Procurement category manager - packaging

We are looking for a Global Category Manager Packaging – Internal Manufacturing who is commercially astute, results‑driven, and partnership‑focused to join our Internal Manufacturing Procurement team, supporting UCB’s Patient Supply organisation based in Braine-L’Alleud, Belgium or Bulle, Switzerland.

About The Role

As Global Category Manager, you will be responsible for a defined procurement portfolio within Patient Supply, playing a key role in ensuring supply continuity, driving value creation, and supporting UCB’s growth ambitions.

You will lead end‑to‑end sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships at a global level, and drive commercial excellence across the category. Working closely with cross‑functional stakeholders, you will ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective, and sustainable solutions across UCB’s supply network.

Who You’ll Work With

You will collaborate with a broad network of stakeholders across Patient Supply, Global Quality, Regulatory, Finance, Legal, Sustainability, and Risk. You will also partner with strategic suppliers and external partners to drive innovation and long‑term value. The role reports to the Category Lead for the assigned spend area.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute best‑in‑class sourcing strategies for the packaging category.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to drive cost optimisation, quality improvement, and secure supply continuity.
• Provide market intelligence and supplier insights to support category decisions and long‑term strategies.
• Lead commercial negotiations and develop master agreements that maximise value for UCB.
• Manage the full sourcing lifecycle from tendering through contracting and supplier performance management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to drive innovation and resilience.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of sourcing strategies with business needs.
• Apply structured risk‑management approaches to safeguard supply continuity and minimise exposure.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with regulatory and GxP requirements.
• Act as a role model for ethical behaviour, compliance, and UCB’s core values.

Interested? For this role we’re looking for:

• Experience in Packaging Procurement in pharmaceutical industry
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or a related field.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience managing complex supplier agreements.
• Ability to operate strategically in a global, cross‑functional, and matrix organisation.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.

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