Senior Director, Patient Access Strategy & Operations

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 212,000 - 333,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. is seeking a Senior Director, Patient Access Brand Strategy and Operations to shape the vision, define the strategy, and drive access initiatives across the portfolio.

You will design innovative Patient Service Programs (PSPs), ensure the patient voice informs decisions, and align cross‑functional teams to improve patient access across life cycle. This is a virtual role that may sit anywhere in the continental US with travel to Cambridge, MA at least twice per month.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
• 5–10 years in a leadership role directing strategy and operations.
• Deep knowledge of patient services, access, and reimbursement.
• Experience in a matrix team environment with cross‑functional partners.
• Strong leadership, business acumen and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven track record shaping long‑term strategy and translating to short‑term plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Patient Access vision for Takeda portfolio drugs.
• Lead design and implementation of Patient Service Programs (PSPs).
• Ensure patient voice informs decision making and inform strategy across lifecycle.
• Partner with BU Leadership and senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives.
• Oversee hub services, copay programs, and vendor management aligned to access goals.
• Track performance against metrics and milestones; adapt plans as needed.
• Collaborate with brand, market access, and regulatory teams to optimize access.
• Act as strategic Patient Access partner to Business Units and Leadership Team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional

Matrix environment

Communication

Project management

Budgets

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Director, Patient Access Brand Strategy and Operations is responsible for developing and executing the Patient Access vision and strategy for future products in our portfolio. This role leads the design and implementation of innovative Patient Service Programs (PSPs), ensures the patient voice informs decision-making, and partners cross‑functionally to optimize patient access across the product lifecycle.

This role is virtual and may sit anywhere in the continental USA with travel to Cambridge, MA a minimum of twice per month.

How you will contribute:

• Develop the Patient Access vision and strategy for Takeda portfolio drugs in alignment with BU Leadership.
• Maintain up-to-date Patient Access expertise and keep abreast of the changing external environmental factors that could affect patient access needs.
• Serve as the BU Patient Access subject matter expert and strategic partner across functions, Business Unit and Franchise Heads.
• Ensure operational success of the strategic initiatives executed by the Patient Access Team, including Hub services, copay services, free drug programs, vendor selection and management and performance management.
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure strategic initiatives are implemented across the portfolio.
• Proactively address emerging patient needs with fit‑for‑purpose strategic initiatives and implementation plans.
• Track and measure own team’s performance against metrics and milestones.
• Serve as strategic Patient Access partner to BU and be an active member of the extended Leadership Team.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• 15+ years pharmaceutical industry experience required, 5-10 years in a leadership position required.
• Significant experience in strategic and operational roles related to patient services & access.
• Experience operating in a matrix team environment.
• Strong understanding of commercial aspects of the business including brand management, sales planning and execution, market access, patient advocacy, regulatory environments and reimbursement challenges.
• Ability to leverage knowledge of marketplace and economic forces to translate long‑term strategy into clear short‑term plans and goals.
• Possess strong leadership, business acumen and ability to manage multiple priorities, processes, timelines and expectations of multiple stakeholder groups. Inspire and lead innovation and synergies across teams to maximize team productivity and outcomes in support of specific therapeutic areas and the overall portfolio.
• Ability to refine team strategy based on anticipated future changes. Projects future trends of the industry and global forces to make proactive adjustments.
• A demonstrated ability to process complex information and summarize it concisely in writing and/or verbally in a professional manner and in a time sensitive environment is required.
• Demonstrated success in development/execution of targeted briefings for executive leadership, senior management and business leaders; Well organized, highly motivated, innovative, process driven, results oriented; and outstanding oral and written communications skills.
• Proven skills as an effective team player who can engender credibility and confidence within and outside the company.
• Embraces and demonstrates a diversity and inclusion mindset and role models these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to lead, manage and motivate teams, with or without direct supervisory authority.
• Experience in managing projects, including overseeing work plans, budgets.

Travel Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel as needed to home office & to various meetings and vendor sites; including overnight trips.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$212,000.00 - $333,190.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

For information about our benefits, please click here.

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.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

YesIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.