Head of Packaging

Takeda; Zürich; On-site; CHF 176,000 - 276,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda is seeking a Global Head of MSAT Packaging to lead a worldwide organization responsible for defining and delivering innovative packaging solutions across the portfolio. You will drive strategy, governance, and lifecycle management while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient-centric design.

Based in Lexington, MA with global scope, this role partners with R&D, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Procurement and external partners to enable successful launches, technology transfers and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering or technical discipline with ~15 years in pharma development, manufacturing, packaging or related ops.
• At least 10 years of leadership managing global technical, engineering, manufacturing or program-management teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global MSAT Packaging strategy, roadmap and capability development.
• Lead global packaging programs with portfolio prioritization, resources, budgets and milestones.
• Oversee packaging commercialization, qualification, tech transfers and manufacturing implementation.
• Collaborate with R&D, MSAT, QA, Regulatory, Procurement, Commercial and sites to align strategy and execution.
• Drive lifecycle management, cost optimization and continuous improvement across sites and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Packaging science

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Global program management

Education

Advanced degree in science/engineering

PMP certification

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.

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:

$212,000.00 - $333,190.00

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.

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, MACHE - Glattpark (Opfikon) - Zurich HQ

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.