Head of Business Strategy, Business Excellence, Portfolio & Business Strategy, Japan Oncology Business Unit / 日本オンコロジー事業部 ポートフォーリオ&ビジネスストラテジー部 ビジネスエクセレンス ヘッド
Tokyo, TokyoAt Takeda Oncology, we aspire to cure cancer, with inspiration from patients and innovation from everywhere. We value employees with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. As a member of our team, you would bring your unique perspective to help us achieve our aspiration and help us demonstrate our commitment to patients on a daily basis.
We ensure a tight connection from research to development to commercialization to rapidly meet the needs of the cancer community, optimizing our ability to bring transformative medicines to patients. Our demonstrated leadership in the treatment of hematologic cancers and solid tumors, combined with cutting-edge science through multiple platforms, partnerships and therapeutic approaches, enable us to bring novel medicines to patients worldwide.
At Takeda, you will have access to the resources of a company with over 200 years of heritage, a diverse and robust pipeline, a values-driven culture and career development opportunities.
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Job Description
Please note this job requires native level Japanese language command not only in speaking, business writing and reading.
Introduction of Takeda / タケダの紹介
タケダでは常に患者さんを中心に考え、世界中の人々により健やかで輝かしい未来をお届けすることを目指してきました。そして従業員一人ひとりにそれぞれの能力と熱意に応じた成長の機会を提供することにも組んで取り組んでいます。私たちと一緒に、世界中の人々のいのちに貢献し、さらなる成長と活躍を目指しませんか。
タケダは業界を牽引するグローバルリーダーです。従業員は四つの優先順位(患者さん中心、社会との信頼関係構築、レピュテーションの向上、事業の発展)とタケダイズム(誠実=公正・正直・不屈)のもと一致団結しています。タケダイズムは私たちの信念であり正しい方向へ導く羅針盤です。私たちは日々の業務においてタケダイズムを体現しています。
Takeda is unwavering in our commitment to patients. With the patient at the center of everything we do, we continue to innovate and drive changes that will better their lives-we ’ re looking for like-minded professionals to join us.
Takeda is a global industry leader – we are united by our four priorities (Patients, Trust, Reputation, and Business) and our shared values of Takeda-ism: Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Person. Takeda-ism is more than just a word. It's a belief and a mindset which guides our decisions, behaviors, and interactions. It's how we drive to work and live, every day.
Objective
The Head of Business Strategy plays a pivotal role in leading the development and execution of the mid- to long-term strategic direction of the Japan Oncology Business Unit (JOBU). Reporting to the Head of Portfolio & Business Strategy, this role formally manages the Strategy function, including the oversight and development of members within the team.
The role is also responsible for managing a team that leads multiple strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects simultaneously, ensuring effective prioritization, execution excellence, and alignment with overall JOBU objectives.
This position drives innovative initiatives and fosters a growth mindset across the organization. He/she leads the design and implementation of strategic initiatives that shape organizational transformation. The primary mission is to deliver sustainable mid-to-long-term business growth by initiating and driving strategic projects and building the necessary organizational capabilities and structures to enhance JOBU’s overall competitiveness.
The Head of Business Strategy also provides strategic insights for key cross-functional initiatives, ensures delivery excellence, and cultivates talent within the function. Success in this role requires a proven track record of end-to-end strategic program ownership in fast-paced, dynamic environments, and strong leadership to drive transformation in collaboration with stakeholders across the business.
Responsibilities
Organizational Strategy Leadership
Partner with the Head of JOBU and Head of Portfolio & Business Strategy to define the mid- to long-term vision and strategic priorities of the organization.
Translate high-level strategic goals into executable initiatives, managing alignment across internal and external stakeholders.
Functional Oversight and Team Leadership
Lead and coach members in the Strategy team.
Allocate responsibilities across team members based on skillsets, business needs, and strategic priorities.
Ensure consistent delivery quality of strategic outputs and internal deliverables.
Cross-Functional Influence and Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the key liaison between Strategy and other departments including, Marketing, Medical Affairs, Finance, and Sales.
Lead coordination with global stakeholders, including Global OBU Leadership Team
Ensure alignment of critical cross-functional projects and programs.
Management of Key multi-divisional Projects
Oversee the end-to-end execution and governance of the JOBU key initiatives, ensuring alignment with JOBU’s strategic objectives, execution excellence, and efficient resource allocation.
Provide guidance and support to team members leading individual projects, while managing prioritization, risk mitigation, and communication across key stakeholders.
Maintain visibility of project interdependencies, progress, and outcomes, enabling agile response to business needs.
Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree or above. Scientific background is considered an advantage
MBA highly desirable.
Experience
8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or life sciences industries, with 3+ years in strategy consulting.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional strategic projects.
Strong people management experience.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong ability to define and shape long-term strategy and lead its execution across complex organizations.
Proven track record of influencing senior leaders and managing high-impact, cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication with ability to align executive stakeholders and drive decision-making.
Consistently identifies growth opportunities through creative thinking and data insights.
Languages
Japanese: Native level proficiency
English: High business level proficiency
Click here to find out Takeda’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Better Health, Brighter Future
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:
Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.
Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year
Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45
Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)
Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.
Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework
Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.
Important Notice concerning working conditions:
It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.
It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.
Locations
Tokyo, JapanWorker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeIt’s not about the headlines at Takeda. It’s about doing the right thing.

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Working at Takeda
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Inclusion
Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team. -
Collaboration
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Innovation
Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients. -
Great Place to Work
Recognized for our culture and ways of working, we’re proud to be Certified as a Great Place to Work® in 25 countries and regions. -
Work-Life
Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family. -
Empowerment
Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.
We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives
Patient
Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.
People
Create an exceptional people experience.
Planet
Protect our planet.
Data & Digital
Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.
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