At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and performance standards across global programmes.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, career growth, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate degree and extensive experience in project management required.
- Other info: Embrace digital innovation and lead a high-performing team.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head of Integrated Planning and Performance who is strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking to join our Integrated Program Management Office team, based in our Slough office, United Kingdom.
About The Role
You will lead the development of unified planning and performance standards across our global Candidate and Asset programs, enabling teams to work with clarity, consistency, and data-driven insights. You will drive the adoption of digital planning systems, strengthen performance monitoring practices, and ensure that teams across our research, development, manufacturing, and commercial functions can plan, monitor, learn, and adapt effectively. You will steer capability building in project management and lead a high-performing team responsible for planning excellence and enterprise performance delivery.
Who You’ll Work With
You will be working with a diverse global network of colleagues, partnering closely with Program and Project Management Teams across Candidate and Asset programs. You will also collaborate with Finance, Portfolio Management, Manufacturing, Commercial, Clinical and Data and Digital teams to ensure alignment and connectivity across planning cycles. Your team includes Project Managers and Planning and Performance specialists, all working together to deliver high-quality plans executed with strong business performance.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and govern enterprise planning standards, ensuring consistent planning practices across global teams.
- Maintain a unified planning data model and ensure planning information is accurate, connected, and reliable.
- Oversee performance monitoring cycles and deliver clear, actionable information to decision-making bodies.
- Lead the development of project management capabilities, including training, methods, and best-practice adoption.
- Build strong cross-functional collaborations to ensure alignment across planning, governance, and performance cycles.
- Lead and mentor a team of planners and project managers, fostering growth, clarity, and effective delivery.
- Set the direction for digital adoption within the Integrated Program Management Team and coach the PMs on this journey.
Qualifications
- Post-graduate degree in a relevant field; project management qualification preferred.
- Extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical sector with expertise in enterprise planning and performance management.
- Over 10 years’ experience in project or program management within complex, global environments.
- Strong knowledge of planning, scheduling, resource management, and performance analytics.
- Skilled in data interpretation, insight storytelling, and engaging communication with senior audiences.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to coach teams and drive capability development.
- Digital Fluency expected, with experience of using AI in Project Management.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Head of Integrated Planning and Performance in Slough employer: UCB
Contact Detail:
UCB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Integrated Planning and Performance in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biopharmaceutical sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and values. UCB is all about collaboration and innovation, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your strategic thinking and teamwork skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your digital fluency! Be ready to discuss how you've used digital tools and AI in project management. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a planner but also someone who embraces modern solutions to drive performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the UCB team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Integrated Planning and Performance in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in integrated planning and performance management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've mentored others or driven capability development.
Be Data-Driven: We love data! Highlight your experience with performance analytics and how you've used data to inform decision-making. This will demonstrate your ability to provide actionable insights, which is key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into the process smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCB
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the biopharmaceutical sector, especially around enterprise planning and performance management. Brush up on the latest trends and technologies, particularly digital planning systems and AI in project management, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams, driven capability development, or fostered collaboration across functions. This role is all about steering a high-performing team, so demonstrating your ability to mentor and guide others will be crucial.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves performance monitoring and data interpretation, come ready to talk about how you’ve used data to inform decision-making in past projects. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your skills in insight storytelling and engaging communication with senior audiences.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
UCB values a caring and supportive culture, so it’s important to convey your alignment with their values. Think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative spirit and commitment to creating value for patients and colleagues alike. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.