Takeda

Sr. Director, Head of Process Engineering

Takeda  •  $212k - $333k/yr  •  Cambridge, MA (Hybrid)  •  2 hours ago
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Job Description

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OBJECTIVE:

Synthetic Molecule Process Development (SMPD)is responsible fordeveloping robust, sustainable, and cost-effective processes for the manufacture of new synthetic molecule pharmaceuticals, ensuringhigh standardsof quality, safety, and scalability.

The Sr. Director of ProcessEngineeringwillbe responsible fororganizational leadershipforglobalProcess Engineering team within SMPDandfordrivingglobalfunctional area strategyAccountable for the performance and results ofglobal Process Engineeringgroup; strategic influence across Takeda Business Units and/or with external collaboratorsResponsible for identification and application of relevant industry trends to inform operational strategy, with an emphasis on enterprise leadership, ensuringsuccess for current and future programs withinProcess Engineering and SMPD broadlyRepresentsTakeda externally and drives external collaboration network strategyProvide strategic and technical leadership for the global process engineering group, driving process design, optimization, and technology transfer for small molecule drug substance unit operations for the full development lifecycle from pre-IND to PPQ and Commercial tech transfer. The successful candidate will be accountable forestablishinglong-term technical vision, building organizational capability, and ensuring alignment with both pipeline needs and broader organizationalobjectives

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Defines the long-term vision and strategic roadmap forSMPDglobalprocess engineering capabilities, ensuring alignmentacross SMPD departments and Pharm Sci functions, as well as other business units (Quality, Regulatory, GSQ).

  • Accountable for the performance and results of global team, including performance management, talent development, succession planning, and building organizational capability across global regions.

  • Accountable fordevelopment and manufacturing offull synthetic moleculedevelopmentin terms ofleveragingprocess engineeringexpertiseeither directly or through leadership of team members

  • Establishes and manages operational processes acrossglobal Process Engineeringwithinglobal SMPD

  • Has full accountability for all engineering aspects forsmall moleculepipeline projects.

  • Directsteam members inprocess development and optimization for key unit operations, including reaction engineering, crystallization, particle engineering, separations, and drying.

  • Overseesdesign, qualification, and operation of laboratory scale-down models to enable robust process scale-up.

  • Develops and oversees strategies forglobal Process Engineeringinfrastructure, resources, projects, etc. and implementsrelevanttechnologies and innovations

  • Manages performance, personnel issues, and communication effectivenesswithin global Process Engineering

  • Accountable for the development of organizational culture and capabilities withinglobal Process Engineering and global SMPD

  • Defines and ownssourcingstrategy forprocess engineering developmentand contributes materially and may own aspects of overall strategy forsynthetic molecule development and manufacture

  • Contributes to wider cross Business Unit strategyparticularly with respect to Commercial (GSQ) development and manufacturing

  • Engagesfrequentlywith leadership of SMPD departments and Pharm sci functions, and other business units (Quality, Regulatory, and GSQ) to ensure investigational synthetic molecule engineering strategies are aligned at the operational workflow, Project, and Portfolio levels, where relevant

  • Identifiesand elevates awareness of topics for initiatives with impact across R&D/cross-divisionalorganization

  • Leads complex, interdisciplinary initiatives and may sponsor a cross-departmental or cross-functional initiatives

  • Advises CMC teams on impact of team actions on other projects in their functional area and vice versa.

  • Utilizes technicalexpertiseto contribute toR&D/cross-Business Unit strategy to solve complex issues

  • Accountable for relevant technical content in regulatory filings (IND, NDA, MAA) and health authority queries.

  • Establishes and enforces best practices in process safety, quality by design (QbD), and risk management.

  • Buildsandsustainsstrategic relationships with academic partners, consortia, and vendors to accesscutting-edgescience and capabilities.

  • Maintains external visibility and thought leadership through publications, invited talks, and representation in industry working groups.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineeringand25+ years relevant industry experience;Master’s degree in Chemical Engineeringand21+ years relevant industry experience; PhD in Chemical Engineering and 15+ years relevant industry experience.

  • Extensive experience in small molecule process development, scale-up, and commercialization.

  • Direct experience working in a manufacturing facility or pilot plant environment, with a strong understanding of cGMP operations, technology transfer, and scale-up.

  • Demonstrated leadership in facility design, start-up, or expansion projects, including defining user requirements, equipmentselection, and commissioning.

  • Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing technical staff.

  • Strongtrack recordof contributions to regulatory filings (IND/IMPD, NDA, MAA), including late-stage submissions.

  • Significant experiencein working with external partners (CMOs/CDMOs) and managing complex technology transfers.

  • Expertisein process analytical technologies (FT-IR, NIR, FBRM, UV-vis, etc.), chemometrics, and modeling (statistical and first principles).

  • Experience with advanced process control strategies and continuous manufacturing.

  • Strong background in crystallization, particle engineering, and polymorph control.

  • Priorsuccess in building new technical platforms and organizational capabilities.

  • Experience with process safety evaluation, risk assessments, and pilot plant operations.

  • Experience navigating changing external and internal environment and leading others through change by creatingandinspiring and engaging workplace

  • Experience recommending,influencingand implementing organizational change and continuous innovation

  • Proven scientifictrack recordthrough presentations at scientific conferences and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing technical teams.

  • Strategic Vision: Ability to define and implement long-term technical and organizational strategies.

  • Technical Depth: Recognized subject matterexpertisein process engineering, with broad knowledge across reaction engineering, particle science, and scale-up.

  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; able to influence across functions and present effectively to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

  • Collaboration: Strong cross-functional teamwork; ability to build relationships internally and externally.

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical, risk assessment, and decision-making skills.

  • External Engagement: Active involvement in professional networks, with a record of publications, presentations, or scientific leadership in the field.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

May requireapproximately 5-10% travel

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:

Cambridge, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$212,000.00 - $333,190.00


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

Cambridge, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

YesIt 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.

Takeda

About Takeda

We strive to transform lives. While the science we advance is constantly evolving, our core purpose is enduring. For more than two centuries, our values have guided us to do what’s right for patients and for society.

We know that changing lives requires us to do things differently. We start by listening to and addressing what really matters to patients, the people who love them, and those in the healthcare system who provide care. And that’s what inspires us all to be bold, push boundaries and set new standards that open up greater opportunities.

Read our community guidelines: https://takeda.info/communityguidelines

Industry
Chemicals & Materials
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Tokyo, JP
Year Founded
1781
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