Head of Packaging
Takeda
Summary
As Global Head of MSAT Packaging, you will lead a global organization responsible for defining and delivering innovative, compliant and sustainable packaging solutions across Takeda's diverse product portfolio.
Job description
About the role
As Global Head of MSAT Packaging, you will lead a global organization responsible for defining and delivering innovative, compliant and sustainable packaging solutions across Takeda's diverse product portfolio.
You will provide strategic and technical leadership across packaging commercialization, technology transfers and lifecycle management, ensuring seamless collaboration between R&D, MSAT, manufacturing sites and external partners.
Combining deep technical expertise with strong portfolio and program management capabilities, you will drive global standards, operational excellence and continuous improvement while ensuring packaging solutions meet evolving patient needs, regulatory requirements and business priorities.
How you will contribute
- Define and execute the global MSAT Packaging strategy, innovation roadmap and capability development agenda, aligned with Takeda's business objectives and product portfolio.
- Lead global packaging programs, ensuring effective portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, budget management, risk mitigation and delivery against key milestones.
- Oversee packaging commercialization, qualification, technical transfers and manufacturing implementation, ensuring successful product launches and operational readiness.
- Establish robust governance and seamless collaboration between R&D-led early development and Wave 1 launches and MSAT-led Wave 2+ launches, commercialization and lifecycle management.
- Drive packaging lifecycle management across internal manufacturing sites and CMOs, ensuring technical compliance, supply resilience, cost optimization and continuous improvement.
- Develop and harmonize global packaging standards, technical procedures, design principles and best practices across modalities, manufacturing sites and external partners.
- Champion sustainable and patient-centric packaging solutions, promoting material optimization, recyclability, waste reduction and improved patient experience.
- Build and lead a high-performing global organization, fostering technical excellence, talent development, accountability, inclusion and cross-functional collaboration.
- Partner with senior leaders across R&D, MSAT, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Procurement, Commercial, manufacturing sites and external suppliers to drive strategic alignment, manage risks and ensure successful execution.
What you bring to Takeda
- Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering or technical discipline, combined with approximately 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, packaging, medical devices, combination products or related technical operations.
- At least 10 years of leadership experience managing global technical, engineering, manufacturing or program-management organizations, including responsibility for budgets, resources and strategic initiatives.
- Proven track record in pharmaceutical packaging development, commercialization, global product launches, technology transfers and lifecycle management, including CMC and regulatory considerations.
- Strong technical expertise in pharmaceutical packaging science and engineering, device and combination-product technologies, manufacturing processes, qualification and patient-centric design.
- Comprehensive understanding of global regulatory requirements and quality standards, including cGMP, GLP, ICH and FDA CMC expectations.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with internal manufacturing networks, CMOs, packaging suppliers, equipment providers and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong strategic planning, portfolio management and financial acumen, with the ability to prioritize complex initiatives and deliver results across global operations.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, influencing and change-management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to build alignment across diverse teams and senior stakeholders.
- Expertise in project and program management; formal certification such as PMP, along with external industry recognition or involvement in packaging innovation and sustainability, is considered an advantage.
Requirements
- Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering or technical discipline
- Approximately 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, packaging, medical devices, combination products or related technical operations
- At least 10 years of leadership experience managing global technical, engineering, manufacturing or program-management organizations
- Proven track record in pharmaceutical packaging development, commercialization, global product launches, technology transfers and lifecycle management
- Strong technical expertise in pharmaceutical packaging science and engineering, device and combination-product technologies, manufacturing processes, qualification and patient-centric design
- Comprehensive understanding of global regulatory requirements and quality standards, including cGMP, GLP, ICH and FDA CMC expectations
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with internal manufacturing networks, CMOs, packaging suppliers, equipment providers and cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong strategic planning, portfolio management and financial acumen
- Exceptional leadership, communication, influencing and change-management capabilities
- Expertise in project and program management
- Formal certification such as PMP is considered an advantage
- External industry recognition or involvement in packaging innovation and sustainability is considered an advantage
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Paid Time Off
- Life Insurance
- Disability Coverage
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.