Head, Global Digital Platforms - Manufacturing & Labs

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 Role Overview Takeda is recruiting an accomplished leader to serve as Head, Global Platforms – Manufacturing & Labs.  This leadership role reports directly to the Head, Plasma Derived Therapies and Global Supply & Quality Data, Digital & Technology (PDT GSQ DD&T).  This strategic leadership position requires partnering closely with key stakeholders to advance business-facing technology initiatives across all Takeda Manufacturing sites. The ideal candidate will drive innovation, implement advanced platforms, foster new ways of working, and contribute significantly to the evolution of Takeda’s DD&T imperatives. About the role The Senior Director Data, Digital and Technology is responsible for shaping and executing the data, digital, and technology strategy for the business unit or function. This role ensures alignment with corporate objectives and drives innovation to enhance business value. How you will contribute Own the global vision, standards, and roadmap for global scalable platforms across manufacturing execution, labs, batch release enablement, digital workflows, and manufacturing-facing ERP capabilities (for Plasma manufacturing sites) Deliver in-flight, enterprise-scale programs to completion (next 1 - 3 years) while transitioning the organization to a product team setup that drives continuous innovation & value beyond implementation. ​Drive stakeholder engagement & cross-functional collaboration to  proactively build and nurture high-trust relationships with senior leaders across GSQ & PDT. Lead cross-functional collaboration to align technology strategies with evolving business and regulatory needs. Establish and enforce global templates and standardization across sites to enable faster deployments, consistent compliance, and measurable performance improvement; manage exceptions through governance when required. Drive a step-change in speed and cost efficiency by scaling a high-performing global delivery model: Expand and professionalize global delivery center teams; Improve throughput, quality, and cost-to-deliver; Strengthen vendor performance and commercial outcomes in collaboration with procurement Lead global capabilities for manufacturing execution systems and shopfloor digitalization across 20+ sites, ensuring template integrity and sustainable ownership. Modernize digital lab capabilities through a single global LIMS and harmonized lab ecosystem (including ELN and supporting lab operations tooling), partnering across QC, testing labs, and the wider enterprise with R&D labs. Build and scale digital workflow platforms (e.g., logbooks, checklists, forms) to improve operational execution across sites and labs. Partner closely with the centralized run/support organization to strengthen lifecycle management, including validated change, patching cadence, and 24/7 coverage. Drive AI and agentic AI enablement for manufacturing processes and labs by identifying and prioritizing use cases, defining requirements, and coordinating execution with the Data & AI enablement organization. Build and develop a high-performing leadership team (typically 6–8 direct reports) and a global organization with strong governance, talent development, and stakeholder trust. Skills and qualifications Minimum of 15 years of related experience and proven leadership delivering enterprise-scale, multi-site technology programs in regulated manufacturing and/or laboratory environments. Deep expertise in manufacturing execution (MES) and lab informatics (LIMS/ELN) at global scale (both required). Strong understanding of delivery in GxP environments, including validation, data integrity, compliance, and cybersecurity expectations. Demonstrated ability to shift from project delivery to a product operating model (roadmap ownership, release cadence, adoption, continuous improvement). Track record building efficient global delivery models (global delivery centers + vendors) and improving delivery speed and cost. Executive stakeholder management across manufacturing, labs, quality, process owners, and enterprise transformation programs. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. As a strategic leader overseeing multiple functional areas, divisions, or product groups through directors and managers, with global or multi-country-level responsibility. You will shape corporate policies, provide guidance to directors and senior managers, and hold a recognized influential position. Your decisions impact the success of the division, group, company, or corporation, and you may sit on a leadership team, directly influencing the overall business strategy of your area. Locations Zurich, Switzerland Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time