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About Takeda & the Innovation Capability Center (ICC) in Bengaluru
Takeda is a global, values‑driven, science‑based biopharmaceutical leader committed to delivering life‑changing medicines and to shaping a healthier future for patients, people, and the planet. Our digital transformation journey is anchored by the newly launched Innovation Capability Center (ICC) in Bengaluru – the epicentre of Indian technology and innovation. The ICC brings together forward‑thinking technologists, data scientists, and product experts to co‑create next‑generation solutions that accelerate drug development, improve patient outcomes, and enhance operational excellence across the enterprise.
At Takeda, we believe that true innovation thrives in an environment that celebrates diversity, encourages curiosity, and empowers every employee to take ownership of their career. As a Remote Senior Product Line Lead – ERP Technical Release Management & SAP Platform Services, you will be at the heart of this transformation, driving the delivery of high‑impact SAP solutions that support our global business while working from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Team?
Working with Takeda means you become part of a Top Employer recognised both in India and worldwide. We invest heavily in your personal and professional development, provide a flexible hybrid work model, and reward performance with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Our culture is built on respect, inclusion, and a shared purpose to improve lives – a purpose that you will experience every day.
Position Overview
The Remote Senior Product Line Lead – ERP Technical Release Management & SAP Platform Services is a strategic, cross‑functional role responsible for the end‑to‑end technical release lifecycle of SAP landscapes across Takeda’s global ecosystem. You will act as the central hub linking platform services, operating excellence, architecture, and product development teams to ensure that SAP solutions are delivered on time, meet strict compliance standards, and provide an exceptional user experience.
This role blends deep SAP technical expertise, proven project‑management prowess, and strong people‑leadership capabilities. You will champion agility, product‑centric thinking, and service excellence while navigating complex regulatory environments such as SOX, GxP, GDPR, and other data‑protection frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Release Leadership: Own the planning, coordination, and execution of all technical releases for SAP platforms, ensuring alignment with global templates and compliance requirements.
- Change Advisory Board (CAB) Stewardship: Organise, facilitate, and document CAB meetings, driving transparent decision‑making and risk mitigation.
- Platform Service Excellence: Partner with Operating Excellence, Platform, and Architectural Services to continuously improve processes, user experiences, and infrastructure performance.
- Solution Architecture & Expertise: Provide hands‑on technical guidance across multiple SAP solution areas (e.g., ERP, BW/4HANA, S/4HANA, Solution Manager, Fiori, Cloud Platform).
- Project Management: Lead full‑lifecycle implementations—from project kickoff through hand‑over to operations—delivering on scope, schedule, and quality.
- Vendor & Provider Coordination: Manage relationships with external service providers, ensuring seamless integration, timely delivery, and adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Regulatory & Quality Assurance: Guarantee that all SAP environments comply with SOX, GxP, DPA, GDPR, and internal quality standards, including licensing and data protection policies.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for automation, process optimisation, and innovation within the release management function.
- People Development: Mentor, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of SAP specialists, fostering a culture of learning and accountability.
- Reporting & Metrics: Define, capture, and present key performance indicators (KPIs) related to release quality, cycle time, and customer satisfaction.
Core Accountabilities
- Ensure technical releases meet defined quality gates, compliance standards, and business expectations.
- Maintain a documented, repeatable release process that scales across regions and product lines.
- Lead smaller to mid‑size projects such as Solution Manager refreshes, disaster‑recovery (DR) testing, and new system line establishment.
- Drive product‑centric service delivery, positioning the ERP platform as a strategic enabler for Takeda’s digital initiatives.
- Influence cross‑functional stakeholders on release scheduling, architecture decisions, and risk assessments.
Essential Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 8 years of hands‑on SAP experience, including a blend of technical, project‑management, and people‑leadership roles.
- Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of SAP solution areas (ERP, S/4HANA, BW, Solution Manager, ChARM, Focused Build, etc.) and strong foundation in SAP Basis, development, and architecture.
- Release & Change Management: Proven track record managing end‑to‑end release cycles, including CAB governance, SAP Change Management tools, and compliance documentation.
- System Administration: Experience with SAP landscape installation, upgrade, and hand‑over to operations, covering both on‑premise and cloud environments.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degrees are a plus.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Analytical & Data‑Driven Mindset: Strong analytical abilities, comfortable using data to drive decisions, and experienced with data‑management practices.
- Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated capability to lead, motivate, and develop technical teams, with a focus on performance improvement.
Preferred Qualifications & Desirable Experience
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA, MSc Computer Science).
- In‑depth exposure to the pharmaceutical industry, drug development processes, and regulated environments.
- Experience with validated systems and familiarity with FDA, EMA, or other regulatory frameworks.
- Hands‑on experience with SAP Cloud Platform, SAP Extension Suite, or SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).
- Certifications such as SAP Certified Technology Associate, PMP, or ITIL.
- Proven record of implementing Agile or DevOps practices within SAP release pipelines.
Key Skills & Competencies for Success
- Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture and align technical releases with Takeda’s broader digital transformation goals.
- Problem‑Solving: Proactive approach to identifying technical challenges and delivering effective, sustainable solutions.
- Collaboration: Skilled at fostering cross‑functional partnerships and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Time Management: Efficiently prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced, international environment.
- Risk Management: Expertise in assessing, documenting, and mitigating risks associated with releases and infrastructure changes.
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Commitment to delivering high‑quality user experiences and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.
- Continuous Learning: Enthusiasm for staying current with emerging SAP technologies, cloud trends, and regulatory updates.
Career Growth, Learning, and Development Opportunities
Takeda invests heavily in the growth of its people. As a Remote Senior Product Line Lead you will enjoy:
- Leadership Pathways: Opportunities to advance into senior management, architecture, or global program‑leadership roles.
- Learning Platforms: Access to a broad suite of e‑learning resources, certifications, workshops, and conferences (including SAP Learning Hub and internal Takeda Academy).
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior executives and industry experts to accelerate professional development.
- Cross‑Functional Exposure: Collaboration with product development, compliance, and commercial teams worldwide, broadening your business acumen.
- Innovation Projects: Participation in cutting‑edge initiatives such as AI‑driven analytics for SAP, cloud migration strategies, and digital twins for process optimisation.
Work Environment & Culture
Our culture is built on the pillars of respect, integrity, and ambition. You will experience:
- Inclusion & Diversity: A workplace where every voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive innovation.
- Flexibility: A remote‑first model complemented by a hybrid option for those who wish to collaborate in‑person at our Bengaluru ICC.
- Collaborative Tools: Modern communication platforms (Microsoft Teams, Confluence, JIRA) that facilitate seamless collaboration across time zones.
- Well‑Being Focus: Programs that support mental health, work‑life balance, and a sense of community (e.g., virtual coffee chats, wellness webinars, employee resource groups).
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
Takeda offers a market‑competitive total rewards package that reflects the value you bring to the organization.
- Competitive Base Salary aligned with industry standards for senior technical leadership roles.
- Performance‑Based Annual Bonus tied to individual, team, and company performance.
- Flexible Working Arrangements – remote‑first with the option for hybrid collaboration.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage for you, your spouse, and children, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement & Savings Plans with company contributions to help you build a secure future.
- Life & Accidental Insurance for added peace of mind.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services.
- Generous Paid Leave – maternity (up to 26 weeks), paternity (4 weeks), bereavement (5 calendar days), and annual vacation.
- Learning & Development Stipends to pursue certifications, conferences, and advanced degrees.
- Technology Reimbursements for home internet, mobile phone, and ergonomic equipment.
- Referral Incentives for helping us attract top talent.
Application Process & Next Steps
If you are a forward‑thinking SAP professional with a passion for leading technical releases, building high‑performing teams, and shaping the future of digital health, we want to hear from you. Click the “Apply” button below to start your application. By submitting, you acknowledge that your information will be processed in accordance with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join a purpose‑driven organization where your expertise will directly influence the delivery of life‑changing medicines to patients worldwide. Embrace the challenge, lead with confidence, and grow your career at Takeda’s Innovation Capability Center. Apply today and become a catalyst for transformation.
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