Lead of Warehouse Development & Operations Management, Supply Chain for Japan New Plasma Facility Program (Associate Director or Manager)

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Job Description

Please note this job requiresbusiness level Japanese in speaking, writing, and reading.

About TAKEDA

Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Associate Director of Warehouse Operations to join the Japan Plasma New Facility Program team. You will play a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing our entire warehouse operation to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with program objectives. This pivotal role will involve designing and implementing warehouse layouts optimized for the storage and handling of plasma products, establishing robust inventory control systems, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of warehouse operations with the overall supply chain strategy. By focusing on the development of warehouse operations, the successful candidate will contribute significantly to the operational excellence and success of the plasma operations. Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will be responsible for strategic planning, managing logistics, optimizing sorting processes, and leading teams to achieve program goals and stakeholder satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term warehouse strategies that align with program goals.
• Manage and optimize warehouse operations, including automation and digital systems.
• Secure the best suppliers and negotiate cost-effective contracts for warehouse-related services and equipment.
• Use data analytics to forecast trends, assess performance, and make informed decisions.
• Continuously optimize warehouse processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee ERP (SAP) and IT systems relevant to warehouse operations.
• Identify potential warehouse disruptions and develop contingency plans.
• Inspire and guide teams towards achieving warehouse objectives.
• Clearly convey ideas and build strong relationships with team members and customers.
• Quickly resolve warehouse issues with creative and effective solutions.
• Adjust to new challenges and changes within the global market.
• Persuade and align others with the warehouse strategy and vision.
• Choose the best course of action based on analysis and experience.
• Foster relationships with Japan regional supply chain, plasma franchise, and finance to create an integrated approach to warehouse management.
• Develop and implement warehouse procedures and policies to optimize workflow, minimize errors, and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Manage warehouse staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations, to ensure a skilled and motivated team.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized warehouse environment, and implementing measures to prevent damage or loss of goods.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as site supply chain, procurement, and Japan regional supply chain, to coordinate activities and meet customer demands effectively.
• Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technology tools to track inventory, generate reports, and optimize warehouse processes for maximum efficiency.

Qualifications

• Utilize your strong background in warehouse management for pharmaceutical manufacturing sites to optimize operations and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Demonstrate experience in designing and implementing warehouse setups, especially for pharmaceutical products.
• Apply strategic sourcing skills to secure the best suppliers and negotiate cost-effective contracts.
• Use warehouse analytics to forecast trends, assess performance, and make informed decisions.
• Continuously improve warehouse processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Demonstrate expertise in ERP (SAP) and IT systems relevant to warehouse operations.
• Identify potential warehouse disruptions and develop contingency plans.
• Provide strategic leadership and supervision to ensure the success of warehouse operations.
• Demonstrate a high level of customer orientation and organizational skills.
• Embrace a flexible and innovative mindset to drive continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey complex concepts and project updates.
• Leverage your record of success in warehouse management, process improvement, and project management to drive the success of our warehouse operations.
• Proven experience in warehouse management, including overseeing day-to-day operations, optimizing storage layouts, and implementing inventory control systems.
• Strong understanding of logistics and supply chain principles, with the ability to streamline warehouse processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Proficiency in utilizing warehouse management systems (WMS) and other relevant software to track inventory, monitor stock levels, and generate reports.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills to effectively manage warehouse staff, delegate tasks, and ensure a safe working environment.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and best practices related to warehouse operations, including safety standards, compliance requirements, and quality control measures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a highly matrixed, cross-functional, and geographically dispersed environment.
• Utilize your experience in risk management to ensure warehouse reliability.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a warehouse management-related field required; master’s degree in warehouse management, logistics, or business administration, is preferred.
• Specialized courses or certifications in warehouse management. While a bachelor's degree is essential, these additional qualifications enhance eligibility and provide in-depth knowledge of logistics, procurement, and warehouse strategies.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in a similar role in the field of warehouse management, with significant experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. Ideally, this includes hands-on experience in designing and establishing warehouse operations from the ground up.
• Experience in a Data Science, Machine Learning, AI solving Warehouse or Manufacturing related problems is preferred.
• Team management experience preferred. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in English and Japanese.
• Ability to build relationships, influence, and drive organizational engagement in a highly matrixed, cross-functional, and geographically dispersed environment.
• Strong knowledge and application of ERP (SAP) systems, warehouse analytics, and risk management.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, process improvement, and project management.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry manufacturing equipment/tools up to 15kg.
• In general, the position requires a combination of sedentary work and walking around observing conditions in the facility.

Working Environment

• Must be able to work in controlled environments requiring special gowning. Will be required to follow gowning requirements and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet and body.
• No make-up, jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish or artificial fingernails may be worn in the manufacturing environment.
• Will work in a cold, wet environment
• Must be able to work overtime as required (APPLICABLE TO SNE only).
• May be required to work in a confined area.
• Some clean Room and cool/hot storage conditions

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.

• Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year

• Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)

• Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.

• Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework

• Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

• It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.

• It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.

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