Summary

The Head of Business Excellence (BE) leads the site BE function and drives improvements in MA Bio Ops performance in alignment with site and Takeda strategies. The BE function includes Operational Excellence (OE), Portfolio and Project Management (PPM), and Learning (GxP, Non-GxP and reskilling) teams, as well as the Enterprise Risk Management, Crisis Management and Business Continuity processes. The BE Head owns strategy deployment and implementation of Takeda's Agile Operating System (AOS) methodologies. The role drives value creation projects, leads the site Continuous Improvement (CI) system, and fosters a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement. The Head of BE is a member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT) and responsible for a function of up to 20 employees. This role is accountable for delivering 3% to 5% COP (Core Operating Profit) of addressable savings annually and ensuring GxP and non-GxP training KPIs are maintained at 90% and 95% respectively.

Job description

About the role

The Head of Business Excellence (BE) leads the site BE function and drives improvements in MA Bio Ops performance in alignment with site and Takeda strategies. The BE function includes Operational Excellence (OE), Portfolio and Project Management (PPM), and Learning (GxP, Non-GxP and reskilling) teams, as well as the Enterprise Risk Management, Crisis Management and Business Continuity processes. The BE Head owns strategy deployment and implementation of Takeda's Agile Operating System (AOS) methodologies. The role drives value creation projects, leads the site Continuous Improvement (CI) system, and fosters a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement. The Head of BE is a member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT) and responsible for a function of up to 20 employees. This role is accountable for delivering 3% to 5% COP (Core Operating Profit) of addressable savings annually and ensuring GxP and non-GxP training KPIs are maintained at 90% and 95% respectively.

How you will contribute

Partners with Site Head and SLT to develop and maintain site's long-term strategic plan and vision
Lead Strategy Deployment process to translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives & measures
Develop and execute functional strategy and initiatives for OE, PPM and Learning, aligned to site goals
Partner closely with operational teams to effectively execute OE, PPM and Learning strategies
Leads site programs and develops recommendations to align future site investments to business needs
Design SLT governance to support cross-functional alignment, decision-making & progress on site goals
Maintain and improve tiered accountability system to achieve site goals and performance outcomes
Foster a performance culture of accountability with metrics and KPIs
Ensures appropriate portfolio performance management and monitoring at the site level
Supports Site Head with executive-level content for network business reviews and escalations
Oversee and lead OE initiatives to improve business outcomes using AOS, digital & automation
Champion continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma and Booster methodologies, as required
Use data driven approach to drive highest impact improvements in process, cost & speed
Collaborate closely with HR and Finance to translate process improvements into workforce plans
Be an ambassador for Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3+ framework across the site
Coach leadership teams on lean methodologies (AOS) and problem-solving elements to drive value
Develop and deliver program to build site-wide lean and six-sigma capabilities and learning program
Develop and execute site Learning roadmap to deliver future-ready capabilities, including digital fluency
Ensure plans are in place to deliver all required training (GxP & Non-GxP) via role-based curricula
Effectively partner with global learning leads and Quality to deliver required GSQ learning strategies
Monitor training KPIs monthly and work with SLT on action plans to address gaps
Partners with global functions and BE community to implement applicable network initiatives
Align site initiatives with Quality and EHS to ensure regulatory and compliance requirements are fulfilled
Manage response to external productivity assessments (e.g. POBOS) and internal business audits (GIA)
Oversees site performance management process: monitors KPIs, identifies gaps, recommends actions
Facilitate site Crisis Management Team process & annual exercises to ensure leaders are trained
Manages the approved BE functional budget and resources

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum of 8+ years of experience in operational management roles, with a strong focus on GxP regulations, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean Manufacturing
Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g. engineering, business) or equivalent work-experience
Advanced knowledge of lean management and problem-solving methodologies; Green Belt certification Preferred
A master's degree (MBA, M.Sc.)
Experience with learning management systems in a regulated cGMP manufacturing environment
Experienced people leader, with proficiency in coaching
Knowledge of emerging digital technology, data analysis & manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, MES, etc.)
Project Management certification (e.g. PMP, sAFE, or similar)
Experience with strategy deployment/management
Black Belt certification or equivalent

Development during the role

Build advanced competencies on AOS during role.

Requirements

Minimum of 8+ years of experience in operational management roles
Strong focus on GxP regulations, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean Manufacturing
Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g. engineering, business) or equivalent work-experience
Advanced knowledge of lean management and problem-solving methodologies
Green Belt certification preferred
Master's degree (MBA, M.Sc.) preferred
Experience with learning management systems in a regulated cGMP manufacturing environment
Experienced people leader with proficiency in coaching
Knowledge of emerging digital technology, data analysis & manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, MES)
Project Management certification (e.g. PMP, sAFE, or similar)
Experience with strategy deployment/management
Black Belt certification or equivalent

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.