Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Upstream

Takeda; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Lexington, MA seeks a Process Technology & Innovation Lead DS Upstream to define and drive global technology strategy for Drug Substance Upstream manufacturing across Takeda's network. Lead advanced process technologies, digital solutions and innovative manufacturing capabilities to strengthen performance, sustainability and competitiveness.

You will collaborate with Global MSAT, Pharmaceutical Sciences and cross-functional partners to shape the future of manufacturing through

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication of complex concepts

Education

MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering or related

Job description

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

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.