Workforce & Capacity Optimization Lead

Takeda • Bannockburn, IL

41d • Hybrid

About The Position

About BioLife Plasma Services BioLife Plasma Services, a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is an industry leader in the collection of high-quality plasma, which is processed into life-saving plasma-based therapies. Some diseases can only be treated with medicines made with plasma. Since plasma can’t be made synthetically, many people rely on plasma donors to live healthier, happier lives. BioLife operates 250+ state-of-the-art plasma donation centers across the United States. Our employees are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and ensuring that the donation process is safe, straightforward, and rewarding for donors who wish to make a positive impact. When you work at BioLife, you’ll feel good knowing that what we do helps improve the lives of patients with rare diseases. While you focus on our donors, we’ll support you. We offer a purpose you can believe in, a team you can count on, opportunities for career growth, and a comprehensive benefits program, all in a fast-paced, friendly environment. This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy. OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE Serve as a recognized expert in workforce optimization with deep expertise in scheduling and capacity planning and broad knowledge of related disciplines across US BioLife operations. Anticipate internal and external business challenges and regulatory considerations; recommend innovative process, technology, and policy improvements to enhance operational efficiency. Provide leadership and consultative guidance across BioLife regions, influencing workforce planning strategies and organizational priorities. Drive BioLife initiatives that optimizes resource utilization, improve scalability, and strengthen governance frameworks.

Requirements

• Recognized as an expert in workforce management and capacity planning with broad knowledge of related disciplines (HR, Finance, Operations, DD&T).
• Skilled in designing scalable frameworks and governance models for complex, matrixed environments.
• Operates with autonomy; makes decisions impacting multiple functions and regions.
• Provides guidance in complex or unprecedented situations.
• Provide guidance and training across US BioLife Plasma Centers to advance workforce systems and capacity solutions.
• Leads cross-function teams and serves as a best-practice resource for workforce optimization.
• Influences senior leadership and drives adoption of innovative strategies.
• Partner closely with HR, Operations, Finance, DD&T, FPA, and BioLife leadership to ensure the alignment of shared workforce processes.
• Develop workforce planning strategies aligned with organizational goals and ensures effective stakeholder communication.
• Champions automation and advanced analytics to enhance workforce flexibility and efficiency.
• Implements innovative solutions to address organizational challenges and improve scalability.
• Operate in a matrixed environment, addressing diverse resource needs across BioLife centers and collaborating across functions.
• Manage cultural and logistical complexities inherent in workforce systems implementation within dynamic healthcare-focused settings.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in business, Operations Management, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Expertise in workforce management frameworks, governance, and scalable scheduling strategies.
• Advanced proficiency in data engineering, report/dashboard creation, reporting administration.
• Power BI, Databricks, Python, SQL, Excel, etc.
• Advanced analytical and reporting skills for effective workforce planning and decision-making.
• Behavioral Competencies: Innovator with strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive adoption of new methodologies.
• Collaborator fostering alignment across departments and shared objectives.
• Strategic thinker with a systematic approach to addressing workforce planning challenges with ability to anticipate challenges and influence organizational direction.
• Adaptable leader capable of managing change and encouraging smooth adoption of new methodologies.
• High-impact communicator and collaborator across functions and regions.
• Innovator with strategic problem-solving skills to address workforce challenges effectively.
• Clear communicator who fosters cross-departmental alignment and productive partnerships.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or master’s in business, Information Systems, or related field).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute enterprise-level workforce optimization strategies for BioLife, influencing broader Takeda business units and functions.
• Design and implement governance models, policies, and data-driven methodologies that ensure consistency, compliance, and operational flexibility across BioLife operations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams on workforce planning, capacity management, and emerging business or regulatory challenges.
• Lead BioLife projects and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable workforce solutions, including automation and process improvements.
• Own workforce data governance, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and clear standards for reporting, analytics, and decision support.
• Analyze complex workforce and capacity datasets to identify trends, gaps, and optimization opportunities across BioLife operations.
• Develop predictive models and scenario analyses to forecast workforce needs, capacity constraints, and financial impacts using advanced analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, SQL, Python).
• Translate analytical findings into actionable strategies and initiatives that improve resource utilization, workforce flexibility, and operational scalability.
• Design and maintain dashboards, reporting frameworks, and KPIs to provide real-time visibility and monitor performance of workforce planning processes.
• Oversee direct labor budgeting and forecasting strategies, ensuring alignment with financial objectives, operational goals, and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others.
• U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees