Associate Director, Strategic Outsourcing

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Job Description

Objective / Purpose:

The Research Strategy and Operations function is responsible for integrating scientific acumen with business analytics and processes to deliver clear business plans, operational excellence and portfolio progression for the Takeda Research pipeline.

The AD/Director of Strategic Outsourcing will provide strategic oversight and relationship management of preclinical Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to enhance operational efficiencies and expand research capabilities, thereby supporting drug discovery programs. This role is crucial in shaping the strategic planning, vendor sourcing, evaluation, contracting, and monitoring of both business and scientific performance of key strategic CRO partners.

Accountabilities:                                                                                                                                             

• Provide leadership, management and oversite for Strategic Outsourcing and Contract Research Organization (CRO) management to support Takeda Research projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and regulatory and animal welfare requirements.   
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with key CROs partners that are aligned with long-term Research objectives and innovation goals.
• Focus on building relationships that go beyond transactional interactions to create collaborative environments that foster mutual growth and learning.
• Conduct CRO site qualification visits and select CROs based not only on operational capabilities but also on their strategic alignment with the company’s vision, their ability to innovate, and their reputation in the industry.
• Consider the strategic geographical locations, therapeutic area expertise, and technological advancements of CROs in the selection process.
• Integrate CROs into the strategic planning processes, ensuring that their capabilities are fully leveraged in the company’s drug discovery efforts.
• Establish and maintain high-level executive connections between the company and the CRO to ensure open lines of communication and to strengthen the strategic relationship.
• Regularly engage in strategic discussions to align on expectations, share insights, and update on shifts in the industry landscape or company direction.
• Evaluate CRO performance on operational metrics like timeliness and budget adherence as well as fit to evolving Research and disease area strategies.
• Proactively identify strategic risks associated with outsourcing to CROs, including intellectual property issues, dependency risks, and alignment with long-term goals.
• Defines the strategy for implementing instrumentation (i.e. dashboard tools, databases) for strategic analysis, accessibility, and information sharing.
• Defines data management practices to ensure accountability to individuals that generate data.  
• Participates in the strategic design and global guidance for any data initiatives by providing best practices, data guidance, key performance indicators, and metrics to support greater efficiency, consistency, and validation of business processes and decision-making.
• Provides recommendations on hardware and software procurement to support business goals on CRO management activities.
• Works with CROs to understand their development plans and how these align with the company’s future needs.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or related field preferred but may not be required based on industrial experience in a Pharma/Biotech R&D setting.