Sr. Project Manager, Manufacturing

Takeda is a patient-focused company transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best-in-class patient support programs. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace committed to delivering better health and a brighter future worldwide.

About the role

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering assigned site and inter-site related projects, including process improvements, equipment installations, and facility upgrades or expansions. This role ensures projects are completed on time, within approved scope and budget, and in compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position collaborates with cross-functional teams to align project objectives and facilitate successful outcomes, contributing to project prioritization and portfolio discussions.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and delivery of projects such as process optimizations, facility upgrades, capital expenditures, equipment installations, and other site initiatives.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, on budget, and to required quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and schedules using standard project methodology tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Jira).
• Track project milestones and manage changes to project scope, schedule, and costs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related communications.
• Facilitate regular project meetings to review progress, address issues, and drive decisions.
• Provide clear status reports to stakeholders and leadership (e.g., progress, risks, mitigation actions, and key decisions).
• Identify potential project risks early and develop mitigation plans; monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Resolve issues proactively and escalate to sponsors or senior management when necessary.
• Ensure all projects comply with Takeda’s global and local health and safety regulations, quality standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., cGMP, OSHA, ISO).
• Lead efforts to manage health, safety, and environmental risks, ensuring alignment with safety standards.
• Initiate, own, lead, and manage Quality System records (e.g., Change Control, Documentation Control) to ensure timely completion of workflow tasks.
• Maintain all project documentation (e.g., agendas, meeting minutes, action logs, risk registers, spend reports) to ensure audit readiness.
• Coordinate resources required for projects, ensuring team members and equipment are available and effectively utilized.
• Lead and mentor project teams by providing support, tools, and guidance to achieve project goals.
• Manage external vendors, contractors, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives through project management practices and process optimization.
• Support adoption of Project Management methodologies (e.g., Agile), Lean Six Sigma principles, and other best practices.
• Maintain accurate project management documentation and publish as required by local and global procedures.
• Monitor timelines, milestones, and performance metrics; report as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related scientific field.
• 4+ years of relevant project experience in a manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Strong project management fundamentals in complex, fast-changing environments.
• Effective communication skills at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency with digital tools and modern Project Management methods.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and produce measurable results.
• Experience influencing, inspiring, and guiding others as a champion of change.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities while maintaining commitments.
• Structured problem-solving approach in dynamic project environments.
• Ability to partner with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Experience building strong working relationships across sites and global functions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while balancing complex priorities.

Qualifications

• Strongly Preferred:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or similar.
  • Lean/Six Sigma experience.
  • Master’s degree in Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
  • Background managing projects in GxP manufacturing environments (e.g., pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food & beverage).
  • Experience with capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, including budget, timeline, and resource management.
  • Strong understanding of global regulatory expectations (e.g., FDA, EMA).
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects in GxP environments on time and within budget.
  • Working knowledge of Project Management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Lean/Six Sigma).
  • Experience applying Organizational Change Management to project management.
  • Proficiency with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Excel, Asana, JIRA).
  • Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.

Physical demands & working environment

• Ability to push, lift, pull, and carry up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to perform both sedentary work and routine walking to observe facility and project-related activities.
• 100% on-site role with daily interaction with manufacturing and cross-functional teams across two local facilities.
• Flexibility to work multiple shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Occasional travel for vendor visits, other site visits, and project meetings may be required.

Pay

U.S. Base Salary Range: $103,500.00 – $162,690.00. The actual base salary offered may depend on factors such as qualifications, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Company holidays.
• Well-being benefits.
• Up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year.
• New hires eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
• Eligibility for short-term and/or long-term incentives.

Location: USA - IL - Round Lake Innovation Park