Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; United States; On-site; USD 116,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in Round Lake, IL is seeking a Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation to lead packaging excellence, improve equipment reliability and drive significant throughput gains.

You will champion cGMP compliance, lead cross-functional initiatives with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation and Operations, and guide data-driven optimization efforts. The role emphasizes Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC methodologies, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and Takeda

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership to influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience in pharmaceutical packaging operations and cGMP.
• Led CAPAs, deviations, changes controls, investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of equipment reliability, automation systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Proficient in Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own packaging performance metrics: throughput, downtime, OEE, labor efficiency and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement via Lean, Six Sigma and problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead CAPAs, deviations and change controls for timely, effective compliance improvements.
• Collaborate with Engineering/Maintenance to implement automation and reliability projects.
• Develop dashboards and reporting for packaging performance and KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Packaging ops

Lean Six Sigma

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Science or related

Job description

Job Description Summary

Round Lake is a large-volume pharmaceutical manufacturing facility responsible for filling life-saving plasma-derived therapeutics. Site operations include aseptic filling, inspection, labeling, and packaging. The Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation is responsible for driving packaging operational excellence through equipment reliability, process optimization, automation initiatives, CAPA effectiveness, deviation reduction, and change control execution. This role serves as the primary business leader for packaging performance and continuous improvement by partnering closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Operations. The incumbent is responsible for improving equipment effectiveness, increasing throughput, reducing downtime, eliminating recurring process issues, and driving sustainable operational improvements. The individual must leverage data-driven decision-making, lead strategic improvement projects, provide operational and technical coordination for investigations and corrective actions, and support implementation of automation and technology enhancements. The position is expected to champion Quality Culture, Safety Culture, and Takeda Values while ensuring compliance with cGMP requirements and maintaining a focus on patient, trust, reputation, and business outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Own packaging performance metrics, including throughput, downtime, OEE, labor efficiency, and quality performance. Lead operational excellence initiatives focused on improving packaging efficiency, reliability, quality, and cost performance. Drive continuous improvement efforts utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and problem-solving methodologies. Lead and oversee CAPAs, deviations, and change controls to ensure timely execution, effectiveness, and sustainable compliance improvements. Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to develop and implement automation, equipment reliability, and technology improvement initiatives. Utilize operational data and performance trends to identify opportunities for process optimization and defect reduction. Support investigations related to equipment performance, process deviations, recurring defects, and operational disruptions. Develop and maintain packaging performance dashboards, KPIs, and management reporting tools. Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Operations to execute strategic improvement initiatives. Prioritize and support capital projects and equipment enhancements aligned with business and operational objectives. Support regulatory inspections and represent packaging operations during internal and external audits. Provide coaching and leadership that promotes accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Champion Takeda Values, Quality Culture, Safety Culture, and patient-focused decision-making. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams. Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging operations, and cGMP requirements. Experience leading CAPAs, deviations, change controls, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives. Understanding of equipment reliability, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies. Experience utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and root cause analysis methodologies. Strong analytical, project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to effectively communicate technical information and operational performance to all organizational levels. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing performance reporting tools. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred. Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or regulated manufacturing environments. Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operational excellence, or packaging operations. Demonstrated experience leading CAPAs, deviations, change controls, investigations, and continuous improvement programs. Experience supporting automation projects, equipment implementation, or manufacturing technology deployment preferred. Experience with packaging equipment, manufacturing systems, and reliability improvement programs preferred. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification preferred.

Physical Demands

In general, the position requires a combination of sedentary work and routine presence within manufacturing operations to observe processes, equipment performance, and working conditions. May require extended periods of walking, standing, attending production meetings, and supporting operational activities in manufacturing environments.

Working Environment

Must be able to work in controlled manufacturing environments requiring special gowning and PPE. Position requires routine interaction with packaging equipment, automated systems, and manufacturing operations. May work in clean room, temperature-controlled, and warehouse environments. Indoor working conditions.

Other Job Requirements

Must be able to work non-traditional or extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

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: USA - IL - Round Lake - Drug Delivery U.S. Base Salary Range: $116,000.00 - $182,270.00 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.

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. For applicants of U.S and Puerto Rico positions. If you are limited in the ability to use our job application tool, or otherwise require a reasonable accommodation for a disability.

Locations

USA - IL - Round Lake - Drug Delivery Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time Job Exempt Yes

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.