Director, Project Management – Lab Automation & Transformation

Takeda is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and strategic‑minded senior Project Manager for our Lab Automation and Transformation initiatives. This 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 modernise laboratory operations and drive innovative transformation projects. In addition, you will be responsible for providing a ‘wide angle lens’ to capture and manage key cross‑functional dependencies, where early escalation will be the difference between success and lagging in the industry. Your prior experience in project management and technology transformation within the biopharma sector will be critical in ensuring successful project execution and adoption of new processes and technologies.

• Change Management:
  Lead and monitor change management initiatives (including the introduction of new cultural pillars and behaviours/ways of working) that facilitate the adoption of new technologies, processes, and organisational practices across the organisation.
• Program Leadership:
  Support the planning, execution, monitoring, resourcing, and closing of strategic transformation projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Act as the central point of contact between cross‑functional teams (R&D, IT, operations, quality, etc.) and senior leadership; communicate programme progress and elevate issues as needed while working in partnership with the programme planning and execution lead.
• Communications:
  Develop communications strategies to address various levels of the organisation and key stakeholders (e.g., audience‑appropriate status updates, workshops, town halls, executive meetings), including the transfer of complex, cross‑functional information into digestible formats for various stakeholders.
• Strategic Oversight:
  Collaborate with the Head of Research Programme Management, Head of Lab Automation and Transformation, and other senior leaders to align programme objectives with overall business strategy and research innovation goals.
• Risk Management:
  
  Identify potential risks at workstream level and collaborate with workstream leads to develop mitigation strategies to minimise disruption during transformation initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Partner with key stakeholders to collect and analyse data to drive continuous improvement efforts, translating insights into actionable programme enhancements.
• Financial Oversight:
  Develop and manage budgets, track programme expenses, and ensure financial stewardship throughout the programme lifecycle.
• People Leadership:
  Directly manage and oversee junior PMs to ensure technical execution of core PM disciplines are consistently applied across work streams and teams are working in collaboration throughout the programme lifecycle.

• 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 programme management experience with experience, preferably at a senior level in biotech or large pharma, in addition to scientific/technical experience.
  • Demonstrated track record of leading complex transformation or change management initiatives with success.
  • Significant experience interacting with senior executives on complex initiatives.
• Technical & Functional Skills:
  • Risk & Change Management:
    Demonstrated ability to proactively identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and lead change management efforts.
  • Cross‑functional Leadership:
    Proven ability to lead and influence matrixed, cross‑functional teams to deliver complex programmes aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Project Planning & Execution:
    Expertise in building integrated programme plans, managing interdependencies, and tracking milestones across multiple projects.
  • Stakeholder Communication:
    Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing executive‑level updates and facilitating alignment.
  • Financial knowledge:
    Demonstrated ability of…