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Executive Director, Clinical Partner Outsourcing

Boston, Massachusetts
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  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

Takeda has been translating science into breakthrough medicines for 240 years. Every step of the way, our teams have worked together to tackle some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. Today, we’re a driving force behind innovative therapies that make a lasting difference to millions of patients around the world.

In R&D, all of our history and potential comes together in an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and amplifies every voice. Working closely with colleagues, you’ll play a key role in bringing our rich pipeline of products forward to help patients. Come join a team that’s earned trust for more than two centuries, and find out how advancing transformative therapies at Takeda will shape your bright future.

Job ID R0154433 Date posted 06/09/2025 Location Boston, Massachusetts

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’sPrivacy Noticeand Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

Objective / Purpose:

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Outsourcing, the Executive Director Clinical Partner Outsourcing (CPO) is a strategic leadership role responsible for ensuring all outsourced clinical study contracts are negotiated and contracted in line with best practices and processes, optimizing costs and supplier performance at the study level across Therapeutic Areas (TAs). The Head of CPO is responsible for developing and leading a high performing team focused on negotiation, contract management, and cost optimization, in support of efficient execution of clinical trials.  The Head of CPO will also partner closely with Procurement and other key stakeholders to ensure delivery occurs in line with business requirements, while ensuring adherence to cost structures and governance frameworks.

Accountabilities:

  • With the Head, Strategic Partnership and Outsourcing, develop and implement short- and long-term strategy for Clinical Partner Outsourcing that is aligned with R&D strategy
  • Provide strong leadership to the team, including growing and developing strategic and emerging competencies for outsourcing managers responsible for ballparking, Statements of Work (SOWs) and Change Orders to ensure alignment with business requirements, cost ceilings and commercial constructs
  • Develop and implement best practices for cost optimization and contracting approaches across the portfolio
  • Maintain and enhance financial discipline leveraging cost workbook to ensure adherence to cost structures and partner with Enablement Team on continuous improvement opportunities
  • Collaborate with SRM teams for operational and executive governance and support aggregated supplier scorecards that drive supplier performance improvements
  • Capture and analyze operational data points to identify variances and opportunities for optimization and lead the development of performance metrics to support study level scorecards
  • Partner with Therapeutic Area (TA) Business Partners to prioritize resources and ensure alignment to business requirements
  • Work closely with the Enablement Team to ensure consistent adoption of best practices, knowledge sharing and optimize ways of working
  • Actively participate in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) activities to drive execution of optimization initiatives
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing process improvements and innovative solutions
  • Understand CRO study-related activities and throughputs to inform insourcing capabilities and optimize study execution
  • Develop and maintain a training and coaching program to upskill the team in clinical, commercial, financial, and negotiation capabilities, and support junior members to progress into senior roles
  • Identify and lead automation, productivity improvements, and standardization initiatives, in line with company objectives
  • Foster strong industry collaborations to ensure continuous exchange of innovative ideas and best practices
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable internal policies and procedures, regulations; support inspection readiness of all regulated activities.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

  • BS/BA required; advanced technical degree preferred
  • 15+ Years of clinical outsourcing experience including at least 6 years of line management experience
  • Proven exceptional experience in financial and commercial management
  • Highly skilled in cultivating a high-performance culture through coaching, people development and empowerment
  • Transformational leadership capabilities driving cultural change by promoting best practices and continuous improvement
  • Advanced knowledge and experience in supplier relationship management and contract management
  • Strong understanding of clinical development operations, regulatory requirements, sourcing strategies, procurement processes and value engineering (VA/VE)
  • Demonstrated leadership in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration leading complex, global projects and relationships
  • Strong skills in engaging with senior leaders and external partners
  • Forward-thinking approach with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Strong understanding of GCP, ICH guidelines, and clinical trial regulations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • The position will be based in Cambridge, MA.This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$208,200.00 - $327,140.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.S.based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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During my 20-year journey here, I’ve been fully supported by my colleagues, and I can’t say enough about our rich internal talent and the long-standing values that drive our decisions as we work to develop important medicines for the patients we serve.

Doug Coffman - Head, R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office, R&D Regional & Business Operations

When making any type of decision, the first thing we ask is 'how will this impact patients?’ Ultimately, we’re laser focused on the best interests of the patient, and I truly believe we follow through on that.

Meredith Culp - VP, Head of Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Strategy & Operations and Head of Global Development Integration Office

Our culture and shared values make us like a family here at Takeda. It doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love with people you love, and when your outcome is really fantastic.

Alison Handley, Head, Center for External Innovation

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