Director, Strategy & Operational Excellence — Oncology

USA - 3310 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. seeks a Strategy and Operational Excellence Lead (Director) to shape and activate the U.S. Oncology strategy, translating priorities into actionable plans, governance, and measurable outcomes.

You will drive cross-functional initiatives across a complex matrix to streamline processes, enhance organizational effectiveness, and deliver value with disciplined execution. The role partners with senior leaders to ensure BU strategies stay aligned with Takeda's enterprise

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, life sciences, healthcare, organizational leadership, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in pharma/biotech/healthcare or similar regulated industry with progressive leadership in strategy, ops, or portfolio leadership.
• Minimum 2 years in a consulting role with structured problem-solving and cross-functional engagement.
• Formal project management, change management, Lean, or continuous improvement training or certification.
• Demonstrated Director-level leadership of complex, high-visibility initiatives across a matrixed org.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen linking enterprise priorities to execution.
• Enterprise portfolio leadership including prioritization, governance, and risk oversight.
• Excellent executive presence and written/verbal communication to inform senior leaders.
• Strong facilitation and change leadership skills amid ambiguity.
• High learning agility, discretion, integrity and perseverance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365; interest in AI/automation to improve quality and speed.
• Advanced storytelling and presentation skills.
• HR/talent/organizational capability experience is a plus.
• MBA/MS/MPH or equivalent advanced degree.
• Experience in commercial operations, product lifecycle planning, or enterprise transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy activation and enterprise alignment with BU leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Translate strategy into integrated operating plans, governance, and performance measures.
• Deliver senior-level recommendations and ensure alignment with enterprise priorities.
• Build scalable operating rhythms, dashboards, and decision rights to improve speed and accuracy.
• Oversee governance, milestones, risks, and interdependencies; escalate with options.
• Refine leadership communications to connect priorities, decisions and culture.
• Drive portfolio leadership and resource allocation discussions with Finance and executives.
• Establish and sustain a culture of accountability and disciplined execution.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. seeks a Strategy and Operational Excellence Lead (Director) to shape and activate the U.S. Oncology strategy, translating priorities into actionable plans, governance, and measurable outcomes.

You will drive cross-functional initiatives across a complex matrix to streamline processes, enhance organizational effectiveness, and deliver value with disciplined execution. The role partners with senior leaders to ensure BU strategies stay aligned with Takeda's enterprise