Head of Quality Services and Improvement

Company: Takeda
Location: Libertyville
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's and . I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.Job DescriptionAbout the roleThe Head of Quality Services and Improvement (QSI) leads the strategic deployment of quality initiatives, portfolio management, transformation programs, and continuous improvement efforts across the site's Quality organization. This role ensures alignment between quality strategies and broader organizational goals, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and champions digital and operational excellence.As a transformation leader and change champion (e3+), the QSI plays a pivotal role in driving site-wide quality improvement initiatives, overseeing budget planning, and supporting cultural transformation. The position operates at the intersection of strategy, transformation, and quality excellence.The QSI collaborates closely with Quality Leadership (QLT), Business Excellence (BE), Global Quality (GQ), Operational Excellence (OE), DD&T, OpU Quality Functions, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment, value creation, and continuous enhancement of quality systems and processes. This role has a significant impact on quality performance, compliance, and operational efficiency, and directly supports the achievement of strategic organizational objectives.No. of direct reports: 1No. of indirect reports: 0How you will contributeStrategy Deployment & Portfolio Management:

• Partner with Business Excellence (BE) to define, deploy, and monitor the execution of the site's strategy.
• Responsible to drive the cascade of site strategy into Quality functions, integrating it with Product Lifecycle Management and enterprise-wide objectives.
• Partner with BE (site level) and SBO (OpU level) to ensure alignment.
• Oversee the portfolio of Quality improvement initiatives/projects, ensuring prioritization, resource allocation, and measurable value creation.
• Drive financial rigor in Quality and partner with SQH, QLT, and Finance in managing the Quality budget planning (MRP/MYC), ensuring financial discipline and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Coordinate internal and external Quality performance assessments to drive continuous improvement.2. Transformation & Value Creation:2.1 Quality Transformation and Capability Building
  • Accountable for the success of the Quality transformation programs (i.e., QPoF, LoF) in collaboration with the QLT and Transformation Deployment owners within the respective quality departments.
  • Mentor and guide a team of Transformation Deployment Owners to ensure successful execution of quality transformation initiatives.
  • Lead transformation-focused reskilling efforts in partnership with site Learning/SQLT and BE.2.2 Quality Operations Optimization
    • Collaborate with BE/OE to analyze quality operations (i.e., BPM, VSM, SIPOC...etc) to identify opportunities for efficiency gains, cost optimization and performance improvement while ensuring collaboration with BE/OE to execute process enhancement.
    • Offer a comprehensive view of the Quality functions and associated processes to facilitate the deployment of improvement initiatives.
    • Drive continuous improvement and Agile Operating Systems (AOS) within the Quality organization in close collaboration with BE and Global Operational Excellence (GOE).2.3 Performance Management and Accountability in Quality
      • Foster a culture of QLT accountability with quality processes performance metrics and KPIs.
      • Ensure appropriate Quality portfolio performance management and monitoring at the site level, including the oversight of value creation, in partnership with BE and engineering.
      • Ensure regular and accurate reporting to stakeholders.
      • Be the Quality representative on Internal external operations' non-GxP performance assessments (i.e. POBOS, Site Assessment).
      • Own and manage the quality governance model, ensuring compliance, consistency, and alignment with organizational objectives, while continuously driving improvements in governance processes.3. Culture & Strategic Collaboration
        • Partners with site Business Excellence (BE) to ensure alignment and maximized GMSGQ collaboration.
        • Act as a bridge between above site transformation programs and site transformation efforts, providing data driven insights, and contextual understanding to drive the success of transformation.
        • Partner with Site Business Excellence (BE), providing Quality input to Operational Excellence site strategy and supporting effective implementation based on priorities to drive improvements.
        • Champion a strong Quality culture, working with Ethics & Compliance (E&C) to influence behaviors, governance, and performance.
        • Build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships to drive alignment and advocacy for Quality initiatives.
        • Lead Organizational Change Management efforts, ensuring smooth adoption and long-term success of Quality transformation programs.
        • Collaborate with site Communications to support transformation-specific messaging and stakeholder engagement.
        • Maintain a strategic partnership with BE to enhance site-wide strategy, portfolio management, and process improvement.DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTSTechnical/Functional (Line) Expertise
          • Knowledge of Quality Management System and Quality Functions.
          • Current on local and global requirements.
          • Knowledge of continuous improvement and problem-solving methodologies and tools.
          • Robust knowledge of strategy deployment.
          • Clear understanding of project management principles / Project Lifecycle Management (PLM) & portfolio management in a complex environment.
          • Demonstrates mindset and understanding of learning principles and be an advocate for continuous learning and transformation across quality functions.
          • Comprehensive end-to-end process understanding, enabling a strategic big picture perspective.Leadership
            • Align Quality initiatives with broader business objectives and long-term goals, transforming them into actionable local strategies.
            • Apply strategic enterprise thinking to enhance patient outcomes, build reputation and trust, and drive organizational excellence.
              • Lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority, leveraging interpersonal, motivational, and change management skills to drive transformation.
              • Foster a patient-centered, high-performing organization by attracting and developing diverse talent.
                • Adapt to various business contexts, cultures, and dynamics to make informed, strategic decisions.
                • Cultivate strong relationships through active listening, empathy, and cross-functional collaboration.
                • Prioritize initiatives effectively within resource constraints to achieve superior results.
                • Manage budgets, optimize resource planning, and demonstrate return on investment for Quality initiatives.Decision-making and Autonomy
                  • Impact strategy deployment, organizational design, and key business outcomes, including employee experience.
                  • Determine project portfolio, sequencing, and prioritization to maximize business value.
                  • Adapt to changing priorities with agility and strategic focus.
                  • Deliver pragmatic results that drive meaningful business impact.Interaction
                    • Regular interactions with senior/executive leadership to facilitate and impact analysis discussions, operational assessments and strategic projects.
                    • Excellent ability to engage, align, and communicate with senior leadership, site teams, and global partners.
                    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
                    • Close collaboration with SBO (SQE) and Quality digital and Innovation (QDI).
                    • Presence and engagement at sharing sessions (i.e., eAgile COP).
                    • Deep collaboration with BE head and DD&T head at site.
                    • Engage with Global OE Deployment leads and Governance groups.
                    • Utilizes in-depth understanding of biopharmaceutical business to accurately develop and drive strategy and aligned initiatives.
                    • Regular coaching to build other's capabilities.
                    • Strong communication skills engaging stakeholders at all levels: site, business, network, company.Innovation & Digital Transformation
                      • Embrace existing and emerging digital technology and data analysis.
                      • Strong understanding of digitalization in Quality, data-driven decision-making, and process optimization.
                      • Share openly and learn from others, contribute and promote innovative improvements to and from Takeda's Highlights best-practice sharing process.
                      • Extensive (beyond site) networking to build and leverage a wide range of contacts and relationships beneficial to the organization, such as OpU, Global, vendors and consultants and external Benchmarking bodies as it relates to staying current and gathering insights to drive quality transformation.Complexity
                        • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
                        • Site-wide impact with broad product portfolio scope and with significant importance to patients and business.
                        • Focus on measurable improvement.
                        • Meet targets in a matrix environment.What you bring to TakedaEssential:
                          • Minimum of 8+ years of experience in Quality, Business Excellence, or related areas within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
                          • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science or Business.
                          • Awareness across all of the Quality disciplines (QA, QC, Compliance and Systems, Services and Improvement) and working in an international environment.
                          • Self-starter with the ability to produce measurable success.
                          • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams to successful completion.
                          • Clear demonstration of increasing management responsibility combined with strong technical operations background.
                          • Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex problems, interpret data, and propose actionable solutions.
                          • Strategic thinker, demonstrated leadership skills and strong business knowledge.
                          • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
                          • Excellent project management skills, with experience in delivering multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and timeliness.
                          • Proven leadership experience in strategy execution, project portfolio management, and transformation initiatives.
                          • Expertise in Organizational Change Management, including stakeholder engagement and communication.
                          • Ability to influence, collaborate, and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
                          • Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Yellow belt)
                          • Knowledge of Lean principles
                          • Excellent English language skillsDesired:
                            • MBA or advanced degree in Business Administration, Strategy, or Organizational Development. (MBA, M.Sc.)
                            • Experience working with pharmaceutical cGMP, regulatory compliance, and quality systems in a manufacturing environment.
                            • Experienced people-leader with a strong background in coaching and mentoring.
                            • Experience in digital transformation and data-driven Quality improvements.
                            • Expertise in designing and implementing organizational structures.
                            • Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Green belt preferred), or Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2).
                            • Experience in financial planning and budget management.
                            • Multilingual proficiency is a plus (depending on site/global interactions).ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              • Travel Requirements: Occasional travel
                              • Work Environment: Site-based with cross-functional interactions across Site, OpU/Region and Global.
                              • Gowning into ISO areas is required.What Takeda can offer you:
                                • Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision
                                • Financial Planning & Stability: 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan
                                • Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings
                                • Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days
                                • Community Outreach Programs and company match of charitable contributions
                                • Family Planning Support
                                • Flexible Work Paths
                                • Tuition reimbursementImportant ConsiderationsAt Takeda, our patients rely on us to deliver quality products. As a result, we must follow strict rules in our manufacturing facilities to ensure we are not endangering the quality of the product. In this role, you may:
                                  • Work in a controlled environment requiring special gowning and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet and body. This may include additional hearing protection for loud areas.
                                  • Need to remove all make-up, jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish and/or artificial fingernails while in the manufacturing environment.
                                  • Work in a cold, wet environment.
                                  • Work multiple shifts, including weekends, or be asked to work supplemental hours, as necessary.
                                  • Work around chemicals such as alcohol, acids, buffers and Celite that may require respiratory protection.More about us:At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.This posting excludes Colorado applicants.Empowering our people to shine:Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by lawTakeda Compensation and Benefits SummaryWe understand 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.For Location:USA - IL - Round Lake Innovation ParkU.S. Base Salary Range:$153,600.00 - $241,340.00The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. 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.EEO StatementTakeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.LocationsUSA - IL - Round Lake Innovation ParkWorker TypeEmployeeWorker Sub-TypeRegularTime TypeFull timeJob ExemptYes
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Keywords: Takeda, Bartlett , Head of Quality Services and Improvement, Other , Libertyville, Illinois