Pharmaceutical Sciences, Strategy & Operations Lead (Sr. Director)

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Job Description

Objectives/Purpose:

• Drive the execution of Pharm Sci strategy to increase business performance, organizational efficiency while increasing speed for CMC deliverables, including AI-forward projects and mindset.

• Partner with PS partners and leadership to identify, prioritize, and lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, with a focus on increasing CMC productivity and ensure CMC costs are financially sustainable with increasing R&D portfolio.

• Organize and structure Pharm Sci operations efficiently, including key cross-functional programs, leadership meetings, , transparency, and delivery of measurable value across global sites. Simplify a complex situation to help lead through ambiguity.

• In collaboration with lean experts and scientists, drive simplification of processes and systems to improve agility and foster a culture of high performance.

Scope:

• Drives and influences strategy, business performance, and transformation initiatives across the global Pharmaceutical Sciences organization with internal sites in Boston, Vienna, and Shonan as well as a network of outsourcing partners.

• Accountable for putting efficient structure and systems that helps functioning of Pharm Sci operations internally and collaborations with partners.

• Lead cost optimization and business performance programs across the CMC internal and external spend in partnership with Finance, R&D, Global Supply & Quality and Commercial functions.

• Operates as an individual contributor with significant cross-functional team leadership, affecting enterprise-wide priorities, efficiency, and cultural evolution. One of the main components of change is to help foster AI-forward mindset and implementing systems to bring new ways of working in the organization.

Accountabilities:

• Serve as the strategic partner and advisor to the SVP, Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences, driving execution of the organization’s priorities.

• Create clear framework and structure to Pharm Sci Operations and Leadership Team.

• Direct and mobilize cross-functional project teams to deliver on measurable business outcomes towards cost, speed and simplicity.

• Coordinate organization-wide strategic planning, communications, and progress tracking for the Pharm Sci Leadership Team, including regular cadence and functioning of PSLT, Pharm Sci Townhalls and key communication within Pharm Sci and stakeholders.

• Integrate and align senior stakeholders across Pharm Sci, Finance, R&D, GMS and GQ to achieve collective success.

• Develop and deliver business analytics, executive presentations, and dashboards for key decision-makers.

• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment in alignment with Takeda’s values.

Core Elements Related to this Role:

• End-to-end accountability for strategic execution and measurable business performance improvement, notably cost transformation.

• Operates with cross-enterprise visibility, interfacing between Pharm Sci, R&D and Takeda.

• Acts as a key integrator, connecting senior stakeholders and aligning global sites to business priorities.

• Combines strong CMC product development expertise with operational and analytical capability.

• Delivers rapid, enterprise-impactful results through collaborative leadership and creative problem solving.

Dimensions and Aspects:

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (PhD, MS, or equivalent required).

• 10+ years in CMC product development or related pharmaceutical/biopharma experience, with a track record of delivering complex technical/business programs at the global level.

• Strong expertise in cost management, business analytics, and operational excellence (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

• Track record to structure and org