Director, Project Management - Lab Automation & Transformation

Overview Takeda is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and strategic‑-minded senior Project Manager for our Lab Automation and Transformation initiatives. The role reports to the Head of Research Program Management and is pivotal to driving program excellence in planning & execution and change management for this critical long‑term initiative. In this role, you will support cross‑functional programs to modernize laboratory operations and drive innovative transformation projects. You will provide a wide‑angle lens to capture and manage key cross‑functional dependencies, where early escalation will determine success. Responsibilities Lead and monitor change management initiatives that facilitate the adoption of new technologies, processes, and organizational practices across the organization. Support the planning, execution, monitoring, resourcing, and closing of strategic transformation projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget. Act as the central point of contact between cross‑functional teams (R&D, IT, operations, quality, etc.) and senior leadership, communicating program progress and escalating issues as needed. Develop communications strategies to address various levels of the organization and key stakeholders, converting complex, cross‑functional information into digestible formats. Collaborate with senior leaders to align program objectives with overall business strategy and research innovation goals. Identify potential risks and collaborate with workstream leads to develop mitigation strategies. Partner with stakeholders to collect and analyze data to drive continuous improvement efforts, translating insights into actionable program enhancements. Develop and manage budgets, track program expenses, and ensure financial stewardship throughout the program lifecycle. Directly manage and oversee junior PM(s) to ensure technical execution of core PM disciplines is consistently applied across workstreams. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree (18 years), MS (16 years) or PhD (10 years) in Science or Management related discipline. Experience: Expected of 6‑8 years of program management experience, preferably at a senior level in biotech or large pharma, with scientific/technical experience. Demonstrated track record of leading complex transformation or change management initiatives and interacting with senior executives. Technical & Functional Skills: Risk & Change Management: Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and lead change management efforts. Cross‑functional Leadership: Lead and influence matrixed, cross‑functional teams to deliver complex programs aligned with strategic objectives. Project Planning & Execution: Build integrated program plans, manage interdependencies, and track milestones across multiple projects. Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, preparing executive‑level updates and facilitating alignment. Financial Knowledge: Cost‑based budgeting, ability to seek savings/efficiencies, earned‑value analysis, and time to completion. Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification strongly preferred, but not required. Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across various levels of the organization. Proven problem‑solving, analytical, and strategic planning capabilities. Location Cambridge, MA (Onsite). Compensation and Benefits Summary U.S. Base Salary Range: $177,000.00 – $278,080.00. The actual base salary offered may depend on qualifications, experience, and location. U.S. employees may be eligible for short‑term and/or long‑term incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan with company match, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, basic life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well‑being benefits. Sick time up to 80 hours per year, vacation up to 120 hours for new hires. EEO Statement Takeda is proud of 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, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Takeda Pharmaceuticals International GmbH