Transportation Operations Coordination

About the Role

Help ensure Takeda’s pharmaceutical products move safely, compliantly, and efficiently across our global distribution network. In the Transportation Operations Coordination role, you’ll coordinate transportation and import/export customs activities for commercial and non-commercial shipments moving between Takeda manufacturing sites, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), regional distribution centers (RDCs), distribution centers (DCs), and distributors. You’ll work with logistics partners, customs brokers, manufacturing sites, affiliates, and cross-functional teams to maintain shipment visibility, support product availability, and meet service-level expectations. You’ll also help strengthen transportation performance through data analysis, validated shipping solutions, process improvements, and accurate freight-cost controls—all in support of Takeda’s commitment to patients, people, and the planet.

Operating Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm (hours may slightly alter due to business needs)

How You Will Contribute

• Execute transportation and import/export customs activities for commercial and non-commercial goods moving between Takeda sites, CMOs, distribution centers, regional distribution centers, and distributors.
• Coordinate shipment execution with lead logistics providers (LLPs), logistics service providers (LSPs), customs brokers, and Takeda digital systems to maintain end-to-end shipment visibility.
• Execute transportation activities according to established distribution flows and network guidelines, evaluating appropriate transportation modes and routes using designated tools such as RISE.
• Participate in Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) and Operating Unit (OpU) meetings to monitor performance indicators, report shipment risks, and support initiatives such as air-to-sea conversion and RDC bypass.
• Monitor U.S. inbound shipments from manufacturing sites and CMOs, as well as export shipments moving to regional distribution centers, distribution centers, and distributors in export markets.
• Support product launches and strategic initiatives across manufacturing sites, OpUs, and local operating companies (LOCs) to optimize transportation costs and achieve service-level targets.
• Monitor and help resolve LLP IDoc/interface issues, verify master data accuracy in SAP LES and SAP GTS, and coordinate system-related issues with the appropriate teams.
• Manage transportation deviations and support investigations in collaboration with Quality Assurance and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Quality teams, helping define appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Manage transportation lanes using validated shipping solutions designed to maintain required product temperatures during transit.
• Participate in logistics service provider business reviews and performance management activities, providing feedback on service performance and applicable customer service level indicators.
• Support internal and external audits and help ensure transportation and customs processes follow applicable quality, GDP, and documentation requirements.
• Perform shipment-costing and freight-control activities, including SAP shipment-cost setup, InvoiceTrack processing, and freight invoice verification.
• Process freight invoices accurately and on time, supporting financial controls and SOX compliance.
• Review applicable profit-and-loss (P&L) entries, purchase orders (POs), and accruals, and request corrections when needed.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in logistics management is required.
• A good understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including transportation, logistics, and distribution, is required.
• Knowledge of logistics and transportation operations, particularly within pharmaceutical markets, is preferred.
• An understanding of Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and the importance of maintaining product quality and shipment integrity throughout transportation is required.
• Experience with supply chain systems, particularly SAP LES, SAP MM, and SAP SD, is required.
• Familiarity with SAP GTS, business intelligence tools, and transportation or customs systems is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate supply chain data, investigate shipment issues, and identify process improvement opportunities, are required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and work with stakeholders across different organizational levels and countries, are required.
• The ability to collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing sites, Operating Units, local affiliates, Global Quality, Procurement, Finance, IT, Legal, and external logistics partners is required.
• A structured, practical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to evaluate issues and align stakeholders on appropriate solutions, is required.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is required.
• An interest in transportation optimization, supply chain excellence, and sustainability initiatives is preferred.

Important Considerations

• Work arrangement: This position is classified as hybrid under Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required, up to 5%.
• Global collaboration: The role supports transportation and distribution activities involving U.S. operations and export markets, requiring coordination across countries, time zones, and business functions.
• Quality and compliance: Work must follow applicable transportation, customs, GDP, documentation, and financial-control requirements, including relevant SOX controls.
• Operational priorities: Shipment issues, product launches, deviations, and service-level risks may require timely coordination with logistics partners and cross-functional stakeholders.