Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Upstream
Takeda
Summary
As Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Upstream, you will define and drive the global technology and innovation strategy for Drug Substance Upstream manufacturing across Takeda's network. You will lead the development and deployment of advanced process technologies, digital solutions and innovative manufacturing capabilities to strengthen operational performance, competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Working closely with Global MSAT, Pharmaceutical Sciences and cross-functional partners, you will shape the future of manufacturing through strategic investments, technology innovation and network-wide transformation.
Job description
About the role
As Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Upstream, you will define and drive the global technology and innovation strategy for Drug Substance Upstream manufacturing across Takeda's network. You will lead the development and deployment of advanced process technologies, digital solutions and innovative manufacturing capabilities to strengthen operational performance, competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Working closely with Global MSAT, Pharmaceutical Sciences and cross-functional partners, you will shape the future of manufacturing through strategic investments, technology innovation and network-wide transformation.
How you will contribute
- Define and lead the global process technology and innovation strategy for DS Upstream, establishing a multi-year roadmap aligned with Takeda's manufacturing priorities, product pipeline and future network needs.
- Own and govern the technology and innovation portfolio, prioritizing investments across process technologies, analytical capabilities, automation, digital solutions and AI-enabled manufacturing.
- Drive the identification, evaluation and industrialization of innovative technologies, from initial scouting and proof-of-concept through pilot implementation, technology transfer and GMP deployment.
- Establish and maintain the global technology blueprint and future-state manufacturing architecture, defining standards, best practices and scalable capabilities across the manufacturing network.
- Deliver measurable business value through technology deployment, improving manufacturing robustness, productivity, cost efficiency, sustainability, quality and supply reliability.
- Partner with Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Digital and Supply Chain teams to ensure manufacturing readiness, successful technology adoption and alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Lead innovation governance, including portfolio prioritization, investment recommendations, business case development, performance monitoring and value realization.
- Build strategic partnerships with academia, technology providers, suppliers and industry organizations to accelerate innovation, access emerging capabilities and strengthen Takeda's competitive position.
- Act as a strategic advisor to Global MSAT and senior leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and cross-site collaboration.
What you bring to Takeda
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Engineering or a related scientific or technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Typically 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing, MSAT, technical operations, process development, engineering or technology leadership.
- Proven expertise in manufacturing process technologies, ideally within biologics Drug Substance Upstream operations, including technology transfer, process optimization and industrialization.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing global technology strategies, innovation portfolios and large-scale transformation initiatives within regulated GMP environments.
- Strong understanding of emerging manufacturing technologies, automation, digital solutions, data analytics and AI applications, with experience translating innovation into measurable operational benefits.
- Solid business acumen, including experience developing investment proposals, evaluating technical and financial feasibility, managing priorities and demonstrating value realization.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop talent and drive collaboration across global, matrixed organizations and diverse cultural environments.
- Strong external network and industry awareness, with experience building strategic partnerships and contributing to technical forums or professional organizations.
- Fluency in English is required.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Engineering or a related scientific or technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Typically 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing, MSAT, technical operations, process development, engineering or technology leadership.
- Proven expertise in manufacturing process technologies, ideally within biologics Drug Substance Upstream operations, including technology transfer, process optimization and industrialization.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing global technology strategies, innovation portfolios and large-scale transformation initiatives within regulated GMP environments.
- Strong understanding of emerging manufacturing technologies, automation, digital solutions, data analytics and AI applications, with experience translating innovation into measurable operational benefits.
- Solid business acumen, including experience developing investment proposals, evaluating technical and financial feasibility, managing priorities and demonstrating value realization.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop talent and drive collaboration across global, matrixed organizations and diverse cultural environments.
- Strong external network and industry awareness, with experience building strategic partnerships and contributing to technical forums or professional organizations.
- Fluency in English is required.
Benefits
- Base Salary Range: $177,000 - $278,080
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
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.