Head of Operational Sustainability & Compliance

Takeda • Lexington, MA

8d • $212,000 - $333,190 • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing and implementing environmental programs and initiatives, providing strategic leadership and collaboration, directing regulatory compliance and advocacy, overseeing operational climate strategy, and managing risk, reporting, and team development. The Head of Operational Sustainability & Compliance will lead the creation and execution of Takeda’s enterprise environmental compliance and management programs, including natural resource conservation, risk management, and hazardous waste management. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate best practices, continuously improve manufacturing operations, and enhance environmental sustainability. The role also involves directing environmental due diligence, representing Takeda in regulatory engagements, and ensuring compliance with global regulations. A key responsibility is overseeing the development, governance, and deployment of Takeda’s Scope 1 and 2 operational climate strategy and net-zero roadmap, aiming for net-zero GHG emissions by FY2035, including renewable energy optimization and internal operating mechanisms.

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 and serving 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: ensure program governance, operating mechanisms, prioritization, and cross-functional alignment across sites, facilities, and fleet (e.g., Engineering, Procurement, Facilities, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, HR, Fleet).
• Oversee renewable energy strategy and instruments: optimize purchased renewable energy approach and oversee PPA performance tracking and EAC management as needed to maintain renewable energy coverage across Takeda’s portfolio.
• Oversee Scope 1 and 2 data, reporting, and assurance readiness: ensure 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: provide governance for strategic positioning, quality/measurement/transparency expectations, and oversight of carbon offsets and carbon removal investments/partnerships as applicable to Scope 1 and 2 program needs.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career.
• We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
• EEO Statement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior