Operational Excellence Lead

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 Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Job Description
Operational Excellence Lead
As Operational Excellence Manager at Takeda's Bray site, you will play a key role in driving a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations. You will lead the site's Lean strategy and Agile Operating System (AOS) roadmap, coach cross-functional teams, and implement impactful process improvements. Working closely with Quality, Production, and Digital teams, you will help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and ensure sustainable performance improvements - all while upholding Takeda's high standards for safety, quality, and compliance.
Responsibilities:

• Drive the site's Operational Excellence (OE) strategy and AOS (Agile Operating System) roadmap.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma (Green Belt level) initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
• Facilitate workshops (e.g. Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis) to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Coach and develop site teams in Lean methodologies, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Quality, Production, Engineering, and Digital (DD&T) to ensure alignment and integration of improvement initiatives.
• Support digital transformation by identifying automation opportunities and data-driven process optimization.
• Oversee the Six Sigma program, including mentoring Yellow/Green Belts and certifying Yellow Belt candidates.
• Monitor and report performance metrics (KPIs), identify gaps, and lead corrective actions.
• Apply Organizational Change Management (OCM) principles (e3+) to drive successful implementation of improvement projects.
• Support strategic programs like Business Process of the Future and Factory of the Future.
• Ensure all initiatives are aligned with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or scientific discipline; a master's degree (MBA or M.Sc.) is a plus.
• 5-8 years of experience in manufacturing or operations with a focus on Lean, OE, or Continuous Improvement.
• Lean/AOS and Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher); experience with Yellow Belt training/certification preferred.
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional projects and delivering measurable improvements.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in change management (ideally e3+) and coaching stakeholders at all levels.
• Comfortable working in GMP-regulated environments; pharma experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with tools such as SAP, MES, Minitab, and MS Office.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Fluent in English; strong interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.
• Willingness for occasional travel and active shopfloor presence.

What you can look forward to with us:

• Competitive Salary: Including performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement Plan: Employer contributions to your retirement plan.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Employer-funded private medical insurance with dependants' cover, life insurance, and flexible options like dental insurance, partner life insurance, and serious illness protection.
• Electric Charging Points: Available at parking locations.
• Employee Assistance Program: Support for personal and professional challenges.
• Wellbeing and Engagement: Dedicated teams to support your wellbeing.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Supportive policies for a balanced work-life.
• Generous Vacation: 26 vacation days plus additional days for service milestones and humanitarian volunteering leave.
• Development Opportunities: Coaching, mentoring, educational programs, and formal training.
• Subsidized Canteen: Enjoy meals at a reduced cost.
• Flexible Benefits: Options like fuel card, bike to work, commuter ticket, and insurance deals.

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.
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, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are interested in this opportunity, we look forward to receiving your application via our online tool!
Locations
Bray, Ireland
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time