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, technology transfer, and continuous improvement across the global network 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 or 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 our international manufacturing sites and work side-by-side with site teams on highly complex issues.