Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation

Takeda•Round Lake, IL

3d•$116,000 - $182,270•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Packaging Performance & Automation leads packaging operational excellence at Takeda’s Round Lake pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, which produces plasma-derived therapeutics through aseptic filling, inspection, labeling, and packaging. The role is the primary business leader for packaging performance and continuous improvement, partnering with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Operations. The position improves equipment effectiveness and throughput, reduces downtime and recurring process issues, and delivers sustainable operational improvements. It uses data-driven decision-making to lead strategic improvement projects, coordinate investigations and corrective actions, and support automation and technology enhancements. The incumbent champions Takeda Values, Quality Culture, and Safety Culture while ensuring cGMP compliance and focusing on patient, trust, reputation, and business outcomes.

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.
Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or regulated manufacturing environments.
Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operational excellence, or packaging operations.
Ability to work non-traditional or extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
Ability to work in controlled manufacturing environments requiring special gowning and PPE.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline.
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 on automation, equipment reliability, and technology improvement initiatives.
Use operational data and performance trends to identify process optimization and defect-reduction opportunities.
Support investigations into 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 to promote accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Champion Takeda Values, Quality Culture, Safety Culture, and patient-focused decision-making.
Perform other duties as assigned.