Transportation Operations Coordination

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

Job summary

Takeda in Lexington, MA is seeking a Transportation Operations Coordination professional to manage transportation and import/export activities across sites, CMOs, RDCs, DCs, and distributors in a hybrid work setup.

You will coordinate with LLPs/LSPs, brokers, and Takeda digital systems, evaluate modes and routes using tools like RISE, and monitor shipment performance to support product availability and cost optimization. Travel up to 5% may be required.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in logistics management.
• Understand end-to-end supply chain: transport, logistics, and distribution.
• Experience with pharmaceutical logistics preferred.
• GDP knowledge and shipment integrity.
• Experience with SAP LES, MM, and SD.
• SAP GTS and BI tools familiarity preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Cross-functional collaboration across sites and countries.
• Structured, practical problem-solving approach.
• Fluent in English.
• Interest in transportation optimization and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate transportation and import/export activities for shipments among Takeda sites, CMOs, RDCs, DCs, and distributors.
• Coordinate shipment execution with LLPs, LSPs, brokers, and Takeda digital systems.
• Assess transportation modes and routes using designated tools such as RISE.
• Participate in S&OE and OpU meetings to monitor KPIs and report shipment risks.
• Monitor inbound US shipments and exports to export markets.
• Support product launches and cost optimization of transportation.
• Resolve LLP IDoc/interface issues and verify SAP data.
• Manage deviations and CAPAs with QA and GDP teams.
• Handle shipment-costing and freight-control activities in SAP.
• Support audits to ensure GDP and documentation compliance.
• Review P&L, POs, accruals and request corrections.

Skills

Logistics management

Supply chain processes

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Tools

SAP LES

SAP MM

SAP SD

SAP GTS

BI tools

Job description

Job Description

About the Role:

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.

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.

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

YesIt 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.