Purpose of The Role

The Innovation Lead is responsible for identifying, assessing, and advancing scientific innovation opportunities originating from external companies, academic institutions, and innovation ecosystems.
The role supports the development and execution of the Specialty Therapeutic Area (TA) strategy in Gastroenterology (GI) and Rheumatology/Immunology, working in close collaboration with Business Development (BD) and internal Development, Medical, and QRS functions.

The Innovation Lead ensures a comprehensive scientific and medical evaluation of external opportunities, contributing expert insight to strategic decisions related to licensing, partnerships, and M&A, while shaping long-term innovation strategies aligned with Alfasigma’s mid- and long-term objectives and patient needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the scientific assessment and due diligence of external innovation opportunities, coordinating cross-functional internal stakeholders to evaluate scientific value, development feasibility, risks, and integration pathways.

• Provide high-level scientific and development expertise to support licensing, partnership, and M&A decisions.

• Develop and contribute to long-term innovation strategies and early pipeline build-up aligned with Alfasigma’s strategy in GI and Rheumatology/Immunology.

• Define, maintain, and execute an innovation roadmap consistent with business priorities and unmet patient needs.

• Develop business cases and lead pilot initiatives for new technologies, services, platforms, or operating models.

• Build and maintain a strong external network including academic institutions, biotech companies, venture capital firms, startups, and innovation hubs to proactively scout high-potential opportunities.

• Represent Alfasigma at scientific, innovation, and partnering events, including international congresses and external stakeholder meetings, strengthening the company’s presence within the innovation ecosystem.

• Monitor and anticipate emerging trends in life sciences, digital health, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

• Collaborate on Corporate R&D projects and cross-functional initiatives as required.

Qualifications

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Pharma or Biotech R&D, including at least 8 years in leadership roles within discovery and/or development.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in external innovation scouting or open innovation activities.

• Demonstrated track record in initiating, piloting, and scaling innovative solutions with measurable business or patient impact.

• Experience leading cross-functional and matrix teams on innovation-driven programs.

• Experience working in or with startups, incubators, venture units, or innovation hubs.

• Background in digital health, SaaS, or data-driven business models, with proven experience launching or scaling digital platforms, applications, or services.

• Exposure to M&A, licensing, and strategic partnerships within an open innovation framework.

• PhD and/or MD required.

• MBA or Executive MBA is considered a plus.

• Ability to promote and embed an innovation mindset and culture across the organization.

• Strong strategic thinking with a clear understanding of how science drives business value.

• Deep scientific expertise in at least one Alfasigma TA (e.g. Gastroenterology/Hepatology or Immunology/Rheumatology) and a solid understanding of the competitive landscape.

• Proven capability to lead and integrate input from complex, multidisciplinary matrix teams.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strong record of scientific innovation, demonstrated through publications and/or patents.

• Fluent English required; additional languages are an advantage.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and key industry tools (e.g. SAP/Oracle, Clarivate or similar platforms).

Company

Alfasigma is a global pharmaceutical company founded over 75 years ago in Italy, where it is headquartered (in Bologna and Milan). The Group operates in over 100 markets spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. It has offices in many countries, including Italy, the US, Spain, Germany, Mexico, and China; production sites in Italy (Pomezia, RM; Alanno, PE; Sermoneta, LT; Trezzano Rosa, MI), Spain (Tortosa, Baix Ebre), and the United States (Shreveport, Louisiana); and R&D labs in Italy (Pomezia and Bergamo). Alfasigma employs approximately 4,000 people dedicated to research, development, production, and distribution of medicinal products, contributing to its mission to provide better health and a better quality of life for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It focuses on three main therapeutic areas: Gastroenterology, Vascular, and Rheumatology. Its portfolio spans from primary care to specialty care, rare disease medications, and consumer health products, including medical foods and nutraceuticals.