Summary

In this role, you will help shape the future of analytical technology across Takeda's global Quality Control laboratories. You will play a key role in defining the long-term analytical technology strategy and multi-year roadmap, identifying emerging technologies that advance scientific innovation while supporting compliance, operational excellence, and business value. Your work will contribute to building scalable, scientifically robust analytical capabilities that strengthen pharmaceutical quality and prepare laboratories for the future. You will partner across Quality, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research and Development, Regulatory, Engineering, Digital and Information Technology, Data Science, Procurement, and Supply Chain to advance innovation. You will also help connect Takeda with universities, technology providers, start-ups, and industry groups to identify emerging developments and strengthen analytical innovation across the organization.

Job description

About the role

In this role, you will help shape the future of analytical technology across Takeda's global Quality Control laboratories. You will play a key role in defining the long-term analytical technology strategy and multi-year roadmap, identifying emerging technologies that advance scientific innovation while supporting compliance, operational excellence, and business value. Your work will contribute to building scalable, scientifically robust analytical capabilities that strengthen pharmaceutical quality and prepare laboratories for the future. You will partner across Quality, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research and Development, Regulatory, Engineering, Digital and Information Technology, Data Science, Procurement, and Supply Chain to advance innovation. You will also help connect Takeda with universities, technology providers, start-ups, and industry groups to identify emerging developments and strengthen analytical innovation across the organization.

How you will contribute

Global analytical technology strategy & vision: Define and own the global analytical technology strategy and future technology vision for QC laboratories, aligned to Takeda's quality, manufacturing, and business strategy.
Multi-year technology roadmap: Develop and maintain a multi-year analytical technology roadmap, sequencing innovation and deployment to keep the QC network at the scientific and digital frontier.
Technology scouting & horizon scanning: Lead global technology scouting, horizon scanning, and scientific trend analysis to identify emerging and disruptive analytical technologies and evaluate their applicability to Takeda.
Innovation pipeline & evaluation: Own the innovation pipeline — establishing technology-evaluation teams, proof-of-concept, and qualification pathways that move technologies from scouting to validated, deployable capability.
Advanced & digital laboratory technologies: Drive the evaluation and adoption of advanced analytical, AI-enabled, and digital laboratory technologies — automation, robotics, PAT, rapid microbiological methods, spectroscopy, imaging, advanced sensors, digital twins, predictive analytics, and connected, cloud-enabled smart-laboratory ecosystems.
Investment prioritisation & portfolio management: Prioritise technology investments and manage the innovation portfolio, developing robust business cases and quantifying return on investment and business value.
Technology governance, standardisation & lifecycle: Establish technology governance, standardise analytical technologies across the global network, and own technology lifecycle management from introduction through obsolescence.
Global deployment & transformation: Lead enterprise-wide technology transformation and Laboratory-of-the-Future programmes, ensuring scalable, compliant global deployment and realisation of targeted benefits.
Product lifecycle & new product introduction support: Support product lifecycle management and new product introductions with fit-for-future analytical technology capability.
External innovation & partnerships: Scout globally and build strategic partnerships with universities, technology suppliers, start-ups, and industry consortia; monitor regulatory expectations; and represent Takeda at scientific conferences and external forums.
Innovation capability building: Build innovation capability across the organisation, leading scientific communities of practice and embedding a culture of technology foresight and experimentation.
Leadership of global innovation programmes & teams: Lead global innovation programmes, cross-functional project teams, technology-evaluation teams, and strategic vendor relationships, managing complex stakeholder relationships across Quality, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, Regulatory, Engineering, Digital & IT, Data Science, Procurement, and Supply Chain.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 15+ years of pharma industry experience (quality, mfg, tech ops)
A minimum of 10 years of experience in leading teams (preferably global teams) is required
Science related degree is preferred
Relevant managerial experience required
Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Proven experience in implementing processes including building capabilities
Proven experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing support and governance at a site level
Knowledge and experience in bio-pharmaceutical technology
Profound knowledge and experience with Quality Management and systems in a regulated industry

Requirements

Minimum of 15+ years of pharma industry experience (quality, mfg, tech ops)
A minimum of 10 years of experience in leading teams (preferably global teams) is required
Science related degree is preferred
Relevant managerial experience required
Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Proven experience in implementing processes including building capabilities
Proven experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing support and governance at a site level
Knowledge and experience in bio-pharmaceutical technology
Profound knowledge and experience with Quality Management and systems in a regulated industry

Company overview

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company founded in 1781 and incorporated in 1925. As one of the world's top 20 largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue and the third largest in Asia, Takeda specializes in developing and commercializing innovative medicines across several therapeutic areas including oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, gastroenterology, plasma-derived therapies, and vaccines. With approximately 49,095 employees globally, the company operates research and development centers, manufacturing facilities, and commercial operations across 39 U.S. states and numerous countries worldwide. Takeda maintains dual headquarters in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, with significant operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it serves as the largest life sciences employer in the state. The company's patient-focused approach is guided by its Takeda-ism values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance, emphasizing a commitment to delivering life-transforming treatments while advancing sustainable healthcare solutions. Takeda's extensive portfolio includes both innovative biologics and small molecule drugs, supported by strategic acquisitions and partnerships that have expanded its capabilities in areas such as immuno-oncology and rare disease treatments.