Associate Director, Decision Science Center of Excellence

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Job Description

About the role:

Join Takeda as an Associate Director, Decision Science Center of Excellence where you lead brand-level promotional mix modeling and campaign lift assessment within the Decision Science team. This hands-on, strategic role drives innovation in response modeling, ROI/mROI estimation, scenario development, and resource optimization to inform data-driven commercial decisions. You will also translate advanced analytics into actionable insights while mentoring a high-performing data science team and serve as a key client-facing partner to business stakeholders, shaping promotional strategy and investment decisions. You will report to the Director, Predictive Analytics and Insights. This is a hybrid role based in Cambridge, MA.

How you will contribute:

• Lead the development and application of promotion response models for campaign assessment, targeting, and spend optimization.

• Manage data sourcing and provide hands-on QA and modeling input preparation.

• Work with and manage GCC analysts and vendor partners.

• Provide consultative analytics support across Business Units, I&A, Marketing, Sales, and the Data COE

• Serve as a DS COE MOS point of contact for promotional performance, simulation, and optimization questions from assigned BUs.

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

• Partner with Brand, Sales, I&A, and Leadership to define key business questions.

• Assist in the development of forward-looking measurement and campaign lift frameworks.

Modeling, Testing & Optimization

• Lead the design and deployment of advanced models (GLM, Bayesian, logistic regression, ML/ensemble methods)

• Lead ROI/mROI estimation, response curve development, and scenario simulation.

• Apply optimization techniques to guide resource allocation decisions.

• Lead the design and measurement planning for in-market tests and observational analyses to measure campaign impact.

• Deliver clear, defensible recommendations on promotional investment.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing decision science team.

• Personally pursue continuous learning, including adoption of AI and advanced modeling techniques and foster continuous learning throughout the DS organization.

• Drive knowledge sharing and capability development across USBU.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead in the advancement of modeling methodologies, tools, and platforms to meet evolving business needs.

• Lead in the integration of AI-driven solutions to enhance modeling efficiency and enable self-service analytics.

Vendor & Project Management

• Manage external partners to ensure high-quality, timely delivery.

• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and execution.

Skills

• Advanced programming expertise (Python, R, SQL, SAS).

• Experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau).

• Proficiency working with internal and syndicated healthcare data (e.g., IQVIA, Komodo, Symphony) and translating insights into recommendations.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to drive impactful, data-informed decisions.

• Clear, concise communicator with strong presentation and storytelling abilities.

• Ability to prioritize and deliver in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Proven ability to build trust and collaborate with cross-functional Marketing and Sales stakeholders.

• Ownership mindset with proactive, innovative problem-solving.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• BS/BA in a quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Data Science) with 8+ years of relevant experience.

• Advanced degree (MS/MA in a related field or MBA with healthcare focus) preferred.

• Consulting and pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional domestic overnight travel may be required.

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