Chief of Staff, Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Job Description

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE:

• Drive the execution of Pharm Sci strategy to increase business performance, organizational efficiency while increase speed for CMC deliverables, including AI-forward projects and mindset.

• Partner with PS, partners and leadership to identify, prioritize, and lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, with a focus on increasing CMC productivity of a minimum 5% per year and ensure CMC costs is financially sustainable with increasing R&D portfolio.

• Serve as the principal integrator and project leader for key cross-functional programs, ensuring alignment, transparency, and delivery of measurable value across global sites.

• In collaboration with lean experts and scientists, drive simplification of processes and systems to improve agility, make work life easier and foster a culture of high performance.

SCOPE:

• Drives and influences strategy, business performance, and transformation initiatives across the global Pharmaceutical Sciences organization with internal sites in Boston, Vienna, and Shonan as well as a network of outsourcing partners.

• Accountable for leading cost optimization and business performance programs across the CMC internal and external spend in partnership with Finance, R&D, Global Manufacturing & Supply, Global Quality and Commercial functions.

• Operates as an individual contributor with significant cross-functional team leadership, affecting enterprise-wide priorities, efficiency, and cultural evolution. One of the main components of change is help foster AI-forward mindset and implementing systems to bring new ways of working in the organization.

• Serve as the strategic partner and advisor to the SVP, Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences, driving execution of the organization’s priorities.

• Lead and oversee a comprehensive cost optimization program, encompassing internal & external spend (~1,000O okuyen).

• Direct and mobilize cross-functional project teams to deliver on measurable business outcomes towards cost, speed and simplicity.

• Coordinate organization-wide strategic planning, communications, and progress tracking for the Pharm Sci Leadership Team, including regular cadence and functioning of PSLT, Pharm Sci Townhalls and key communication within Pharm Sci and stakeholders.

• Integrate and align senior stakeholders across Pharm Sci, Finance, R&D, GMS and GQ to achieve collective success.

• Develop and deliver business analytics, executive presentations, and dashboards for key decision-makers.

• Coordinate Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment in alignment with Takeda’s values.

CORE ELEMENTS RELATED TO THIS ROLE:

• End-to-end accountability for strategic execution and measurable business performance improvement, notably cost transformation.

• Operates with cross-enterprise visibility, interfacing between Pharm Sci, R&D and Takeda.

• Acts as a key integrator, connecting senior stakeholders and aligning global sites to business priorities.

• Combines strong CMC product development expertise with operational and analytical capability.

• Delivers rapid, enterprise-impactful results through collaborative leadership and creative problem solving.

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS:

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (PhD, MS, or equivalent required).

• 10+ years in CMC product development or related pharmaceutical/biopharma experience, with a track record of delivering complex technical/business programs at the global level.

• Strong expertise in cost management, business analytics, and operational excellence (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

• Ability to simplify complex information and situations to effectively communicate and make progress towards business outcomes.

• Sets clear vision, aligns stakeholders, and mobilizes project teams to deliver on bold goals.

• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and influence with senior leaders and across diverse teams.

• Outstanding judgment and the ability to drive outcomes in complex, ambiguous environments.

• An agent for change, building buy-in for new ways of working and for transformation initiatives.

Decision-making and Autonomy

• Operates with a high degree of autonomy to drive strategic projects, cost initiatives, and critical problem-solving with direct impact on Pharm Sci results.

• Advises SVP and senior leadership with evidence-based recommendations and risk/benefit analysis.

• Reports to SVP, Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

• Regular engagement with Pharm Sci Leadership Team and senior stakeholders in Finance, R&D, GMS, GQ, Regulatory, and Commercial functions.

• Principal coordinator for cross-functional projects across global sites (Boston/Vienna/Shonan).

• External interactions with partners, consultants, and contract organizations as needed.

• Fosters a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and risk-managed problem solving.

• Promotes knowledge-sharing and adoption of best practices across teams and sites.

• Applies creative and quantitative approaches in developing solutions to complex challenges.

• Manages wide-ranging projects spanning multiple global sites and business interfaces.

• Balances competing demands of cost, innovation, quality, and timelines in a matrix environment.

• Demonstrates cultural awareness and adapts style as needed for global effectiveness.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• PhD, MS, or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field (required).

• A minimum of 10 years in CMC product development or relevant pharmaceutical/biopharma business experience.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex strategic/cost programs in a global, matrixed environment.

• Exceptional communication, quantitative, analytical, and collaborative skills.

• Lean/operational excellence training or practical experience preferred.

• Creative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented leadership style.

• High personal integrity and alignment with Takeda values.

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy

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:

$208,200.00 - $327,140.00

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. 

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation. 

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

Yes

It 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.