Head of Operational Sustainability & Compliance

Takeda•Lexington, MA

2d•$212,000 - $333,190•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing and implementing environmental programs and initiatives, providing EHSS leadership, directing environmental due diligence, overseeing operational climate strategy, and managing environmental risk and team development. The position involves leading the creation and execution of enterprise environmental compliance and management programs, integrating best practices into business processes, and ensuring compliance with global regulations. It also includes overseeing the development and deployment of Takeda’s operational climate strategy to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by FY2035, managing environmental risk, and developing a high-performing EHSS team.

Requirements

Degree in life sciences, engineering or similar field.
10+ years of experience in Pharmaceutical/Biopharmaceutical (or associated industry).
Experience leading teams across multiple locations.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, regulatory agencies and vendors.
Program management experience; demonstrated application of EHS practices.
Expertise in worldwide environmental compliance, EHS risk management, and development of environmental programs (waste, wastewater, air pollution, biodiversity, pharmaceuticals in the environment, etc.).
Demonstrated capability to oversee Scope 1 and 2 emissions strategy governance and execution, including renewable energy and data/reporting maturity supporting disclosures/assurance.

Nice To Haves

Industry certifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer, Certified Environment Professional, Chartered Environmental Professional, etc.).

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of Takeda’s enterprise environmental compliance oversight programs, ensuring adherence to applicable significant regulations and corporate policies.
Serve as lead environmental resource and subject matter expert to the sites when needed.
Drive natural resource conservation strategy and key initiatives aligned with Takeda’s sustainability goals, including water efficiency and risk mitigation, waste management and circularity, and biodiversity.
Develop and execute environmental risk management initiatives/strategies as part of Takeda’s risk management framework, identifying and mitigating potential environmental liabilities.
Direct environmental due diligence efforts for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, assessing environmental liabilities and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Oversee Takeda’s hazardous waste disposal site review and approval program, ensuring the safe, responsible, and compliant management of hazardous waste.
Monitor and interpret emerging global environmental regulations and trends affecting operations, advising Takeda’s leadership on potential business impacts and strategic responses.
Provide strategic EHSS leadership and input into Takeda’s global manufacturing continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing operational efficiencies while enhancing environmental sustainability.
Develop and implement environmental policies, standards, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement contributing to Takeda’s sustainability efforts.
Represent Takeda in engagements with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and external stakeholders to advocate for sound environmental policies and practices.
Oversee enterprise Scope 1 and 2 net-zero strategy and roadmap governance through FY2035, ensuring program governance, operating mechanisms, prioritization, and cross-functional alignment across sites, facilities, and fleet.
Oversee renewable energy strategy and instruments, optimizing purchased renewable energy approach and overseeing PPA performance tracking and EAC management.
Oversee Scope 1 and 2 data, reporting, and assurance readiness, ensuring continuous improvement of data collection, analytics, forecasting/benchmarking, methodological accounting and measurement decisions, KPI/leading indicator tracking, and support for external reporting, disclosures, and assurance requirements.
Oversee voluntary carbon market (VCM) approach for operations, providing governance for strategic positioning, quality/measurement/transparency expectations, and oversight of carbon offsets and carbon removal investments/partnerships.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and proactive environmental management.
Assist with effective environmental reporting and disclosures to maintain transparency, compliance, and alignment with Takeda’s corporate sustainability commitments.
Perform other duties as assigned.