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- Tasks: Lead cross-functional projects to bring drug development programs to life.
- Company: UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, opportunities for growth, and meaningful recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients while collaborating in an innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification preferred; 5+ years in project management, ideally in pharma.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values knowledge sharing and mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Make your mark for patients. We are looking for a Candidate Program Manager – Drug Development Projects who is strategic, solution-oriented, and collaborative to join our Global Program Management team, based in our Slough office in UK.
About the role: You will be working in a team that brings candidate programs to life — from early research to proof of concept — by leading complex, cross-functional projects that contribute to better outcomes for patients. Your mission is to guide programs through development with strong operational discipline, clear stakeholder alignment, and proactive risk management.
Who you’ll work with: You’ll partner closely with candidate leads, functional experts, and cross-functional teams across development, regulatory, medical, manufacturing, and access. You’ll also be an active member of the broader Program Management community, where sharing knowledge and mentoring others is highly valued.
What you’ll do:
- Translate strategic goals into clear operational roadmaps, including scope, timelines, and cost scenarios.
- Drive delivery of program outcomes by managing timelines, priorities, and removing execution barriers.
- Anticipate risks, resolve issues, and track program performance with transparency and focus.
- Ensure clear communication of program status to leadership and stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making.
- Foster a positive, collaborative team culture by facilitating meetings, knowledge sharing, and onboarding.
- Apply and promote best practices in program management, including agile methodologies where relevant.
Interested? For this role we’re looking for the following education, experience and skills:
- Postgraduate qualification preferred in a relevant field (e.g. MSc, PhD, MBA).
- Certification in program or project management (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum).
- 5+ years of experience in project/program management, ideally in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Strong track record working across global, cross-functional teams and complex program lifecycles.
- Solid understanding of drug development and stakeholder management in a regulated environment.
- Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and critical decision-making skills.
Why you should apply: At UCB, we strive to attract passionate and outstanding talents who thrive on change and are ready to bring real value to patients. Working for us you’ll discover a place where you can grow and express your full potential. We place an emphasis on innovation, collaboration and impact. Through meaningful recognition and a motivating work atmosphere, we aim to provide an optimal experience by caring about and valuing our employees – just as we do for the patients we serve.
If you believe you are the perfect match to join us on our pioneering adventure, then we invite you to apply and tell us more about your profile and motivation. 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 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.
Candidate Program Manager (UK) employer: UCB S.A.
Contact Detail:
UCB S.A. Recruiting Team
EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Candidate Program Manager (UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in drug development and project management methodologies. Understanding agile practices and how they apply to pharmaceutical projects can set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, especially those involved in program management. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past. Highlight your ability to navigate cross-functional teams and resolve conflicts, as these skills are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research UCB's values and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission to create value for patients.
We think you need these skills to ace Candidate Program Manager (UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, especially within the pharmaceutical industry. Emphasise your strategic thinking and collaboration skills, as these are key for the Candidate Program Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for drug development and how your background aligns with UCB's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and fostered team collaboration.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your postgraduate qualifications and any certifications in program or project management. This will demonstrate your commitment to professional development and your suitability for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this position, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCB S.A.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Candidate Program Manager. Familiarise yourself with drug development processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your project management skills, especially in a pharmaceutical context. Highlight your ability to manage timelines, priorities, and stakeholder communication effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups in the past. Share specific instances where your teamwork led to successful project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and risk management abilities. Think of potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, demonstrating your strategic thinking.
