US Project Engineering & Manuf Leader

Make your mark for patients

UCB is seeking a seasoned and strategic Project Lead to spearhead the development of a new US- based biomanufacturing facility. This is a pivotal role for an experienced leader who has successfully delivered complex US capital projects in the biopharmaceutical sector and is ready to take on one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in UCB's history, based in our Boston, MA, Raleigh, NC or Atlanta, GA office.

About the role

You will be responsible for leading/driving the end-to-end execution of this greenfield/brownfield project-from State/site selection and regulatory engagement to design, construction, and commissioning. This role requires a proven ability to lead large-scale infrastructure initiatives, a deep understanding of US regulatory frameworks, including direct experience working with the FDA and other US or State government agencies. This role requires flexibility to travel extensively across the US and work in a multicultural environment.

What you'll do

• Drive site selection efforts across potential US locations, balancing strategic, logistical, and regulatory considerations. Drive the full lifecycle of the US manufacturing facility project, from site selection to operational readiness.
• Serve as the primary liaison with US regulatory bodies, including the FDA and local/state government officials.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials to secure support, incentives, and alignment on project timelines. Serve as a representative between UCB Senior Management and relevant parties.
• Develop Project team organization and manage third parties (Real Estate, General Contractors, ...).
• Build and lead a high-performing, cross-functional project team, including external partners, general contractors, Real Estate, and consultants. Anticipate Long-term Site Operational Management structure, Report progress to UCB Senior Management.
• Oversee US site development, infrastructure planning, and execution in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Ensure integration of sustainable, digital, and flexible technologies aligned with UCB's global strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all codes of Federal Regulations, cGMP, safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and reporting with a focus on transparency and accountability, in alignment with UCB Standards.
• Represent UCB in external forums and industry groups to advocate for innovation and regulatory clarity.

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Industrial, or related field)
• 15+ years of experience in capital project leadership within the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale facility builds in the US, ideally from site selection through to operational readiness.
• Deep knowledge of codes of Federal regulations, FDA regulations, GMP requirements, and experience engaging with US/State government agencies.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Atlanta, RTP, or Boston, and travel extensively in the US. Willing to relocate to the Site once established.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Atlanta, RTP, or Boston, and travel extensively in the US. Willing to relocate to the Site once established.

Preferred requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Project Management for broader strategic and leadership capabilities
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills across global and cross-cultural teams.
• Demonstrated an excellent ability to evaluate past project challenges and apply those insights to achieve improved outcomes in subsequent initiatives.

This positions reasonably anticipated base salary range is $236,000 to $310,000 per year. The actual salary offered will take into account internal equity and may also vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

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 8,500 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.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. UCB invites you to voluntarily self-identify during the application process. Provision of self-identification information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your application for employment, your employment with UCB, or otherwise subject you to any adverse treatment. Any information you provide will be considered confidential and will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders, and regulations.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on US-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com for application to US based roles. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.