> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2061771-global-procurement-category-manager-digital-it-r-d](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2061771-global-procurement-category-manager-digital-it-r-d). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Global Procurement Category Manager - Digital & IT R&D - **Company:** UCB - **Location:** Anderlecht, Belgium - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Digital Technology, Procurement Software, Software Systems - **Published:** August 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.be/jobad/be3e6248d3f0ba0f5a8fb8a3cd162d310e ## About the Role Minimum 8 years' experience in strategic procurement, sourcing, supplier management, or digital technology roles, preferably with exposure to pharmaceutical R&D environments. Previous experience working with R&D technology categories and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical R&D processes across discovery, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, safety, quality, and CMC domains. Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management experience, including with large R&D technology providers. Good understanding of digital R&D technology landscapes, software solutions, market dynamics, and supplier ecosystems. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills in a global and cross-functional environment. Team-oriented, collaborative mindset with commitment to diversity and inclusion. Fluent in English. 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! ## Description We are looking for a Global Procurement Category Manager, Digital & IT R&D who is strategic, influential, and deeply knowledgeable about digital research and development technologies to join our Procurement team at UCB, based out of Brussels, Belgium., As the Global Procurement Category Manager, Digital & IT R&D, you will ensure the organization secures optimal value when acquiring software and digital technology solutions supporting the full research and development lifecycle. This includes technologies related to discovery, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, safety, quality, and CMC activities. You will collaborate closely with R&D stakeholders to understand business needs, assess technology providers, negotiate optimal commercial terms, and proactively manage a global Digital R&D technology spend. Your strong understanding of pharmaceutical R&D processes and digital R&D technologies will enable you to make informed decisions and drive procurement excellence across multiple regions and regulatory landscapes. Who You'll Work With You will report to the Head of Digital & IT Procurement and will work closely with R&D Digital Technology leadership, cross-functional internal stakeholders, and strategic Digital R&D technology suppliers. Operating within a global remit, you will build productive relationships with large R&D technology providers, partner with internal teams to support business needs across the R&D value chain, and act as a key advisor on technology sourcing, supplier relationship management, contractual negotiations, and sustainability requirements. What You'll Do Manage a global Digital R&D technology spend and oversee end-to-end procurement processes across the R&D lifecycle. Develop and implement category strategies for software supporting discovery, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, safety, quality, and CMC activities. Identify opportunities to optimize Digital R&D technology spend and enhance supplier value. Build and maintain strong relationships with R&D stakeholders and strategic technology suppliers. Identify potential suppliers and lead supplier selection efforts for R&D technology solutions. Manage complex RFI/RFP processes using procurement-approved tools. Provide fact-based sourcing recommendations considering R&D technology market dynamics, supplier capabilities, and competitive trends. Negotiate commercial terms with large R&D technology providers and ensure contractual compliance in partnership with Legal and Digital Technology. Embed risk management, data protection, regulatory, quality, and sustainability requirements into supplier contracts where applicable. 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