Process Improvement Lead

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Job Description

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Process Improvement Lead in our Cambridge, MA office.

At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.

POSITION OBJECTIVES:

The Process Continuous Improvement Lead for R&D Business Operations plays a pivotal role in advancing Takeda's R&D business operations processes by resolving high-priority risks identified at the corporate risk register level. This role will be driving process efficiency, mitigating critical risks, and delivering measurable value to enable the delivery of Takeda’s R&D portfolio.

Due to its high visibility and strategic importance, this position requires both robust technical acumen and exceptional leadership to influence organizational change and align cross-functional stakeholders across the enterprise

• Identifies, analyzes, and enhances existing business processes to achieve organizational goals, improve process efficiency and enable compliance to policies and regulations.
• Leverages structured Process Continuous Improvement and Change management methodologies to lead design and implementation of process improvements.
• Partners closely cross functionality with DD&T, Legal, E&C, Finance, TBS, Procurement organizations, and within R&D, at all levels of the organization to develop, implement and monitor adoption of improved processes
• The incumbent:
  • Has experience of work in complex global organizations
  • Has a strong understanding of buying & contracting processes, and associated regulations and compliance risks. 
  • Has a Process Engineering / process improvement / 6Sigma background
  • Is an innovative thinker and digital champion

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Utilize advanced methodologies, including 6Sigma RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and PDCA (Plan Do Check Act), to analyze process defects, risks and identify root causes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to design and recommend process, policy, and system enhancements, ensuring that the experiences and needs of both internal and external stakeholders are thoroughly considered and integrated.
  Ensure compliance with Takeda's requirements and policies and external regulations
• Document compelling and data-driven business cases Business Case and sponsorship from executive leadership.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute improvement actions, ensuring delivery on time, scope, and budget.
• Develop and deliver impactful communications targeting diverse audiences, including detailed executive reports and presentations for senior leadership, leveraging advanced storytelling, analytical, and visualization skills to effectively convey progress, key findings, and strategic recommendations.
• Partner with the training and compliance lead to develop and execute Organization Change Management (OCM) plans to drive adoption of process changes across teams.
• Develop structured metrics to monitor results, validate outcomes, and iteratively improve implementation through PDCA cycles.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in R&D procurement & contracting. Champion and leverage digital, automation and contemporary technology

EDUCATION, BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 8+ years of relevant experience in process optimization, business operations, or an equivalent domain..
• Strong understanding of procure to pay and contracting processes
• Certified in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher).
• Proven track record of delivering process improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes
• Experience in pharmaceutical R&D operations highly desirable
• Knowledge and comfortable with information technology applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite, SharePoint, Ariba/ERP solutions, ServiceNow, Smartssheet, Power-suite, Generative AI.
• Understanding of Healthcare Compliance, including U.S. Federal Sunshine Act
• Exceptional organization and communication skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

This position is currently classified as “ hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.

Empowering Our People to Shine

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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:

Cambridge, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$153,600.00 - $241,340.00

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

Cambridge, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

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