Make your mark for patients
To strengthen our External Manufacturing – Drug Substance, we are looking for a talented and motivated individual to fill the position of: External Manufacturing Operations Lead – Drug Substance (Braine L'Alleud - Belgium).
About the role :
As the Analytical External Manufacturing Operations Lead, you will oversee and coordinate the performance of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and/or contract laboratory organizations (CLOs) for drug substance manufacturing and testing. Your role is to ensure reliable supply, robust processes, and effective partnerships, acting as the primary point of contact and relationship manager. You will guide cross-functional teams, drive operational excellence, and support strategic initiatives across the external manufacturing network.
You will work with :
In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams within UCB, including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and regulatory affairs. You will interact with external partners such as CDMOs, CLOs, and strategic suppliers, as well as senior management and subject matter experts. Your work will involve building strong relationships across global, regional, and local levels to ensure alignment and successful delivery of objectives, while contributing to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Your activities :
* Oversee the performance of CDMOs, CLOs, and strategic vendors, ensuring reliability, robust processes, and timely issue resolution
* Guide and coordinate vendor teams, including capability assessment and resource planning
* Lead or participate in projects to foster operational excellence and analytics within UCB external manufacturing
* Maintain governance structures and lead regular meetings between CDMOs/CLOs and UCB teams
* Evaluate and manage operational performance of CDMOs/CLOs in your portfolio
* Provide technical and analytical expertise to optimize processes and deliver state-of-the-art quality standards
* Troubleshoot and lead investigations for complex technical and supply issues
* Identify and deliver continuous improvement projects to enhance quality, cycle times, and cost efficiency
* Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry regulations, implementing best practices
* Prepare business and operations plans, defining operational management and commercial strategy
* Manage risk, including capacity availability and potential supply chain disruptions
* Monitor capacities and implement long-range product plans in coordination with relevant functions
* Represent EMP in monthly brand supply review meetings as appropriate
* Maintain and share technology knowledge, market intelligence, and product knowledge related to outsourced manufacturing activities
Interested ? For this position, we are looking for the following training, experience and skills :
* Master's degree or equivalent
* Expertise in technical, manufacturing, and analytical aspects related to the portfolio area
* Strong analytical background
* Ability to guide multi-functional teams
* Skilled in managing external business partners and relationships to achieve results, including effective negotiation
* Financial and business acumen, with the ability to develop and analyze business cases
* Ability to understand and address complex technical and manufacturing / analytical performance issues
* Capable of summarizing and presenting scenarios to support informed decision-making at senior management level
* Fluent in English, French is an asset
Are you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you
About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.
Why work with us?
At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.
At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA- Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.