Global Category Manager, R&D

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for aGlobal Category Manager R&Dwho is adaptable innovative and comfortable with ambiguity to join ourProcurement Team based in our offices inBrussels Belgium.Thishybridrole (at least 40% of the time in office) Youll be part of a collaborative and innovative team that values open communication and continuous improvement.

About the Role

You will have responsibility for a specific spend area of the Global R&D outsourced activities and reports into the Global Category Lead. You will collaborate with stakeholders from Clinical Operations within R&D ensuring alignment and partnership.

Who youll work with

Internally you will work with Clinical Leadership Strategic Clinical Partnership group Quality Legal and Finance. Externally you will work with contract research organizations.

What youll do

• Lead global sourcing strategyfor R&D outsourced services ensuring alignment with Clinical Operations and the Global Category Lead.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiativesto improve service quality value delivery and enhance supplier performance.
• Manage supplier relationshipsto deliver long-term value in quality delivery cost and innovation.
• Conduct market intelligence and benchmarkingto identify trends assess competition and explore new partnership opportunities.
• Negotiate commercial terms and develop Master Agreements ensuring best value and compliance with UCB standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionallywith stakeholders and contract managers to implement global strategies and transition plans.
• Ensure regulatory compliancewith GCP requirements and act as a role model for ethical behavior and UCB values.
• Create business cases for change including make-versus-buy analyses and budget impact assessments.
• Maintain preferred supplier listsand oversee contract execution including pricing updates and risk mitigation.
• Support innovation and sustainability goalsby leveraging external partnerships and advocating for best-in-class solutions.

Interested For this role were looking for the following education experience and skills

Minimum Experience/Skills Required:

• Masters in Procurement Science or related area required
• Minimum 10 years of experience in R&D Procurement preferably Clinical.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• 5 years of experience clinical procurement within a CRO or pharma environment
• Category Strategy Development: Proven ability to build and execute sourcing strategies aligned with business goals deliveringlong-term efficiencies.
• Contracting Expertise: Extensive experience incomplex contract negotiation execution and lifecycle management.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Skilled innegotiation and conflict resolution fostering value-driven partnerships.
• Project Leadership: Ledprocurement initiativeswith a focus on delivery stakeholder alignment and change management.
• Market Intelligence: Informed decision-making based onglobal market trends including currency and geopolitical factors.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Proficient indata analysis toolsto support forecasting risk mitigation and contract validation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong teamwork and communication with internal stakeholders and contract teams.
• Regulatory & Ethical Compliance: Deep understanding ofR&D regulatory environmentsand commitment tohigh ethical standards.
• Global Communication: Fluent in English with the ability tolead meetings and negotiationsacross international teams.

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 around 8500 people in all four corners of the globe inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us
At UCB we dont just complete tasks we create value. We arent 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 thats 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.

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 . Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.