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Head of Parenteral Drug Products (Vice President)

Boston, Massachusetts
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  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: 5-10%

The Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharm Sci) organization is an integral part of global R&D at Takeda, translating science into therapeutic products for patients. When you join Pharm Sci, you become part of a team dedicated to bringing our products to life for our patients through innovation, dedication and talent while minimizing environmental impact.

We work as a member of Takeda’s Global Program Team (GPT) and take full ownership of Chemistry, Manufacturing & Control (CMC) activities — driving product development from bench to bedside.

The Pharm Sci team focuses on executing and enhancing business processes and partnering with key stakeholders and industry leaders to boldly deliver an increasingly complex portfolio. Always looking through a sustainability lens to protect our planet, we are embracing new ways of working, excelling in our data and digital transformation, building differentiated capabilities (CMC Acceleration), delivering innovative medical devices, and advancing an inclusive, innovative culture.

It is an exciting time to be in Pharm Sci. Join our journey and change the lives of patients!

Job ID R0178510 Date posted 04/16/2026 Location Boston, Massachusetts

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.  I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE:

  • Leads the global Parenteral Drug Product organization and delivery of parenteral drug product development from early phase through commercialization and lifecycle management.

  • Sets strategy and builds capabilities for robust parenteral formulations and aseptic fill/finish processes, including tech transfer and process validation/PPQ readiness.

  • Partners with Device Development (as needed) and key stakeholders (GSQ, Quality, Regulatory CMC, Commercial, R&D, Supply Chain) and external partners to deliver high-quality parenteral and combination products.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Owns the global Parenteral Drug Product strategy and capability roadmap across modalities (e.g., mAbs, recombinant proteins, peptides, oligos, complex biologics) to deliver clinically and commercially viable parenteral products.

  • Accountable for parenteral formulation development (liquid and lyophilized) including stability, compatibility, excipient selection, and robust control strategies aligned to target product profile and patient use.

  • Leads development of aseptic fill/finish processes and scale-up, including sterile filtration, filling technologies, lyophilization cycle development, and container closure strategy through PPQ and commercialization.

  • Ensures integration with Device Development for combination products and delivery systems (e.g., PFS, autoinjectors, pens) including drug-product/device compatibility and performance requirements.

  • Owns parenteral CMC deliverables for global submissions (IND/CTA/BLA/NDA/MAA and variations), ensuring high-quality module content, agency interactions, and inspection readiness.

  • Drives lifecycle management for commercial parenteral products: deviation investigations support, CAPA contributions, change control, process robustness, cost-of-goods improvements, and supply continuity in partnership with GSQ and manufacturing sites/CMOs.

  • Establishes platform approaches for parenteral development (e.g., platform formulations, standard CCS options, leachables/extractables strategy alignment, standard lyophilization approaches) to accelerate pipeline delivery.

  • Leads external network strategy for parenteral DP (CDMOs/CMOs, component suppliers), including technical governance, performance metrics, and risk mitigation.

  • Builds and develops a high-performing global organization; defines operating mechanisms, talent strategy, and resourcing across programs and geographies.

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS:

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise

  • Deep expertise in parenteral biologics drug product development (liquid and lyophilized), including formulation science, stability, aggregation/particulates control, and analytical/biophysical characterization interface.

  • Strong knowledge of aseptic processing and fill/finish manufacturing science (sterility assurance, contamination control strategy, process controls, equipment/technology selection).

  • Demonstrated expertise in lyophilization development (cycle design, scale-up, CPP/CQA linkage, process robustness) and/or other stabilization approaches.

  • Experience with container closure systems for parenterals (vials, syringes, cartridges) and key technical risk areas (silicone oil, tungsten, delamination, extractables/leachables, compatibility).

  • Proven track record in global parenteral CMC regulatory strategy and filings, including successful licensure and post-approval changes.

  • Strong capability leading tech transfer to internal sites and/or CMOs and supporting PPQ, commercial troubleshooting, and lifecycle change execution.

Leadership

  • Strategic thinking, facilitative leadership.

  • Executive leadership presence and confidence.

  • Enterprise level leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate and drive results.

  • Excellent communicator, able to persuasively convey both ideas and data, verbally and in writing.

  • Ability to assemble and manage a diverse and high performing team.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams across functions, regions and cultures.

  • Ability to distill complex issues and ideas down to simple comprehensibility.

  • Proven skills as leader who can engender credibility and confidence within and outside the company.

  • Embraces and demonstrates a diversity and inclusion mindset and role models these behaviors for the organization.

Decision-making and Autonomy

  • Broad decision-making responsibilities:

  • Ability to make highly complex decisions that impact the enterprise.

  • Ability to seek diverse input from multiple constituents and stakeholders to drive innovative solutions.

  • Ability to incorporate feedback and ensure decisions are made transparently and swiftly to yield flawless execution.

  • Accountable for designing and implementing vision and strategy for designated scope.

Interaction

  • Effectively navigates the changing external and internal environment and leads others through change by creating and inspiring an engaging and inclusive workplace.

  • Ability to effectively implement R&D’s partnership strategy.

  • Effectively represent Takeda in high-level negotiations with the ability to resolve conflict in a constructive manner.

  • Ability to build strong partnerships and drive role clarity with other interfacing Takeda functions, including but not limited to Pharmaceutical Sciences, GSQ, GPLS, and Regulatory CMC.

Innovation

  • Visionary and forward thinking with the ability to influence and effectively drive organizational change and continuous innovation.

  • Comfortable challenging the status quo and bringing forward innovative solutions.

  • Ability to take risks implementing innovative solutions, accelerating time to market.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

  • Bachelors degree in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, engineering or related pharmaceutical science and 25+ years relevant industry experience.

  • Masters degree in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, engineering or related pharmaceutical science; 20+ years relevant industry experience.

  • PhD in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, engineering or related pharmaceutical science; 15+ years relevant industry experience.

  • Demonstrated people and program management skills, critical and out-of-the-box thinking ability.

  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate issues and manage a team to proactively implement solutions.

  • Experience in assuring the implementation of required quality processes and standards to facilitate smooth transition from product development to commercialization.

  • Demonstrated expertise in writing regulatory documents.

  • Understands the structure, functions, and methods of the global Takeda organization and overall Takeda R&D and Commercial operations.

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills. Has the ability to influence at all levels of the organization and manage projects and initiatives across businesses and the globe.

  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate difficult issues and arrive at mutually beneficial solutions.

  • Ability to analyze a wide variety of information and data to make management decisions regarding potential risks associated with product quality and regulatory compliance.

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and motivate a team of direct reports, build on strengths, and address areas for improvement.

  • Proven record of building mutually-respectful relationships across global regions and companies in order to foster communication and achieve strategic goals.

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

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:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$259,000.00 - $407,000.00


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. 

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation. 

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

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It 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.
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Where you fit in

Our teams are experienced in medicinal chemistry, multi-step synthesis, multimodal genetics, genomics datasets, pharmacokinetics and more. So wherever your expertise and passion lie, your work will have tangible outcomes, advancing an innovative pipeline that serves unmet needs.

We're delving deeper than ever inside the human body and its microbiome, implementing innovative approaches to deliver high-quality products that treat a range of illnesses, including IBD and cancer.

In our diverse, forward-thinking culture, we're constantly embracing new ways of working:

  • Partnering with research teams, GPTs, business development and our commercial partners in GMS/GQ
  • Supporting all stages of pre-clinical and clinical development
  • Providing enabling technologies, including formulation and delivery strategies, analytical expertise and IP
  • Developing processes to manufacture high-quality Clinical Trial Material and other
  • Focusing on broad therapeutic areas on multiple device platforms: Advanced Delivery Devices, Home & Point-Of-Care Diagnostics, Software & Connectivity for eHealth devices and state-of-the-art Medical Devices & Combination Products

On our team in Pharmaceutical Sciences, you’ll notice a big difference in your own life, too. You’ll be supported to develop your career. You'll connect with brilliant minds and be recognized for your accomplishments. Your curiosity, skills and dedication will have a place and a purpose. So even when you’re exploring the smallest of details, your world will be bigger than ever.

  • Perform cell processing operations

  • Support clean room activities

  • Ensure equipment maintenance

  • Support investigations in deviations

Along with incredibly passionate colleagues, there’s a clear commitment to invest in the best facilities and the right equipment needed to successfully perform world-class science.
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Briana Rawson - Lead, Human Factors Engineer

I love that I get to connect smaller, newer ventures with Takeda’s reputation and resources so that we can develop innovative ways of diagnosing and managing the conditions of patients with unmet needs.
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Rachel Whitaker - Principal Engineer, Diagnostic Devices

The heart of our work

Leading with innovation

Our pipeline

Our internal research capabilities and external partnerships contribute to an R&D engine that has produced exciting new molecular entities (NMEs) across our core Therapeutic Areas. Check out our pipeline and see how we’ll continue delivering a steady stream of next-generation therapies.

Learn more

What we believe in

Our values of Takeda-ism are Integrity, Fairness, Honesty and Perseverance, with Integrity as the core. These are brought to life through actions based on Patient, Trust, Reputation and Business, in that order.

Our belief in putting people first extends beyond our patients — it includes their families and communities, as well as our Takeda colleagues and their families.

We are committed to embracing our differences, valuing different perspectives, and fostering a culture of respect, inclusiveness and empowerment.

Our embedded Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy enables us to attract and retain exceptional talent, drives innovation, and helps address systemic inequalities in our communities.

  • Integrity

  • Fairness

  • Honesty

  • Perseverance

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Great Place to Work

    Recognized for our culture and ways of working, we’re proud to be Certified as a Great Place to Work® in 25 countries and regions.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

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About our location

Boston, Massachusetts


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