Associate Director – Technology & Business Excellence Lead

USA - 3316 Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Lexington, MA seeks an Associate Director to lead technology and business excellence initiatives across high-throughput analytics, PAT, lab automation, and digital transformation. You will guide a matrix team to identify, prioritize, and deliver KPI-driven technology roadmaps enhancing productivity and compliance.

The role requires 8–12+ years in analytical development or manufacturing for biologics or small molecules, with strong leadership and experience implementing scalable

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of relevant industry or laboratory experience in analytical development, process development, or manufacturing (Clinical/Commercial) for biologics or small molecules with delivery of new technologies such as PAT, high-throughput methods, lab automation and digital capabilities.
• Degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field such as Chemical Engineering, Business Analytics, or Pharmaceutical Sciences; bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate accepted.
• Post-graduate education in Business Analytics or Business Administration (MBA) highly desirable.
• Proven experience implementing and scaling technology solutions such as PAT, Lab Automation and/or Digital Transformation in GMP/QC facilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing PAT, Lab Automation and Robotic capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and implementation of high-throughput analytics, PAT, lab automation, and digital transformation capabilities to improve productivity.
• Drive Speed-to-Clinic/Speed-to-Market timelines across small molecules and biologic programs.
• Develop and manage value capture matrices, standards, and governance for technology implementations.
• Apply change management strategies to ensure adoption by end-users and SMEs.
• Support vendor selection and cross-site standardization of platforms.
• Lead cross-functional workstreams and represent Analytical Development in governance forums.
• Apply risk management approaches to maximize value for stakeholders.

Skills

HT analytics

PAT

Lab automation

Digital transformation

Vendor management

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Risk management

Education

Chemical Engineering

Business Analytics

Pharmaceutical Sciences

MBA

Job description

About the role

The Associate Director - Technology & Business Excellence Lead is responsible for providing technology and business leadership to subject matter experts in high-throughput analytics, process analytical technology (PAT), lab automation, robotics and digital transformation initiatives within the organization. You will serve as a matrix leader to identify, prioritize, and implement high-value technology targets to improve business KPIs in close collaboration with process development, analytical development, quality, compliance, digital, and external stakeholders. You also will define, own and execute KPI-centric roadmap with continuous improvement and value capture throughout the life cycle.

How you will contribute

• Lead the identification, prioritization, and implementation of high-throughput analytics, PAT, lab automation, and digital transformation capabilities to improve. The productivity of the organization.
• Speed-to-Clinic/Speed-to-Market timelines across small molecules and biologic programs using phase-appropriate approaches.
• Develop, execute and manage value capture matrices (productivity, speed, sustainability, quality, operational excellence), standards, and governance related to implementation of technology.
• Employ appropriate change management strategies to ensure seamless adoption of technologies in close partnership with end-users and subject matter experts.
• Support vendor selection and vendor management for technology platforms and help drive cross-site standardization.
• Lead cross-functional workstreams, resolve dependencies, and represent Analytical Development organization in governance and collaboration forums.
• Leverage appropriate risk management approaches in implementing technologies to mitigate and minimize risks and maximize value capture for our stakeholders.

What you bring to Takeda

• Typically 8 to 12 or more years of relevant industry or laboratory experience in analytical development, process development, or manufacturing functions (Clinical/Commercial) for biologics or small molecular programs with demonstrated delivery of new technologies such as PAT, high-throughput methods, lab automation and digital capabilities.
• Degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field such as Chemical Engineering, Business Analytics, or Pharmaceutical Sciences; bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate accepted, with level and scope calibrated to degree and experience.
• Post-graduate education in Business Analytics or Business Administration (such as MBA) would be highly desirable.
• Proven experience in implementing and scaling technology solutions such as PAT, Lab Automation and/or Digital Transformation capabilities in GMP and QC facilities (Clinical and/or Commercial manufacturing for biologics or small molecules) is a must.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in developing PAT, Lab Automation and Robotic capabilities is a must.
• Proven experience in leading cross functional technology implementation initiatives, defining value-driven roadmaps with appropriate change and risk management strategies.
• Strong ability to partner with and influence senior stakeholders, translating scientific needs into scalable business solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in business analytics/matrices such as ROI and NPV assessment.
• Experience operating in regulated environments with automation, process analytical technology, and inspection readiness expectations.
• Demonstrated people and matrix leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, prioritization across multiple projects.
• Fluent in English, fluent in Japanese is a plus.

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: $154,400.00 - $242,550.00 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, MA 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.

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.