Transportation Operations Coordination

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited; Lexington (MA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited in Lexington, MA is seeking a Transportation Operations Coordinator to coordinate transportation and import/export activities across Takeda sites, CMOs, and distribution centers. You will ensure end-to-end visibility, optimize routes, and support product launches while maintaining GDP and quality standards.

The role requires collaboration with LLPs, LSPs, and internal teams, strong SAP experience (LES/MM/SD/GTS), and proficiency in data analysis to drive

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in logistics management is required.
• Good understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including transportation, logistics, and distribution, is required.
• Knowledge of GDP and maintaining product quality and shipment integrity is required.
• Experience with SAP LES, SAP MM, and SAP SD is required.
• Familiarity with SAP GTS, BI tools, and transportation or customs systems is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including evaluating data and identifying improvements, are required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with stakeholders across levels and countries are required.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing sites, LOCs, Global Quality, Procurement, Finance, IT, Legal, and external partners is required.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is required.
• Interest in transportation optimization, supply chain excellence, and sustainability initiatives is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute transportation and import/export activities for commercial and non-commercial goods across Takeda sites, CMOs, and distribution centers.
• Coordinate shipment execution with LLPs, LSPs, brokers, and Takeda systems to maintain end-to-end visibility.
• Evaluate transportation modes and routes using tools like RISE per established guidelines.
• Participate in S&OE and OpU meetings to monitor KPIs and report shipment risks.
• Monitor inbound US shipments and exports to regional distribution centers and distributors.
• Support product launches and strategic initiatives to optimize transportation costs and service levels.
• Resolve LLP IDoc/interface issues and coordinate SAP master data accuracy.
• Manage transportation deviations and CAPA investigations with QA and GDP teams.
• Oversee shipments to maintain required product temperatures during transit.
• Contribute to audits and ensure GDP, quality and documentation compliance.
• Process freight invoices, bid costs, and related financial controls (SOX).

Skills

Logistics coordination

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Communication

Problem-solving

Process improvement

Supply chain knowledge

Tools

SAP LES

SAP MM

SAP SD

SAP GTS

RISE

BI tools

Job description

Job Description

Help ensure Takeda's pharmaceutical products move safely, compliantly, and efficiently across our global distribution network. In the Transportation Operations Coordination role, you'll coordinate transportation and import/export customs activities for commercial and non-commercial shipments moving between Takeda manufacturing sites, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), regional distribution centers (RDCs), distribution centers (DCs), and distributors.

You’ll work with logistics partners, customs brokers, manufacturing sites, affiliates, and cross-functional teams to maintain shipment visibility, support product availability, and meet service-level expectations. You’ll also help strengthen transportation performance through data analysis, validated shipping solutions, process improvements, and accurate freight-cost controls-all in support of Takeda's commitment to patients, people, and the planet.

Operating Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm

(hours may slightly alter due to business needs)

How You Will Contribute:

• Execute transportation and import/export customs activities for commercial and non-commercial goods moving between Takeda sites, CMOs, distribution centers, regional distribution centers, and distributors.
• Coordinate shipment execution with lead logistics providers (LLPs), logistics service providers (LSPs), customs brokers, and Takeda digital systems to maintain end-to-end shipment visibility.
• Execute transportation activities according to established distribution flows and network guidelines, evaluating appropriate transportation modes and routes using designated tools such as RISE.
• Participate in Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) and Operating Unit (OpU) meetings to monitor performance indicators, report shipment risks, and support initiatives such as air-to-sea conversion and RDC bypass.
• Monitor U.S. inbound shipments from manufacturing sites and CMOs, as well as export shipments moving to regional distribution centers, distribution centers, and distributors in export markets.
• Support product launches and strategic initiatives across manufacturing sites, OpUs, and local operating companies (LOCs) to optimize transportation costs and achieve service-level targets.
• Monitor and help resolve LLP IDoc/interface issues, verify master data accuracy in SAP LES and SAP GTS, and coordinate system-related issues with the appropriate teams.
• Manage transportation deviations and support investigations in collaboration with Quality Assurance and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Quality teams, helping define appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Manage transportation lanes using validated shipping solutions designed to maintain required product temperatures during transit.
• Participate in logistics service provider business reviews and performance management activities, providing feedback on service performance and applicable customer service level indicators.
• Support internal and external audits and help ensure transportation and customs processes follow applicable quality, GDP, and documentation requirements.
• Perform shipment-costing and freight-control activities, including SAP shipment-cost setup, InvoiceTrack processing, and freight invoice verification.
• Process freight invoices accurately and on time, supporting financial controls and SOX compliance. Review applicable profit-and-loss (P&L) entries, purchase orders (POs), and accruals, and request corrections when needed.

Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in logistics management is required.
• A good understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including transportation, logistics, and distribution, is required.
• Knowledge of logistics and transportation operations, particularly within pharmaceutical markets, is preferred.
• An understanding of Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and the importance of maintaining product quality and shipment integrity throughout transportation is required.
• Experience with supply chain systems, particularly SAP LES, SAP MM, and SAP SD, is required.
• Familiarity with SAP GTS, business intelligence tools, and transportation or customs systems is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate supply chain data, investigate shipment issues, and identify process improvement opportunities, are required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and work with stakeholders across different organizational levels and countries, are required.
• The ability to collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing sites, Operating Units, local affiliates, Global Quality, Procurement, Finance, IT, Legal, and external logistics partners is required.
• A structured, practical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to evaluate issues and align stakeholders on appropriate solutions, is required.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is required.
• An interest in transportation optimization, supply chain excellence, and sustainability initiatives is preferred.

Important Considerations:

• Work arrangement: This position is classified as hybrid under Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required, up to 5%.
• Global collaboration: The role supports transportation and distribution activities involving U.S. operations and export markets, requiring coordination across countries, time zones, and business functions.
• Quality and compliance: Work must follow applicable transportation, customs, GDP, documentation, and financial-control requirements, including relevant SOX controls.
• Operational priorities: Shipment issues, product launches, deviations, and service-level risks may require timely coordination with logistics partners and cross-functional stakeholders.

More About Us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best-in-class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that inspires and empowers you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

#LI-Hybrid

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:

$71,800.00 - $112,860.00

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, please click here.

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.