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Manufacturing Sustainability Lead, Capital Projects

UCB • United States • Added on Aug 30, 2026
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This role oversees the environmental strategy for a massive, ground-up biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility within the BioNexUS program. You will lead the charge in embedding sustainability into every phase of construction and design, ensuring that large-scale capital investments translate into high-performing, resource-efficient operations. From setting engineering specifications to securing certifications, you own the technical roadmap for the site’s physical footprint.

The impact here is significant because you are operationalizing Green by Design principles at a scale few projects ever reach. By securing LEED Gold certification for a new industrial hub, you ensure that UCB’s pharmaceutical production minimizes its carbon legacy from day one. This role bridges the gap between ambitious corporate net-zero targets and the granular reality of industrial engineering and procurement.

This suits someone who possesses deep expertise in sustainable building standards and the political acumen to influence engineering and facilities teams across international borders. You should thrive in complex, regulated environments where technical precision meets high-level strategy.

Perguntas frequentes da vaga

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to serve as the central environmental point of contact for the BioNexUS program, a major capital investment project. You will be responsible for translating high-level sustainability ambitions into technical engineering specifications and project governance decisions. Your goal is to ensure that environmental considerations are not an afterthought but a core component of the site’s development. You will own the LEED Gold certification strategy, overseeing everything from initial concept design to final commissioning. This involves defining and tracking environmental KPIs, managing risks, and ensuring that all technical domains adhere to sustainable best practices. Ultimately, you will manage the handover of these environmental systems to the site’s long-term technical services teams.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working on a greenfield biopharma project of this magnitude offers rare exposure to the entire lifecycle of sustainable industrial construction. You will gain deep expertise in how LEED and BREEAM standards are applied specifically within the highly regulated constraints of pharmaceutical manufacturing, which involves unique challenges regarding air quality, waste, and energy intensity. Additionally, the role provides a platform to refine cross-border collaboration skills. Navigating the regulatory and cultural nuances between Belgian headquarters and US operations will enhance your ability to lead global sustainability initiatives. You will also stay at the forefront of 'Green by Design' methodologies and emerging industrial environmental technologies.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of experience in environmental sustainability within large industrial or pharma capital projects. A strong technical foundation in green building design is essential, backed by a Master’s degree in a relevant field and a proven track record of achieving LEED or BREEAM certifications for complex facilities. Beyond technical skills, you must be a highly influential communicator. You need the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and the resilience to work within large, high-pressure programs where priorities shift. Experience in procurement and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) within a regulated manufacturing context will make your profile stand out.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a specific understanding of the intersection between sustainability and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Don't just list certifications; explain how you have successfully navigated the conflict between rigorous sterilization/safety requirements and energy efficiency goals in past projects. Highlight your experience with international stakeholder management. Since the team is split between the US and Belgium, proving that you can effectively bridge time zones and organizational cultures is vital. Tailor your resume to show measurable outcomes where your 'Green by Design' interventions led to quantifiable reductions in resource consumption or carbon footprint.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role focuses heavily on the environmental footprint of the built environment. It is less about corporate reporting and more about the physical reality of energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste reduction within a manufacturing hub. You will be the steward of the site's long-term environmental performance. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on sustainable procurement and supply chain integration. By embedding environmental criteria into capital project specifications, you ensure that UCB's infrastructure supports their broader commitment to creating value for the planet alongside patient care.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be managing ambiguity within a large-scale program that has evolving priorities. Balancing the rigid requirements of pharmaceutical compliance (GxP) with innovative sustainability goals can often lead to technical friction that requires creative problem-solving and persistent advocacy. Maintaining cross-continental alignment is another hurdle. Coordinating with teams in Belgium while executing a project in Atlanta requires disciplined communication and the ability to influence stakeholders who may have different local priorities or regulatory frameworks to consider.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might involve reviewing engineering blueprints with LEED consultants to ensure HVAC systems meet energy targets, followed by a governance meeting to report on sustainability KPIs to program leadership. You will likely spend significant time in cross-functional workshops with procurement and HSE teams. Since this is a hybrid role, your day could alternate between on-site collaboration at the Atlanta headquarters and virtual coordination with the Belgian engineering teams. You will act as the 'environmental voice' in various forums, ensuring that sustainability remains a priority in every design iteration and procurement decision.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role is a high-visibility position within UCB’s global operations. Successfully delivering a sustainable flagship manufacturing site provides a significant career platform, potentially leading to global leadership roles in Corporate Sustainability, EHS, or Global Engineering and Facilities. As UCB continues to modernize its manufacturing footprint, you could become the internal subject matter expert for future capital projects worldwide. The skills developed here—specifically at the nexus of pharma innovation and green building—are in extremely high demand across the industrial sector.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. Internally, you will partner closely with the BioNexUS Program Team, HSE managers, and Procurement leads to ensure sustainability is integrated into the site’s DNA. You will also report progress to senior project governance boards. Externally, you will manage relationships with LEED consultants, architects, and engineering firms. Your ability to act as a bridge between these external specialists and UCB’s internal operations, maintenance, and quality departments will be critical to the project’s success.

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