Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Downstream

Takeda; Wien; On-site; EUR 157,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda is seeking a Process Technology & Innovation Lead – DS Downstream to define and drive the global technology strategy for Drug Substance Downstream manufacturing. You will lead advanced process technologies, automation, digital solutions and AI-enabled capabilities across Takeda’s network to strengthen competitiveness, efficiency and resilience.

You will shape future manufacturing capabilities, build strategic partnerships, and oversee governance, deployment and lifecycle management of

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a chemical/biopharma field, or equivalent experience.
• Typically 15+ years in pharma/biopharma manufacturing, MSAT, or tech leadership.
• Experience leading technology strategies, innovation portfolios, and large-scale transformations.
• Proven ability to evaluate, industrialize and scale innovative process technologies, automation and AI-enabled capabilities.
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with experience creating investment proposals and business cases.
• Experience operating in global matrix organizations with cross-functional leadership.
• Strong people leadership and talent development capabilities.
• Excellent communication and strategic problem-solving for executive leadership.
• Fluency in English with engagement in industry networks and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global process technology and innovation strategy for Drug Substance Downstream manufacturing.
• Lead the innovation portfolio across process technologies, automation, digital solutions and AI applications.
• Oversee identification, evaluation, industrialization and scaling of transformative technologies.
• Establish and govern the downstream technology blueprint and future manufacturing architecture.
• Drive measurable improvements in robustness, productivity, cost efficiency, sustainability, quality and supply reliability.
• Chair the Process Technology and Innovation Governance Board and oversee roadmaps and investments.
• Build and lead cross-functional innovation networks and strategic partnerships.
• Advise Global MSAT and GSQ leadership on emerging technologies and transformation opportunities.
• Foster a culture of innovation and represent Takeda externally.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Communication

English fluency

Education

Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description

About the role:

As the Process Technology & Innovation Lead – DS Downstream, you will define and drive the global technology and innovation strategy for Drug Substance Downstream manufacturing across Takeda’s network. You will lead the development and deployment of advanced process technologies, automation, digital solutions and AI-enabled capabilities to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness, efficiency and resilience. Working closely with Pharmaceutical Sciences and global manufacturing teams, you will shape future manufacturing capabilities and deliver sustainable business value through innovation.

How you will contribute:

• Define and execute the global process technology and innovation strategy for Drug Substance Downstream manufacturing, translating strategic priorities into a multi-year roadmap aligned with enterprise objectives, product pipeline requirements and future manufacturing needs.
• Lead the innovation portfolio across process technologies, analytical capabilities, automation, digital solutions and AI applications, establishing priorities, investment recommendations, resource requirements and value realization plans.
• Oversee the identification, evaluation, industrialization and scaling of transformative technologies, from technology scouting and proof-of-concept through pilot implementation, technology transfer, GMP deployment and lifecycle management.
• Establish and govern the Downstream technology blueprint and future manufacturing architecture, defining process platforms, technical standards, digital capabilities and scalable deployment strategies across the global manufacturing network.
• Drive measurable improvements in manufacturing robustness, productivity, cost efficiency, sustainability, quality performance and supply reliability through disciplined innovation deployment and performance monitoring.
• Chair the Process Technology and Innovation Governance Board for the assigned modality, overseeing roadmap approvals, portfolio prioritization, technology investments, harmonization initiatives and deployment decisions.
• Build and lead cross-functional innovation networks involving Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Digital, Supply Chain, Procurement and Pharmaceutical Sciences, while developing strategic partnerships with academia, suppliers, technology providers and industry organizations.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Global MSAT and GSQ leadership on emerging technologies, manufacturing capability risks, investment priorities and long-term transformation opportunities, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and enterprise strategy.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation and continuous improvement, developing organizational capabilities, promoting knowledge sharing and representing Takeda in external industry forums and strategic innovation partnerships.

What you bring to Takeda:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Typically 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing, MSAT, technical operations, process development, engineering or technology leadership, ideally including Drug Substance Downstream processing and global strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing technology strategies, innovation portfolios and large-scale transformation programs within regulated pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to evaluate, industrialize and scale innovative process technologies, automation, digital solutions and AI-enabled capabilities, delivering measurable operational and business improvements.
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with experience developing investment proposals, business cases, portfolio priorities and benefits realization frameworks.
• Extensive experience operating in complex global matrix organizations, influencing senior stakeholders and driving cross-functional collaboration across geographies and business functions.
• Strong people leadership and talent development capabilities, with experience building high-performing teams, developing technical expertise and fostering an innovation-driven culture.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and strategic problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business recommendations for executive leadership.
• Recognized expertise in manufacturing technology and innovation, supported by engagement with industry networks, technical advisory groups, scientific forums or external partnerships, combined with fluency in English.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Lexington, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$177,000.00 - $278,080.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

For information about our benefits, please click here.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Lexington, MABEL - Lessines, CHE - Glattpark (Opfikon) - Zurich HQ, JPN - Yamaguchi - Hikari Plant, USA - MA - Cambridge, Vienna, Austria

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.