Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation

Takeda•Round Lake, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation is responsible for driving packaging operational excellence at Takeda’s Round Lake pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, which fills plasma-derived therapeutics. The role focuses on equipment reliability, process optimization, automation initiatives, CAPA effectiveness, deviation reduction, and change control execution. As the primary business leader for packaging performance and continuous improvement, the manager partners closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Operations to improve equipment effectiveness and throughput, reduce downtime, resolve recurring process issues, and sustain operational improvements. The position uses data-driven decision-making to lead strategic improvement projects, coordinate investigations and corrective actions, and support automation and technology enhancements. The manager champions Takeda Values, Quality Culture, and Safety Culture while ensuring cGMP compliance and maintaining a focus on patients, trust, reputation, and business outcomes. The role combines sedentary work with routine presence in manufacturing operations. It requires work in controlled manufacturing environments with special gowning and PPE, and may involve clean room, temperature-controlled, and warehouse environments. The position may require non-traditional or extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging operations, and cGMP requirements.
Experience leading CAPAs, deviations, change controls, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Understanding of equipment reliability, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies.
Experience using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
Strong analytical, project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate technical information and operational performance effectively to all organizational levels.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing performance reporting tools.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.
At least 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or regulated manufacturing environments.
At least 2 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operational excellence, or packaging operations.
Demonstrated experience leading CAPAs, deviations, change controls, investigations, and continuous improvement programs.
Ability to work non-traditional or extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting automation projects, equipment implementation, or manufacturing technology deployment.
Experience with packaging equipment, manufacturing systems, and reliability improvement programs.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

Own packaging performance metrics, including throughput, downtime, OEE, labor efficiency, and quality performance.
Lead operational excellence initiatives to improve packaging efficiency, reliability, quality, and cost performance.
Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and problem-solving methodologies.
Lead and oversee CAPAs, deviations, and change controls to ensure timely execution, effectiveness, and sustainable compliance improvements.
Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to develop and implement automation, equipment reliability, and technology improvement initiatives.
Use operational data and performance trends to identify process optimization and defect-reduction opportunities.
Support investigations involving equipment performance, process deviations, recurring defects, and operational disruptions.
Develop and maintain packaging performance dashboards, KPIs, and management reporting tools.
Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Operations to execute strategic improvement initiatives.
Prioritize and support capital projects and equipment enhancements aligned with business and operational objectives.
Support regulatory inspections and represent packaging operations during internal and external audits.
Coach and lead in a manner that promotes accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Champion Takeda Values, Quality Culture, Safety Culture, and patient-focused decision-making.
Perform other duties as assigned.