Global R&D Ethics & Compliance Leader

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 259,000 - 407,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in Boston, MA seeks Head of Ethics & Compliance for Global R&D to set strategy, advise executives, and lead the E&C Business Partner team across regions.

You will embed Takeda’s standards into R&D governance, guide risk responses, and partner with Legal, Quality, Regulatory, Medical, Privacy, Risk, HR, and Finance.

A senior leader with 15+ years in ethics, compliance or life sciences, you will advance responsible innovation and AI governance in a complex matrix.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in ethics and compliance, legal, risk, governance, healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or related field.
• Experience supporting global R&D, clinical development, regulatory, medical, or life sciences functions.
• Proven ability to advise senior executives on complex ethics, compliance, governance, reputational, and business conduct matters.
• Strong understanding of R&D risk areas including clinical development, research collaborations, patient engagement, data use, scientific exchange, and third-party partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a global team, set priorities, build advisory capability, and develop talent in a matrixed environment.
• Strong executive presence, communication skills, and ability to translate complex risk topics into practical guidance.
• Advanced risk judgment and strategic problem-solving skills for emerging risks and pragmatic mitigation.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive accountability across cross-functional teams.
• Experience partnering across Legal, Quality, Regulatory, Medical, Privacy, Risk, HR, Finance, and other enterprise functions.
• Strong data and insights orientation for monitoring outcomes, risk indicators, and audit findings to inform priorities.
• AI-forward leadership, applying AI within the function and advising the business on responsible AI use.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in law, compliance, life sciences, healthcare, public policy, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead global E&C strategy and business partner model for Global R&D.
• Serve as primary E&C advisor to R&D President and senior leadership on complex matters.
• Develop and lead the global R&D E&C Business Partner team and set operating standards.
• Embed E&C considerations into R&D strategy, governance, and execution.
• Identify and mitigate emerging risks across the R&D lifecycle including data use and third‑party partnerships.
• Represent E&C risks in relevant forums and ensure proper escalation of cross-area matters.
• Partner with Legal, Quality, Regulatory, Medical, Privacy, Risk, HR, Finance, and other functions for integrated support.
• Translate enterprise standards into practical guidance for responsible innovation and consistent execution.
• Use monitoring outcomes and trend analysis to set compliance priorities and interventions.

Skills

Ethics & Compliance

Risk Management

Governance

Strategic Advisory

Executive Stakeholders

AI in E&C

R&D Knowledge

Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Communication Skills

Global Team Leadership

Industry Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in law, compliance, life sciences, healthcare, public policy, or related field

Job description

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in Boston, MA seeks Head of Ethics & Compliance for Global R&D to set strategy, advise executives, and lead the E&C Business Partner team across regions.

You will embed Takeda’s standards into R&D governance, guide risk responses, and partner with Legal, Quality, Regulatory, Medical, Privacy, Risk, HR, and Finance.

A senior leader with 15+ years in ethics, compliance or life sciences, you will advance responsible innovation and AI governance in a complex matrix.