Senior Director, Global Program Lead- Neuroscience

Takeda; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 212,000 - 333,190; Full time

Job summary

Takeda seeks a Senior Director, Global Program Lead – Neuroscience in Cambridge, MA to spearhead asset strategy from discovery through marketplace, ensuring regulatory approval, launch, and global patient access.

The role requires a seasoned leader who can drive cross‑functional teams, manage budgets, and report progress to executive management while shaping strategic direction for therapeutic programs in neuroscience.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) or MBA.
• Minimum of 10 years’ related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with working knowledge of research and development and commercial operations.
• Minimum 8 years interdisciplinary global experience with complex projects including strategy and execution and matrix team management.
• PMI Project Management Professional certification from PMI desired.
• Passionate about developing others into future leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global Program by setting vision, strategy, goals, and long-term plans, aligning cross-functional, cross-divisional project goals with Takeda business needs.
• Work closely with the Global Program Manager to provide strategic, process, and operational leadership to multiple GPTs and Takeda functions.
• Link GPT cross-functional sub-teams (Clinical, Commercial, CMC, etc.) to execute according to the Enterprise GPT Playbook.
• Provide leadership and support to TA leaders and sub-team leaders to set vision and direction for the Therapeutic Area.
• Report on project progress, critical path, risks, and decisions to TA Unit and Takeda executive management.
• Lead key business initiatives, evaluate new opportunities, and support feasibility studies on potential global programs.
• Accountable with the GPM for project operating budgets, controlling expenditures, and ensuring financial objectives are met.
• Manage internal and external resources, allocate project resources appropriately, and maintain alignment with business imperatives.
• Proactively identify and monitor project risks, develop contingency plans, and communicate issues to senior executives.
• Respond to market dynamics, adjust plans accordingly, and serve as a change management agent for the GPT.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of systems/databases for tracking KPIs and improving decisions regarding program performance.
• Provide matrix management, strategic and tactical leadership to GPT members responsible for key deliverables.

Skills

Inspirational Leadership

Strategic Vision

Cross-functional Team Leadership

Budget Management

Risk Management

Change Management

Stakeholder Relationship

Leadership of Matrix Teams

Feasibility Evaluation

Global Program Strategy

Execution Skills

Education

Advanced scientific degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) or MBA

PMI Project Management Professional certification (PMP) desired

Job description

Senior Director, Global Program Lead – Neuroscience

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

Position: Senior Director, Global Program Lead – Neuroscience. The Global Program Leader (GPL) is a seasoned leader fully responsible for overarching Global Program(s). The GPL defines the asset strategy and leads all development and LCM projects associated with an asset from discovery to the marketplace, ensuring regulatory approval, launch, and global patient access.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Global Program by setting vision, strategy, goals, and long‑term plans, aligning cross‑functional, cross‑divisional project goals with Takeda business needs.
• Work closely with the Global Program Manager to provide strategic, process, and operational leadership to multiple GPTs and Takeda functions.
• Link GPT cross‑functional sub‑teams (Clinical, Commercial, CMC, etc.) to execute according to the Enterprise GPT Playbook.
• Provide leadership and support to TA leaders and sub‑team leaders to set vision and direction for the Therapeutic Area.
• Report on project progress, critical path, risks, and decisions to TA Unit and Takeda executive management.
• Lead key business initiatives, evaluate new opportunities, and support feasibility studies on potential global programs.
• Accountable with the GPM for project operating budgets, controlling expenditures, and ensuring financial objectives are met.
• Manage internal and external resources, allocate project resources appropriately, and maintain alignment with business imperatives.
• Proactively identify and monitor project risks, develop contingency plans, and communicate issues to senior executives.
• Respond to market dynamics, adjust plans accordingly, and serve as a change management agent for the GPT.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of systems/databases for tracking KPIs and improving decisions regarding program performance.
• Provide matrix management, strategic and tactical leadership to GPT members responsible for key deliverables.

Critical Skill Categories

• Inspirational Leadership
• Strategic Vision
• Strong Analytical Credibility
• Execution Skills
• Stakeholder Relationship
• Asset Strategy and Global Program Strategy and Execution
• Cross‑functional Team Leadership and Collaboration
• Budget Management and Variance Control
• Risk and Issue Management
• Change Management and Continuous Improvement
• Leadership of Matrix Teams
• Business Initiative Leadership and Feasibility Evaluation
• Reputation Enhancement through Stakeholder Engagement

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) or MBA
• Minimum of 10 years’ related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with working knowledge of research and development and commercial operations
• Minimum 8 years interdisciplinary global experience with complex projects including strategy and execution and matrix team management
• Advanced degree in science or business is desired
• Broad business/enterprise orientation is highly preferred
• Managed multiple NME global approvals
• Project Management Professional certification from PMI desired
• Passionate about developing others into future leaders

Benefits and Compensation

U.S. Base Salary Range: $212,000.00 – $333,190.00 (actual base salary may vary based on qualifications, experience, and location).

Eligible for short‑term and/or long‑term incentives, medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, basic life insurance, tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, well‑being benefits, up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year, and up to 120 hours of paid vacation for new hires.

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.

Employment Details

• Worker Type: Employee
• Worker Sub-Type: Regular
• Time Type: Full time
• Job Exempt: Yes
• Hybrid and Remote Work policy applies
• It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.