Associate Director, Strategy & Operations, R&D Data & Quantitative Sciences (DQS)
Cambridge, Massachusetts Job ID R0189013 Category Project/Process Management Subcategory Project/Process Management,Science Old,Project/Process Management,Science Old Business Unit Research & Development Job Type Full timeBy 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’s Privacy Notice and 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
Objective / Purpose:
Support the strategic and operational effectiveness of Data and Quantitative Sciences (DQS) by helping leadership translate priorities into coordinated action and consistent execution across a complex, global R&D organization. The role strengthens organizational visibility, decision readiness, resource coordination, and operating effectiveness through cross-functional partnership. The position also supports organizational change, compliance readiness, and sustainable improvements in how work is delivered.
Accountabilities:
- Lead the planning and execution of strategic and operational priorities across DQS and the broader R&D organization.
- Establish and maintain governance structures, operating cadences, communication processes, and escalation pathways that support alignment, accountability, and timely decision-making.
- Provide strategic program, portfolio, and project management leadership for complex, cross-functional priorities, translating organizational objectives into integrated plans, aligned milestones, decision points, dependencies, risks, and actions that enable successful delivery.
- Lead portfolio and resource-planning activities that integrate demand, capacity, workforce, financial, and timing considerations to support prioritization and informed leadership decisions.
- Lead or coordinate organizational transition, integration, and operating-model initiatives, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, communication, and implementation plans.
- Translate complex portfolio, operational, performance, resource, and risk information into executive-level insights, recommendations, and decision materials that support prioritization and timely action.
- Establish and maintain operating-management practices, including standards, templates, dashboards, trackers, and decision records, that strengthen accountability, transparency, traceability, and effective management of programs, portfolios, and projects.
- Lead continuous-improvement and change-management efforts that enhance program, portfolio, and project delivery, simplify ways of working, reduce rework, and support sustainable organizational effectiveness.
- Represent DQS Strategy & Operations in various forums, leadership meetings, and cross-functional working groups; influence outcomes, build trusted partnerships, and support capability development across a global matrix organization.
Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):
Desired education qualifications and equivalencies
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as pharma/biotech, life sciences, public health, healthcare, business, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant professional experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 12+ years of relevant professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Desired minimum years industry experience
- 12+ years of progressive experience in strategy and operations, program or project management, portfolio management, business operations, organizational effectiveness, transformation, or a related discipline.
- Experience working in a complex, global, highly matrixed organization in pharma/biotech, preferably within research and development, life sciences, healthcare, or another regulated environment.
Preferred Experience
- Experience leading cross-functional programs, projects, or workstreams and coordinating stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
- Experience providing direction, mentoring, or capability development to colleagues is preferred.
- Formal people-management experience is not required; demonstrated leadership and influence without direct authority are essential.
Desired technical skills
- Strategy and operations leadership, portfolio governance, resource planning, and operating-model effectiveness.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic program, portfolio, and project management, including governance, integrated planning, prioritization, resource alignment, milestone and dependency management, risk and issue management, executive reporting, and delivery oversight.
- Governance design, leadership reporting, decision support, and executive communications.
- Organizational transition, integration, change management, and process improvement.
- Development of standardized operating practices, templates, dashboards, trackers, and decision records.
- Ability to synthesize complex information, identify key issues, and translate strategic priorities into clear plans and actionable recommendations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain appropriate documentation, and deliver work within established timelines and quality standards.
- Applies artificial intelligence, automation, and digital collaboration capabilities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen decision support, streamline information synthesis, and enhance consistency in planning, reporting, and execution.
Desired behavioral competencies
- Strategic thinker who combines a long-term perspective with strong execution discipline and accountability for results.
- Influences without direct authority and builds trusted, collaborative relationships across functions, disciplines, geographies, and organizational levels.
- Demonstrates sound judgment, proactive risk awareness, and the ability to identify, address, and appropriately escalate issues.
- Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and verbally, including when facilitating meetings and preparing leadership materials.
- Navigates ambiguity, organizational change, and complex situations with adaptability, resilience, and professionalism.
- Organizes and prioritizes multiple complex activities while maintaining attention to quality, detail, timelines, and follow-through.
- Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and appropriate handling of confidential or sensitive information.
- Promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and capability building.
- Demonstrates adaptability, sound judgment, and a continuous-improvement mindset when applying artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to enhance ways of working in a global, matrixed environment.
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:
Cambridge, MAU.S. Base Salary Range:
$154,400.00 - $242,550.00
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.
For information about our benefits, please click here.
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
Cambridge, MAWorker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeJob Exempt
YesIt 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.
