Head of Plasma Process & Technology Innovation - Takeda

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Job Description

Join Takeda's Plasma Operating Unit, a global leader in plasma-derived therapies that transform the lives of patients with rare and complex diseases. With over 80 years of innovation, our team of 7,000+ employees works together to bring life-saving treatments to the world. As demand for these therapies grows, so does our need for passionate team members who can help drive innovation. Wherever you start with us, you'll be part of a future-ready team, supported by resources and benefits to reach your full potential while making a difference for patients globally.

About the role:

As Head of Plasma Process & Technology Innovation, you will lead the transformation of Takeda’s Plasma manufacturing operations through advanced process development, scale-up strategies, and cutting-edge technology. Your role is to create and implement innovative manufacturing solutions that enhance yield, reduce costs, and drive operational excellence across global plasma production. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Manufacturing, and R&D, to ensure the seamless integration of new technologies and processes. Additionally, you will play a key role in identifying new plasma technologies, performing due diligence for potential partnerships or acquisitions, and leading global initiatives to expand production capacity. This is a high-impact, strategic leadership role critical to shaping the future of Takeda’s Plasma business.

How you will contribute:

• Lead the development and implementation of plasma process development and scale-up strategies to optimize fractionation and purification operations, ensuring improved productivity, yield, and cost-efficiency across global sites.

• Drive innovation in plasma manufacturing technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Global Engineering, R&D, and Manufacturing, to deliver transformative solutions that align with Takeda's long-term business goals.

• Oversee strategic initiatives related to new technology integration, process optimization, and Factories of the Future concepts, including identifying partnership and M&A opportunities, to position Takeda as a leader in next-generation plasma operations.

• Ensure alignment and endorsement of the Factories of the Future initiative with key global stakeholders, supporting the future state of Takeda's Plasma operations.

• Define and implement the Plasma Operations strategy in line with the Factories of the Future vision, focusing on capacity, cost, and yield targets.

• Collaborate with global teams and manufacturing sites to develop and execute blueprints and innovative solutions.

• Lead global initiatives and manage budgets for Factory of the Future OPEX and CAPEX.

• Drive innovation by scouting, evaluating, and selecting new ideas aligned with the Plasma Operating Unit's business goals.

• Enhance and develop our OpU plan with R&D to create an end-to-end value chain of initiatives that define our future state facility.

• Accountable for program development, including budget management (Factories of the Future OPEX & program CAPEX).

• Perform competitive intelligence assessments.

• Manage network capacity projects, bottleneck reduction, and process improvements.

What you bring to Takeda:

Technical/Functional Experience:

• Deep knowledge of end-to-end plasma processes and industry regulations (cGMP, QA, QC).

• Strong project management, budget management, and process efficiency skills.

• Experience with upstream and downstream plasma technologies and knowledge of the plasma collection industry.

Leadership:

• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and leadership in managing cross-functional initiatives.

• Proven ability to lead international, cross-functional teams and motivate others to achieve strategic goals.

• Effective communicator, influencing, engaging, and aligning stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to turn complex issues into innovative solutions.

Decision-Making:

• Accountable for delivering Factory of the Future outcomes and aligning decisions with Plasma OpU objectives.

• Ability to resolve project challenges, interpret data, and make autonomous decisions when necessary.

Collaboration & Innovation:

• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D and Global Manufacturing Science teams.

• Lead innovation by applying broad industry knowledge and social trends to drive impactful solutions.

Complexity:

• Manage complex projects across multiple global locations, with over 7,000 employees in the Plasma network.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and handle complex business cases and ethical decisions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• 15+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, with 10+ years in management and plasma industry experience.

• Fluent in English; additional languages (French, German, Italian) are a plus.

Other:

• Availability to travel 20% of the time.

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Locations

Zurich, Switzerland

Lexington, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time