Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Upstream

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Zürich; On-site; CHF 159,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. is seeking a senior Process Technology & Innovation Lead for Drug Substance Upstream. You will define the global strategy, own the technology portfolio and drive adoption of innovative manufacturing capabilities across Takeda’s network.

You will partner with MSAT, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing and Quality to ensure readiness, governance and value realization through tech deployment and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree and 15+ years in pharma/biopharma manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in manufacturing process technologies, tech transfer and industrialization.
• Experience leading global technology strategies and large-scale transformations.
• Fluency in English.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and communicate complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead global process technology and innovation strategy for DS Upstream.
• Own and govern the technology portfolio and investments.
• Drive scouting, PoC, pilot, tech transfer and GMP deployment.
• Establish global technology blueprint and standards across the network.
• Deliver measurable value: robustness, productivity, cost efficiency, sustainability.
• Partner with MSAT, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Digital and Supply Chain.
• Lead innovation governance and business case development.
• Build strategic partnerships with academia, tech providers and industry groups.
• Advise senior leadership and promote cross-site collaboration.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Effective communication

Talent development

Networking and partnerships

Education

Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Tools

Automation

AI applications

Data analytics

Job description

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.

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.

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, MACambridge, MA, CHE - Glattpark (Opfikon) - Zurich HQ, JPN - Yamaguchi - Hikari Plant

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.