustainability strategy; legal assessment and structuring of multi‑stakeholder and cross‑functional initiatives (e.g. along with GMD, Public Affairs and Corporate functions), including projects carried out jointly with other pharmaceutical companies (e.g. joint projects on sustainability and life‑cycle management of pharmaceutical products); Human Resources, Global Communications & Public Affairs Legal advice and support on staff‑related matters and projects, including contractual, compliance, governance and risk‑related aspects. 2) Support to Global R&D Legal support across the Global R&D - AIR and CARE field , including: Global Clinical Development; Global Technical Development; Global Research and Preclinical Development; Global Regulatory Affairs and Patient Safety; Global R&D Quality Assurance; Global R&D Strategy, Portfolio and Digital Development. Legal support across the Global R&D – GRD field , including: GRD Clinical Operations; GRD Clinical Development; GRD R&D Pipeline Strategy & Early Development; GRD Biotech Research & Product Development; GRD Regulatory Affairs. Core Global R&D Legal Responsibilities Legal support, under the supervision of your line manager, for research and development projects, including all Chiesi clinical and non‑clinical studies, across the AIR, CARE and RARE therapeutic areas: legal support for the engagement and management of agreements with clinical sites, investigators, research partners and institutions, and academic entities; drafting, negotiation and management of all R&D agreements; legal support for stand‑alone research initiatives and collaboration projects with other pharmaceutical companies/academia/research organizations; advice on regulatory and quality‑related matters impacting R&D activities. 3) Additional Roles and Responsibilities Legal support, under the supervision of your line manager, for Paolo Chiesi Foundation: end‑to‑end legal support for all matters concerning the Foundation, covering legal assessment, risk evaluation and legal advice across all projects and activities. You will need to have Master’s Degree in law (or equivalent). At least 2–3 years of professional experience within a pharmaceutical company and/or a leading international law firm. Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to identify legal risks and develop pragmatic solutions. Good communication skills and team working approach. We would prefer for you to have Admission to the Bar (qualification to practice law). Previous experience supporting R&D legal matters within the pharmaceutical industry. Knowledge of the European and Italian regulatory framework applicable to clinical trials and familiarity with GxP requirements and standards. Location The position is based at our headquarters in Parma and offers flexible working arrangements. Compensation Range The minimum salary for this role is € 46.000, aligned to our established salary framework. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications 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 and more. 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.