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Process Improvement Lead

Cambridge, Massachusetts
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  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

Takeda has been translating science into breakthrough medicines for 240 years. Every step of the way, our teams have worked together to tackle some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. Today, we’re a driving force behind innovative therapies that make a lasting difference to millions of patients around the world.

In R&D, all of our history and potential comes together in an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and amplifies every voice. Working closely with colleagues, you’ll play a key role in bringing our rich pipeline of products forward to help patients. Come join a team that’s earned trust for more than two centuries, and find out how advancing transformative therapies at Takeda will shape your bright future.

Job ID R0157568 Date posted 07/09/2025 Location Cambridge, 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’sPrivacy Noticeand 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

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

Discover more at takedajobs.com

No Phone Calls or Recruiters Please.

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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

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-termincentives. 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

Cambridge, 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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During my 20-year journey here, I’ve been fully supported by my colleagues, and I can’t say enough about our rich internal talent and the long-standing values that drive our decisions as we work to develop important medicines for the patients we serve.

Doug Coffman - Head, R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office, R&D Regional & Business Operations

When making any type of decision, the first thing we ask is 'how will this impact patients?’ Ultimately, we’re laser focused on the best interests of the patient, and I truly believe we follow through on that.

Meredith Culp - VP, Head of Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Strategy & Operations and Head of Global Development Integration Office

Our culture and shared values make us like a family here at Takeda. It doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love with people you love, and when your outcome is really fantastic.

Alison Handley, Head, Center for External Innovation

The heart of our work

Shining a light on new perspectives

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.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • 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.

Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Cambridge, Massachusetts


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