Process Technology & Innovation Lead Synthetic Molecules

CHE - 8036 Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG; Zürich; On-site; CHF 177,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG in Zurich, Switzerland, seeks a senior leader for Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) to define and drive the process technology and innovation strategy across a global manufacturing network.

You will shape future manufacturing capabilities, accelerate adoption of new technologies, and oversee strategic investments to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific/engineering discipline.
• Typically 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical manufacturing, MSAT or related leadership roles.
• Experience developing and implementing technology strategies and large-scale transformation programs.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global process technology and innovation strategy for the assigned modality.
• Lead the innovation portfolio across process technologies, automation, digital solutions and AI applications.
• Oversee technology scouting, proof-of-concept to pilot implementation, technology transfer and lifecycle management.
• Establish modality technology blueprint and scalable deployment strategies across the global network.
• Drive improvements in manufacturing robustness, productivity and cost efficiency through innovation deployment.
• Chair governance for roadmap approvals, portfolio prioritization and investment decisions.
• Build cross-functional innovation networks with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Digital and Supply Chain.
• Advise Global MSAT and GSQ leadership on emerging technologies and regulatory alignment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

People leadership

English fluency

Technology strategy

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Process Engineering, Automation, Data Science or related

Job description

Job Description

About the role: As a global leader within Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), you will define and drive the process technology and innovation strategy for an assigned manufacturing modality across Takeda's global network. You will shape future manufacturing capabilities, accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies and oversee strategic investments that strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and operational excellence. Working closely with Pharmaceutical Sciences and global manufacturing functions, you will ensure the successful industrialization and deployment of advanced process technologies, automation, digital solutions and AI-enabled capabilities. Your leadership will be instrumental in delivering sustainable business value, enhancing manufacturing resilience and positioning Takeda at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation.

How you will contribute:

• Define and execute the global process technology and innovation strategy for the assigned modality, translating business 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 modality 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, Process Engineering, Automation, Data Science 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, including responsibility for global strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing technology strategies, innovation portfolios and large-scale transformation programs within regulated pharmaceutical 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.

Locations:

• Zurich, Switzerland
• Cambridge, MA
• Dublin-Baggot Street, Ireland
• JPN - Yamaguchi - Hikari Plant

Base Salary Range:

CHF177,400.00 - CHF243,980.00 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.

Worker Type:

Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time

Takeda is an industry-leading, global pharmaceutical company with an unwavering dedication to putting patients at the center of everything we do. We live our values of Takeda-ism – Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance – and are united by our mission to strive towards Better Health and a Brighter Future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Here, everyone matters and you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission. At Takeda, you will make an impact on people’s lives – including your own.

Takeda is an equal opportunity employer. For applicants of U.S and Puerto Rico positions: Click here to learn about our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). If you are limited in the ability to use our job application tool, or otherwise require a reasonable accommodation for a disability please click here.