Associate Director, Process Standardization and Risks Mitigation

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 The Associate Director, Process Standardization and Risks Mitigation will lead global process-standardization and risk-mitigation initiatives across R&D contracting operations. This role will help create consistent, efficient, compliant ways of working across R&D global hubs in the United States, Poland, India, and Japan regional hub. The role identifies process variation, assess operational and compliance risks, and lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that enable timely delivery of contracts and transactions, in support of Takeda’s R&D portfolio. The incumbent uses structured continuous-improvement and change-management methodologies to design, implement, measure, and sustain global process improvements. This position is based in Łódź and will provide local leadership and manage HR-related responsibilities for four R&D contracting colleagues. The colleagues’ day-to-day work priorities and functional direction will be provided by their US-based functional manager. 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 ACCOUNTABILITIES: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of standardized R&D contracting processes across global hubs and the Japan regional hub. Identify, assess, and mitigate process, operational, compliance, and business-continuity risks. Lead implementation of mitigation actions of high-priority risks identified at the corporate risk register level Apply structured methodologies, including root-cause analysis, Lean/Six Sigma principles, process mapping, and Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles, to resolve process defects and improve outcomes. Partner with R&D, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, Digital, Data & Technology, and other stakeholders to align global processes, policies, systems, and controls. Establish process governance, documentation, performance metrics, and reporting to monitor adoption, effectiveness, risks, and improvement opportunities. Develop data-driven business cases and recommendations for senior stakeholders. Lead organizational change-management activities, including stakeholder analysis, communications, training, readiness assessment, and adoption plans. Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in R&D procurement & contracting. Champion digital tools, automation, and practical technology solutions that improve process efficiency, transparency, and user experience Act as the local Workday manager for four R&D contracting employees based in Łódź, providing HR leadership, coaching, development support, employee engagement and local policy adherence. Build an effective matrix partnership with the US-based functional manager, who retains responsibility for the team’s daily work direction, priorities, and functional oversight. EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. Experience in pharmaceutical R&D operations highly desirable 8+ years of relevant experience in process optimization, business operations, contracting, procurement or comparable operational environment. 3+ years leading complex cross-functional or global initiatives Certified in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher). Proven track record of delivering process improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes 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 Prior people-management or matrix-leadership experience preferred ADITIONAL INFORMATION Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise Strong understanding of contracting, procure-to-pay, supplier-management, or related business processes; R&D experience is strongly preferred. Excellent general problem-solving skills and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and to simplify and organize complex tasks Practical knowledge of continuous-improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, root-cause analysis, process mapping, and PDCA. Lean Six Sigma certification is an advantage. Strong project management capabilities with experience in executive-level reporting. Strong change-management experience, including planning, leading adoption of new processes, systems, or ways of working and sustain change adoption. Ability to develop meaningful KPIs, analyze performance data, and translate insights into practical recommendations. Leadership Enterprise level leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate and drive results. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment. Strong communication, facilitation, stakeholder-management, influencing and executive-presentation skills Capable of navigating ambiguity and building consensus in high-complexity, high-visibility decision spaces. Makes strategic recommendations in complex situations. Embraces and demonstrates a diversity and inclusion mindset and role-models these behaviors for the organization