Downstream Manager

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a Downstream Manager who is an inspiring leader, operationally strong, and quality‑driven to join our Clinical Manufacturing Sciences team, based at our UCB campus located in Braine‑l’Alleud, Belgium.

About the role

In this role, you are going to lead Downstream and Buffer Production activities within our Biologics Pilot Plant. You will also ensure safe, compliant, and efficient cGMP manufacturing of Drug Substance for clinical trials (Phases I–III). You will combine people leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement to deliver high‑quality results while preparing our operations for future growth.

Who you will work with

You will work closely with a passionate Downstream Production team and collaborate daily with Quality, Validation, Engineering, Process Development, and external partners. You are going to be part of a cross‑functional, international environment where teamwork, knowledge sharing, and trust are at the core of everything we do.

What you will do

• Lead and develop a ~30‑person Downstream Production team, fostering performance, engagement, resilience, and strong team spirit.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and OTIF delivery of Drug Substance for Phase 1–3 clinical programs through robust cGMP downstream operations.
• Oversee purification, TFF, chromatography, and Drug Substance filling activities while resolving daily operational issues and supporting effective decision‑making.
• Drive quality excellence through solid documentation practices, deviation management, investigations, and CAPA execution.
• Promote continuous improvement, operational excellence, cost optimization, and adaptable planning in a fast‑changing manufacturing environment.
• Support technology transfer, scale‑up, and implementation of new processes/equipment through close cross‑functional collaboration.

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following education, experience and skills

For this role, we are looking for the following education, experience, and skills:

• Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Proven leadership experience in biologics or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of Downstream processing and cGMP environments.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and data‑based decision making.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English and French.

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