Project Management Officer (Vaccine Business Unit - Hikari Plant)

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Job Description

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE

• Lead and manage strategic projects at the site to ensure alignment with VBU (Vaccine Business Unit)’s mission and long-term business objectives.
• Drive successful execution of high-impact initiatives, including:
  • New product introductions and launch projects
  • Cross-functional projects involving multiple internal and external stakeholders of VBU Japan
  • Critical site priorities that advance organizational goals
• Provide expert project management leadership, ensuring effective planning, resource allocation, risk management, and timely delivery of outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to enable seamless coordination, communication, and alignment across functions.
• Support site strategy implementation by evaluating long-range business plans, translating them into actionable short-term execution plans, and facilitating continuous improvement activities to meet strategic priorities.
• Organize and oversee key events and milestones of VBU Japan, ensuring they contribute to the achievement of strategic goals.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead and manage strategic projects at VBU Japan, ensuring alignment with site strategy and VBU priorities while driving measurable improvements in cost, productivity, quality, safety, and compliance.
• Develop and execute project plans, timelines, and resource strategies, incorporating lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes and operational performance.
• Define and monitor Core Value Drivers, KPIs, and operational metrics to ensure effective strategy execution and sustained business impact.
• Foster strong collaboration and communication with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring risk management, compliance, and successful delivery of key site initiatives

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise

• Proven project management expertise for complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Certification or strong knowledge of project management methodologies (PMP, PRINCE2, AGILE).
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in risk management, planning, and resource allocation for strategic projects.
• Competence in data analytics and reporting tools for project performance tracking.
• Familiarity with change management principles to support smooth implementation
• Understanding of cGMPs, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements.

Leadership

• Builds alignment and engagement across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Influences decision-making and drives collaboration at all organizational levels.
• Coaches project teams to deliver results and fosters accountability.

Decision-making and Autonomy

• Leads critical projects addressing strategic priorities with minimal supervision.
• Makes timely decisions on scope, resources, and risk mitigation to ensure success.

Interaction

• Communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Provides transparent reporting on KPIs, timelines, and project progress.

Innovation

• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and efficiency within project scope.
• Leverages digital tools and AI/automation where applicable to optimize project delivery.

Complexity

• Manages multiple projects simultaneously in a global, cross-functional environment.
• Translates strategic objectives into actionable plans under tight timelines.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred concentration in technology, manufacturing/operations, or an equivalent level of degree.
• 5+ years of experience supporting manufacturing and/or CMC activities
• Demonstrated experience with project management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both English and Japanese
• Business acumen and commercial awareness in Pharma
• Demonstrated success in applying to commercial, transactional, or manufacturing process improvement tools.
• High energy, team oriented, data driven, and results focused.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal communication skills and organization skills must be comfortable teaching and presenting to large groups at all levels of the organization from shop floor to Plant head and region head.
• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness in Pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Demonstrated accountability for delivering high-quality results on time.
• Project Management Certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or AGILE) preferred.
• Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet) and data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Strong skills in risk management and change management frameworks.
• Ability to manage external vendors and global stakeholders effectively.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Some international travel will be required.
• This job description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.

• Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year

• Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)

• Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.

• Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework

• Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

• It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.

• It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.

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