Director, External Scientific Engagement

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Job Description

Job Purpose / Objectives

As a senior leader within the R&D Global Regions Japan organization, the Director of External Scientific Engagement will drive the strategic vision and execution of Takeda’s scientific engagement initiatives across Japan. This role is pivotal in shaping and expanding Takeda’s external innovation ecosystem, aligning national efforts with global R&D priorities, and influencing science policy and frameworks. The Director will lead high-impact collaborations with government, academia, and industry to position Takeda as a trusted partner and thought leader in the Japanese and global scientific communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  Define and lead the long-term strategy for external scientific engagement in Japan, ensuring alignment with Takeda’s global R&D vision and business objectives under supervision of Head of External Scientific Engagement.
• Stakeholder Influence & Policy Advocacy:
  Represent Takeda at the highest levels in industry associations, government advisory panels, and academic forums. Drive policy initiatives that support innovation, regulatory science, and public-private partnerships.

• Partnership Development:
  Identify, negotiate, and oversee complex, high-value collaborations across R&D value chain with external stakeholders, including academic institutions, government agencies, and consortia. He/She works together with Head of ESE,  other ESE team members and GLR Japan members to define the objective of each partnership, which shall be aligned with global/region-unique business needs.
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Lead cross-functional teams and influence internal stakeholders especially in R&D Japan Region and JPBU to integrate external insights into R&D strategy and decision-making.
• Reputation Building:
  Enhance Takeda’s visibility and reputation as a scientific leader through strategic event participation, thought leadership, and public engagement.
• Environmental Scanning:
  Monitor and interpret scientific, regulatory, and policy trends to proactively shape Takeda’s external engagement strategy and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in life sciences, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, scientific affairs, external engagement, or related leadership roles.
• Proven track record of leading strategic partnerships and influencing science policy at a national or international level.
• Deep understanding of Japan’s healthcare, regulatory, and innovation ecosystem, with strong networks across government, academia, and industry.
• Demonstrated experience in high-level stakeholder engagement, including with JPMA, MHLW, AMED, and PMDA.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills in both Japanese and English.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex external dynamics into internal opportunities.
• Experience managing teams and budgets is a plus.
• High integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a collaborative mindset.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.

• Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year

• Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)

• Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.

• Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework

• Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

• It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.

• It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.

Locations

Fujisawa, JapanTokyo, Japan

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time