Operational Excellence Champion

Company: Takeda
Location: Thousand Oaks
Posted on: February 24, 2026

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 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 About the Role: As the site Operational Excellence (OE) Champion you will lead and implement value creation projects, Yellow/Green Belt (Six Sigma) projects, and enhance lean methodologies and problem-solving capabilities leveraging Takeda’s AGILE Operating System (= AOS: Takeda’s defined Operational Excellence Operating System). The role will apply Organizational Change Management (e3), support transformation, and collaborate across the network to implement continuous improvement deployments using Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools. The role acts as a change champion (e3) and facilitates transformation. This role focuses on driving the implementation of value-creating projects and developing advanced operational excellence capabilities. This role is intended to be developmental within Operational Excellence and Business Excellence organization. In this position, the incumbent is expected to support deployment of continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Six Sigma elements and Organizational Change Management (OCM). This position supports initiatives delivering 3% to 5% COP (Core Operating Profit) savings of addressable spend in scope/annum. This role is site and/or Operating Unit specific with an expectation of supporting strategic imperatives goals and objectives within the organization. The role requires working on-site five days a week, from Monday to Friday. How you will contribute: Lead/co-lead OE initiatives to create value, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality. Lead Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects and coach teams ensuring successful and sustainable deployments. Embrace existing and emerging digital technology and data analysis and ensure close alignment with DD&T (Digital, Data and Technology) and GMSci (Global Manufacturing Science) to maximize leveraging Digital/Automation for process optimization. Deliver on standardized improvement to drive sustainability and build capabilities on relevant AOS elements and problem-solving methodologies. Support and actively participate in Business Process of the Future and Factory of the Future Design Sprints as per established roadmap. Utilize data-driven approaches for continuous improvements that drive value and eliminate non-value add activities. Lead/co-lead cross-functional projects to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Apply and integrate Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3 into Lean & Six Sigma projects. Collaborate with Finance for value capture. Work closely with cross-functional teams in alignment to achieve operational goals. Collaborate with OE community; participate in Community of Practice activities. Ensure effective OE communication across functions leveraging Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3 framework. Be an ambassador and coach for AOS deployment and Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3 framework across the site. Act as a business partner for functions to identify value creation opportunities, establish and drive improvement roadmaps. Align initiatives and integrate with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Use data driven approach to improve compliance profile and to drive Integrate safety into process improvements. Track and report on key operational metrics. Perform analysis and benchmarking for improvements. Provide regular and accurate updates on OE initiatives. Ability to deploy AOS within organization and its application in a regulated environment Build advanced Lean and problem-solving capabilities during role and gain Operational Excellence Champion Certification Expertise to plan and implement projects What you bring to Takeda: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or operations management role, with a strong focus on Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean Manufacturing. Bachelor’s degree in technical field or equivalent work-experience Foundational knowledge of lean management and problem-solving methodologies (AOS Practitioner Certification and Yellow Belt Certification or equivalents) as referred in the effective Global SBE Guidance Self-starter with the ability to produce measurable success Experience in managing cross-functional teams and driving projects from inception to successful completion Good project management skills with the ability to lead projects, manage timelines, and deliver results. Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to solving problems and driving process improvements Strong communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels Proficiency in MS Office Fluency in English language Knowledge of manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, MES, Minitab, etc.) would be ideal Experience in Organizational Change Management, preferably e3 is preferred How you will contribute: At 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. GMSGQ ZR1 LI-MA1 Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary We 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 - CA - Thousand Oaks - Rancho Conejo U.S. Base Salary Range: $86,500.00 - $135,960.00 The 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-term incentives. 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 Statement 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 law. Locations USA - CA - Thousand Oaks - Rancho Conejo Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time Job Exempt Yes

Keywords: Takeda, Irvine , Operational Excellence Champion, Manufacturing , Thousand Oaks, California