R&D Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T) Portfolio Lead

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Job Description

Position Summary

Are you ready to lead one of the most transformative initiatives in R&D and shape the future of how Research and Pharmaceutical Science data, processes, and knowledge  are harmonized across the value chain? As the Aedifica Fortis (AF) R&D DD&T Portfolio Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering one of R&D’s boldest and most consequential programs. This multi-year, enterprise-wide initiative is designed to modernize and revolutionize the way we work—unlocking innovation through seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies, advanced data strategies, and world-class digital infrastructure. Serving as a cornerstone of this transformation, the R&D Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T) function will drive the capabilities needed to power AF’s success.

This role will be accountable for the agile delivery and iterative refinement of R&D DD&T’s contributions to AF, overseeing a dynamic, integrated portfolio of initiatives that span digital solutions, data platforms, and enabling technologies. They will lead portfolio execution through structured, agile frameworks, milestone tracking, and backlog prioritization, while maintaining a clear line of sight to scientific value and enterprise impact.

The Portfolio Lead will operate with a strong owner mindset—proactively surfacing and resolving risks, driving continuous alignment with evolving Research and Pharm Sci priorities, and ensuring delivery excellence. They will bring a strategic lens to the role by shaping and adjusting the R&D DDT Portfolio and associated product roadmaps in response to emerging internal needs, external industry shifts, and digital innovation trends.

The role requires sophisticated matrix leadership, working across Research and Pharmaceutical Sciences teams to ensure delivery is integrated with scientific priorities and end user needs. The Portfolio Lead will coordinate across R&D DD&T leads and engage with partners to ensure seamless delivery. The Portfolio Lead will also represent R&D DD&T in key governance forums and teams, ensuring R&D DD&T’s contributions are visible, aligned, and well-positioned for success.

This role requires technical fluency to proactively identify and mitigate risks, and own the communication strategy across R&D DD&T to ensure consistent messaging to stakeholders. The role also collaborates closely with the change management lead to support adoption and engagement across the organization.

This role offers a great platform for future growth, with opportunities to rotate into other strategic initiatives or leadership roles within the R&D DD&T organization and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end delivery of the R&D DD&T AF Portfolio, ensuring alignment with R&D DDT strategy, Research and PharmSci priorities, and program timelines

• Shape and manage integrated roadmaps, enabling agile prioritization, PI planning, milestone tracking, and cross-functional coordination

• Act as the primary liaison between R&D DD&T Portfolio and AF program leadership, ensuring streamlined communications, proactive risk management, and clear decision pathways

• Partner with Pharm Sci and Research DD&T Portfolio Leads to ensure delivery plans remain responsive to evolving functional needs

• Represent R&D DD&T in AF governance forums, driving transparency, advocacy, and alignment across stakeholders

• Guide continuous improvement by leveraging external benchmarks and delivery best practices to accelerate speed and impact

• Support financial oversight, including budget tracking, forecasting, and resource allocation in collaboration with Finance and Ops

• Oversee dashboarding and progress reporting for R&D DD&T and AF leadership, surfacing risks, interdependencies, and scenario options

• Provide strategic leadership and coaching to the R&D DDT Portfolio Product owners and broader Product teams who are driving delivery on the ground,

• Enable onboarding and knowledge transfer for new stakeholders contributing to the AF R&D DD&T portfolio

Qualifications / Experiences

• Bachelor’s degree required; background in a scientific or technical discipline strongly preferred

• 10–12+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare technology sectors, including 5–8+ years leading complex programs or portfolios—preferably in R&D, digital product delivery, or technology-enabled transformation

• Requires a strong track record in digital transformation and agile delivery in complex, matrixed environments. Proven success delivering large-scale, cross-functional programs with strategic visibility and enterprise impact.

• Demonstrated experience in agile delivery frameworks (e.g., SAFe, Scrum) and agile delivery tools (e.g. JIRA/Confluence), with fluency in core practices.

• Familiarity with hybrid delivery models that blend agile and traditional structures, especially in regulated, global environments

• Strong understanding of digital, data, and AI-enabling technologies within the biopharma context, and their application across Research and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Skilled in navigating organizational change, with a track record of partnering with senior executives to drive alignment, prioritization, and delivery

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and influence skills, with the ability to lead through ambiguity and operate with a strong owner mindset

Behavioral Competencies

• Execution-focused: Requiring strong technical program management skills

• Strategic Agility: Demonstrates the foresight to synthesize complex initiatives, connect interdependent efforts, and anticipate downstream impacts to ensure seamless execution

• Problem-Solving Excellence: Tackles complex challenges with critical thinking, creativity, and a solution-focused approach

• Bold Accountability: Operates with a strong owner’s mindset, taking full responsibility for outcomes, proactively resolving challenges, and delivering results without waiting for direction.

• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across functions and levels; fosters a culture of trust and shared purpose.

• Adaptability: Thrives amidst ambiguity and complexity, seamlessly shifting gears to address evolving program needs and emerging priorities with resilience and precision

• Influence with Purpose: Skillfully navigates matrixed environments, inspiring alignment, building consensus, and driving impactful decisions—even without formal authority.

• Action-oriented leadership:  Balances urgency with pragmatism, advancing work with focus, efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to quality execution

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

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

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