Lean Management / Continuous Improvement Specialist (f/m/d) - based in Germany

Job Description

As part of the Business Excellence team, you will play a key role in driving the site's Lean transformation. You will execute improvement projects, analyze and optimize manufacturing processes, support Strategy Deployment, coach teams in Lean methods, and contribute directly to measurable operational and financial results. You will collaborate closely with Quality, Production, Manufacturing Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain, and site leadership to embed Lean as a daily management system.

Important note:

This role is based in Oranienburg, Germany. Financial relocation support might be provided.

Lean Management / Continuous Improvement Specialist (f/m/d) - based in Oranienburg, Germany

How You Will Contribute:

1. Deliver Measurable Lean Improvements

• Execute value‑creation and cost‑reduction projects using Lean and Six Sigma tools (e.g., A3, 5S, VSM, SMED, problem solving).
• Lead or support Lean workshops, cross‑functional problem‑solving sessions, Kaizen events, and improvement waves to drive performance in efficiency, quality, flow, safety, and cost.
• Prepare and present analyses of production, efficiency, and economic indicators; visualize data in clear, actionable formats for decision‑making.
• Conduct analysis and manage risk for improvement initiatives and integrate mitigation plans into project work.
• Optimize solid oral dosage manufacturing processes (e.g., blending, granulation, drying, compression, coating) using scientific, engineering, and statistical methods.
• Apply process engineering principles to improve equipment performance, reduce variability, enhance throughput, and increase process robustness.
• Support equipment capability studies, process mapping, cycle time analysis, and bottleneck elimination using engineering‑based approaches.
• Lead the implementation of validated improvement initiatives and ensure their sustained adoption.
• Monitor achievement of improvement targets within assigned scope and ensure benefits are tracked and validated (e.g., COP impact).
• Coordinate calculation of economic effects of implemented initiatives and document results.

2. Lean Project & Stakeholder Management

• Effectively organize, plan, and coordinate Lean project activities in line with best practices.
• Form project teams, assign tasks, coordinate timelines, and ensure structured communication with all stakeholders.
• Maintain regular reporting on project progress, risks, decisions, and achieved outcomes.
• Build trusting and professional relationships with colleagues at all levels and ensure transparent communication around Lean activities.

3. Strengthen Daily Management & Lean Systems

• Establish, coach, and improve visual management and daily management routines (Obeya, tier meetings, KPIs, problem escalation).
• Ensure Lean tools and standards are implemented consistently across departments and set up systems that sustain them.
• Evaluate the status of Lean tool implementation across departments and provide recommendations to improve adoption and maturity.
• Support Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri) by aligning improvement actions with site priorities, maintaining TIPs/Roadmaps, and supporting catch‑ball processes.

4. Coaching, Training & Capability Building

• Coach teams in Lean tools, techniques, and ways of working; support rigorous problem solving and structured improvement thinking.
• Provide structured feedback to employees participating in Lean projects and workshops.
• Facilitate group work and maintain team engagement during Lean workshops and improvement activities.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise in solid dosage form manufacturing to drive process optimization.
• Provide subject matter expertise in solid dosage manufacturing and process engineering to strengthen process understanding and operational discipline.
• Build capability in problem solving, critical process parameter (CPP) management, and data‑driven decision making.

What You Bring To Takeda:

• 2–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, manufacturing sciences, quality, engineering, continuous improvement, or a similar operational role.
• Practical experience applying Lean and problem‑solving tools; Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong analytical ability, including calculating financial impacts, analyzing process performance, and interpreting operational KPIs.
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical process engineering principles, including heat/mass transfer, mixing, drying, compaction, and coating dynamics.
• Experience optimizing solid oral dosage processes (wet/dry granulation, roller compaction, tableting, coating) using engineering and statistical methods.
• Familiarity with equipment design, capability studies, OEE analysis, and process equipment interaction.
• Distinct knowledge of cGMP and valid regulations and authority requirements.
• Experience facilitating workshops and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication skills, including delivering presentations and leading stakeholder discussions.
• Proficiency in common digital tools (Excel, PowerPoint; Minitab or Power BI advantageous).
• Ability to work hands‑on at the Gemba and coach others in a structured, constructive manner.
• Professional English required.
• German language skills preferred for shopfloor coaching.

Why This Role Matters

You will be an essential part of the Lean transformation at Oranienburg — turning strategy into action, solving meaningful operational problems, and helping teams work smarter every day. If you enjoy combining analytical thinking with practical improvement and people development, this is an excellent opportunity to make a visible impact.

What we offer you:

• Attractive and competitive salary (according to collective bargaining agreement) – monthly salary starts at 5,000 EUR/month (13 times a year) plus benefits. With relevant experience the actual offer can be slightly higher.
• 30 vacation days
• Company pension plan
• Further education and training
• Commuting allowance
• Subsidised sports programmes
• Subsidised canteen
• Employee discounts
• Long‑term account with various possible uses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Disability insurance
• Group accident insurance
• Deferred compensation as desired
• Global Wellbeing Program
• Employee Recognition Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Supplementary nursing care insurance
• Interactive online courses for employees' children
• Parent‑Child Office
• Future amount
• Open-minded and modern working environment

How we will support you:

Takeda is proud of its commitment to create a diverse workforce and to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ethnicity, colour, 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 living with disabilities, chronic illness, or neurodiversity, please feel free to let us know so that we can provide you with appropriate support during the application process.

Locations

POL – Warsaw; Budapest, Hungary, HUN – Budapest