Associate Director Business Excellence

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Associate Director Business Excellence

You will provide leadership on programs to transform business performance, aligned with Takeda’s vision and strategy. As the Site Business Excellence Head you will oversee and lead Strategy Deployment, Operational Excellence, Portfolio and Project management, Learning teams at the Bray manufacturing site. This role will give you the opportunity to collaborate cross-functionally and prepare our production site for future needs.

How you will contribute:

• Collaborate with the Site Leadership Team (SLT) to develop and implement a comprehensive long-term site strategy and lead the deployment of such strategy, ensuring alignment with global objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Drive Operational Excellence initiatives utilizing methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and digital automation to enhance process efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

• Partner with departments including Quality, Finance, and Operations to identify improvement opportunities and ensure cohesive execution of business excellence strategies.

• Lead the development and execution of the site learning roadmap, focusing on building future-ready capabilities, while ensuring compliance with training requirements and coaching teams on lean methodologies and problem-solving techniques to drive value creation.

• Align business excellence initiatives with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

• Identify performance gaps, recommend solutions, and foster a culture of accountability through transparent reporting and regular stakeholder communication.

• Embrace and integrate digital technologies and data analytics to optimize manufacturing processes in collaboration with Digital, Data, and Technology (DD&T) teams.

• Network effectively across Takeda’s Small Molecules and Oncology Operating Unit and the broader Global Manufacturing and Supply and Global Quality Business Unit to identify opportunities for Bray to succeed and to deliver on a unified agenda.

In this position you will report to the Site Head Bray.

What you bring to Takeda:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.

• A minimum of 5 years in manufacturing or operations management within GxP-regulated environments, emphasizing Operational Excellence (OE), Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement.

• Proficiency in lean management and problem-solving methodologies, with certifications such as Green Belt.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and cross-functional teams to successful completion, showcasing strategic thinking and effective stakeholder management.

• Ability to assess complex problems, interpret data, and propose actionable solutions.

• Experience in implementing change management frameworks, such as e3+, to foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability within the organization.

• Fluency in English and strong interpersonal skills are vital for collaborating effectively across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.

What Takeda can offer you:

• Employer funded private medical insurance with dependants’ cover

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus

• Employer retirement plan contributions

• Flexible working arrangements

• 26 vacation days plus additional days for service milestones

• Family friendly policies

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing and engagement teams

• Employer life insurance contributions

• Development opportunities

• Educational programs and formal training

• Coaching and mentoring

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Revenue approved profit share scheme

• Humanitarian volunteering leave options

• Employer funded income protection

• Subsidized canteen

• Flexible employee funded options like Dental Insurance, Partner Life Insurance, Serious Illness Protection, Fuel Card, Bike to Work, Commuter Ticket, and Insurance Deals

• Electric charging points available at parking locations

• Takeda Resource Groups

More about us:

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience, and vaccines.

Takeda Ireland was established in 1997. Our story in Ireland is one of substantial growth, rapid change, and innovation. Over the past two years, Takeda Ireland has invested over €55 million in Ireland to develop our manufacturing sites. Solidifying our commitment in our people and contributing to the local economy. Takeda in Ireland has commercial operations, corporate services, and manufacturing facilities across four locations: Baggot St, Bray, Citywest, and Grange Castle. We have been certified as Top Employer for several consecutive years.

How we will support you:

Takeda is proud of its commitment to create a diverse workforce and to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are living with disabilities, chronic illness, or neurodiversity, please feel free to let us know so that we can provide you with appropriate support during the application process.