Associate Director, Drug Product Manufacturing Science & Technology

Role Summary

Associate Director, Drug Product Manufacturing Science & Technology at Takeda. Global subject matter expert for small-molecule drug product and packaging, leading industrialization, transfer to internal sites and CMOs, and continuous improvement across the network. Interfaces development, manufacturing, and regulatory to shape robust, scalable processes and ensure consistent application worldwide to reliably supply medicines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the global expert for small-molecule oral solid dose (OSD) and/or parenteral drug product manufacturing technologies.
• Lead drug product manufacturing process characterization, including definition of critical process parameters and control strategies.
• Lead technology transfer of drug product and packaging processes to internal manufacturing sites and CMOs, ensuring smooth and compliant implementation.
• Lead or oversee validation of drug product and packaging processes in line with regulatory and Takeda standards.
• Act as part of rapid response teams to resolve complex manufacturing issues across local Operating Units, using data-driven root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Drive strategies for continuous improvement of marketed (mature) drug products in the late phase of their lifecycle, improving robustness, yield, and efficiency.
• Shape and implement manufacturing strategies for key Takeda products across the internal network and CMOs, in close collaboration with Pharmaceutical Sciences and Operations.
• Ensure that process knowledge and best practices are systematically captured, shared, and leveraged across sites and functions within the Manufacturing Sciences and Technical Services network.
• Partner effectively with local Technical Services, site leadership, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Global Quality, Regulatory CMC, and other key functions to align on technical decisions and manage cross-functional issues.

Qualifications

• At least a Bachelor‚Äôs degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive industrial experience, including at least 5 years in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
• Deep expertise in drug product manufacturing technologies for oral solid dosage forms and/or injectable products, including proven experience with tech transfer, process characterization, and validation.
• Demonstrated experience acting as a subject matter expert in a matrix environment, influencing cross-functional and cross-site stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of independently making high-impact technical and operational decisions for complex manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and build alignment across technical and non-technical partners.
• Ability to focus on critical priorities, deliver consistent, high-quality results, and proactively build capabilities for the future across the network.
• Intellectual curiosity about technology and new ways of working, coupled with a collaborative and open mindset.
• Willingness to travel to international manufacturing sites and work side-by-side with site teams on highly complex issues.

Skills

• Drug product manufacturing technologies for OSD and/or injectable products
• Technology transfer, process characterization, validation
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Data-driven root cause analysis and problem solving
• Process knowledge capture and knowledge sharing

Education

• Bachelor‚Äôs or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel to international manufacturing sites