UCB logo
External Manufacturing Operations Lead
OTHERSaitama

Summary

Location

Saitama

Type

OTHER

Explore Jobs

About this role

 

Make your mark for patients

患者さんのためにあなたの力を発揮してください


 JOB SUMMARY 
Primary Purpose / Regulatory Responsibilities:
The External Manufacturing Operations Lead Drug Products and Devices has responsibility for the overall performance of the CMOs and critical suppliers within their portfolio.
They achieve this by applying a number of guiding principles:
i.    Reliability of the CDMO/supplier to deliver on supply commitments
ii.    Robustness of the manufacturiung processes in all technical, GMP and regulatory aspects
iii.    Responsiveness to issues within manufacturing – ensuring expertise is available to quickly recover from issues
iv.    Relationships with stakeholders – foundational to ensure performance of cross functional and matrix teams 
The EMOL leads the UCB Vendor Team and acts as the primary point of contact and relationship manager with the CMO  
The role is accountable for the ultimate performance of the CDMO and as such acts as UCBs ‘Virtual Site Head’, coordinating the necessary internal resources and setting the priorities to meet the needs of UCBs downstream supply requirements and operations
The EMOL will have a deep understanding of all manufacturing and technical aspects relating to the sites within their portfolio, but will also have an appreciation of the business drivers of the sites.  By maintaining strong links with the CDMO leadership teams they will ensure the site delivers on the expectations, and that improvements where needed are made in line with agreed milestones
The role will include the close interaction with other UCB functions as the CDMO / Manufacturing Operations SME on key projects and strategic initiatives delivered across the external manufacturing network

Scope: 
Global CDMOs and strategic vendors selected for / active in development and commercial manufacturing of Drug Products and Medical Devices, across all dosage forms and device technology areas

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 
•    Ensure performance of a defined portfolio of CDMO's /strategic vendors. This is achieved by ensuring reliability to deliver the manufacturing plans, robustness of the processes, responsiveness to issues and building strong relationships with Vendors and internal stakeholders.
•    Lead the CMO Vendor Teams coordinating cross-functional and inter-company activities including assessment of capability/development and resourcing needs
•    Lead or participate in transversal initiative/project to develop the operational excellence culture into UCB External Manufacturing.
•    Maintain the appropriate governance structures with their portfolio of CDMOs and lead the periodic meetings between CMOs and UCB multifunctional teams.
•    Perform the regular operational performance evaluation and management processes of the CDMO's in his/her portfolio
•    Provide the technical expertise to support UCB’s CDMO in order to ensure effective processes, optimize capacity utilization and deliver according to state-of-the-art quality standard. 
•    Perform 1st line troubleshooting at CDMO in scope and lead investigations and CAPA implementation in case of complex, business relevant technical and supply issues.
•    Identify continuous improvement and performance improvement opportunities at the CDMO, develop the long-range plans and budgets associated, and deliver the projects to achieve improved quality, cycle times and reduced cost of goods. 
•    Ensure compliance to regulatory standards and industry regulations, implementing best practices, and fostering a strong culture of compliance to always ensure inspection readiness at CDMOs within his/her portfolio.
•    By preparing the Business and Operations Plan, define the operational management & commercial strategy of the CDMO/suppliers in scope for the coming years.
•    Define and manage risk at the CMOs, including capacity availability and potential supply chain disruptions
•    Monitor underlying CDMO capacities and implement Products long range plans in coordination with relevant UCB functions. Where appropriate, represent EMP in the monthly brand supply review meetings
•    Maintain and share technology knowledge, market intelligence and product knowledge of outsourced manufacturing activities at CDMOs
•    The role may also include the line management of EMOLs

Education Level : Master's Degree

COMPETENCIES 
•    Subject matter expert in technical / manufacturing aspects related to the portfolio area
•    Ability to lead multi-functional teams, influence others, hold teams accountable, results orientated, effective at networking.
•    Must be able to manage external business partners and relationships to influence partners to deliver results that UCB needs. Includes negotiation skills and leadership presence as representative of UCB in discussion with senior management members of CMO's
•    Financial & business knowledge: capable to develop and analyze business cases
•    Able to understand and get clear picture on complex, technical and manufacturing performance issues. 
•    Capable to clearly summarize and present scenarios to support decision-making at senior management level 
•    Fluent in English (written & spoken)
•    Influencing and persuasion skills
•    Ability to drive internal cross-functional teams
•    Fully self-directed
•    Experience in crisis management and associated communication
•    Capable of balancing long-term planning / anticipation of risks with responsiveness to immediate issues
•    Strong both analytical and conceptual thinking
•    Experience in Operational Excellence

 


Make your mark for patients

患者さんのためにあなたの力を発揮してください

Other facts

Tech stack
Technical Expertise,Manufacturing Processes,Cross-Functional Leadership,Relationship Management,Negotiation Skills,Crisis Management,Analytical Thinking,Operational Excellence,Compliance Knowledge,Risk Management,Continuous Improvement,Business Acumen,Problem Solving,Communication Skills,Influencing Skills,Self-Directed

About UCB

At UCB, we believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can - as free as possible from the challenges and uncertainty of disease. Our purpose is to support people living with severe central nervous system and immunological conditions by delivering meaningful solutions that go beyond medicine.

We are driven by the experiences of patients and caregivers, and inspired to pursue innovations that create real value - not just in clinical outcomes, but in everyday moments, dreams pursued, and simple pleasures enjoyed. Our ambition is to unlock transformative science and technologies that respond to unmet needs and elevate lives.

From our headquarters in Belgium to nearly 40 countries around the world, we nurture a culture of respect and care. By listening deeply and collaborating across borders and disciplines, we enable cutting-edge research shaped by patients’ needs. Through strong connections with healthcare professionals, partners, and communities, we strive to make a lasting impact - today and into the future.

We're inspired by patients, driven by science.

Team size: 5,001-10,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Founding Year: 1928

What you'll do

  • The External Manufacturing Operations Lead is responsible for the overall performance of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and critical suppliers, ensuring reliability, robustness, and responsiveness in manufacturing processes. They lead cross-functional teams and maintain relationships with stakeholders to meet UCB's supply requirements.

Ready to join UCB?

Take the next step in your career journey

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a External Manufacturing Operations Lead do at UCB?

As a External Manufacturing Operations Lead at UCB, you will: the External Manufacturing Operations Lead is responsible for the overall performance of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and critical suppliers, ensuring reliability, robustness, and responsiveness in manufacturing processes. They lead cross-functional teams and maintain relationships with stakeholders to meet UCB's supply requirements..

Why join UCB as a External Manufacturing Operations Lead?

UCB is a leading Pharmaceutical Manufacturing company.

Is the External Manufacturing Operations Lead position at UCB remote?

The External Manufacturing Operations Lead position at UCB is based in Saitama, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the External Manufacturing Operations Lead position at UCB?

You can apply for the External Manufacturing Operations Lead position at UCB directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about UCB on their website.