Head of Program Management, Research Digital Portfolio

Takeda; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 174,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda is seeking a Senior Director, Inflammatory Drug Discovery to lead a team in developing innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases. This role involves cross-functional collaboration, strategic partnerships, and overseeing digital solutions in R&D. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience and a strong background in drug development within the pharmaceutical industry.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large digital portfolios in pharma or biopharma R&D.
• Strong understanding of R&D processes and digital integration.
• 10+ years of experience required for a PhD holder.

Responsibilities

• Develop industry-leading therapeutics for autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
• Build and lead a research group focused on drug development.
• Manage collaborations across functions to achieve strategic goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Digital Strategy

Program Management

Education

PhD in a scientific discipline

MS with 16+ years experience

BS with 18+ years experience

Job description

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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.

About the Role:

As the Head of Program Management for Research’s digital portfolio, you will be responsible for coordinating and executing data & digital initiatives for Research, including managing external partnerships. You will translate high-level digital strategies into actionable project plans, manage cross-functional teams, monitor progress via KPIs, and ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery of all initiatives. Additionally, you will oversee the adoption and implementation of digital solutions into pipeline endpoints. This role requires collaborating across multiple disciplines and teams to align Research Digital Strategy with Takeda’s core values of patient-centricity, innovation, and integrity.

Accountabilities:

• Provide program management support for Research DDT initiatives.
• Offer strategic guidance and operational oversight, ensuring effective alignment with Takeda’s digital and organizational goals. Monitor program milestones via KPIs, address escalations, and foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage external partnerships, ensuring timely delivery of DD&T solutions that meet functional goals and KPIs.
• Act as a cross-functional liaison for integration with broader R&D strategies.
• Bridge Research digital strategy with Takeda’s divisional R&D strategies, encouraging collaboration between Research, other R&D functions, and data-driven technology teams for seamless integration.
• Interface with CMC and Research Data Digital & Technology (RDDT) to ensure an end-to-end digital product development continuum.
• Partner with RDDT to deploy technology solutions enabling integration and interoperability of datasets across R&D organizations.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of Research digital portfolio.
• Collaborate with leadership teams and external partners to ensure strategic alignment with Takeda’s R&D priorities and corporate objectives.
• Ensure coordination in solution development and change management across Research workflows.
• Foster an inclusive and innovative culture that encourages experimentation and collaboration, promoting transparency, accountability, and a focus on outcomes.
• Engage with industry networks and partners, including regulatory bodies and technology providers, to anticipate trends and position Takeda as a leader in digital advancements. Cultivate strong vendor relationships to support strategic partnerships.
• Build relationships across the organization, including R&D, pharmaceutical sciences, and global quality, to enhance alignment and operational effectiveness. Stay ahead of industry trends by engaging with external partners and regulators.

Objective / Purpose:

The GI2-Drug Discovery Unit at Takeda aims to build a new team of experienced, innovative, and collaborative scientists to develop therapies for autoimmune inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical need.

We seek a senior leader with significant experience in building and leading biology and cross-functional drug discovery teams to establish a new group focused on chronic autoimmune diseases.

The Senior Director, Inflammatory Drug Discovery:

• Will be responsible for developing industry-leading therapeutics for autoimmune inflammatory diseases by building and leading a large research group focused on drug development from target identification to candidate selection.
• Will recruit, retain, and develop a team of world-class, innovative biologists focused on understanding disease drivers and developing drug candidates.
• Will be a scientific thought leader within the Drug Discovery Unit, working in a highly matrixed environment to build a pipeline for inflammatory diseases.
• Will set discovery portfolio goals aligned with key stakeholders and ensure the delivery of preclinical and early clinical programs.
• Will interface with business development to identify external opportunities and maintain Takeda’s scientific leadership in inflammation research.
• Will promote a culture of creativity, open communication, collaboration, and high urgency, maintaining scientific excellence throughout drug discovery processes.

Leadership:

• Demonstrates proven leadership qualities, including collaboration, communication, and confidence.
• Works effectively across functions, regions, and cultures, adhering to Takeda’s values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Builds and leads diverse teams with the right skills to achieve organizational goals.

Education & Competencies:

• PhD in a scientific discipline with 10+ years experience, MS with 16+ years, or BS with 18+ years.
• Degree in life sciences or computational sciences.
• Proven experience managing large digital portfolios in pharma or biopharma R&D.
• Expertise in digital strategy, program management, and cross-functional governance.
• Strong understanding of R&D processes and digital integration throughout the research lifecycle.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Additional Information:

The position is based in Cambridge, MA, with a hybrid work model according to Takeda’s policy.

Compensation and Benefits:

U.S. salary range: $174,500 - $274,230, with potential eligibility for incentives, benefits, and other perks as outlined.

EEO Statement:

Takeda is committed to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities, in accordance with applicable laws.