Medical Excellence & Operations Lead

PURPOSE: 

The Medical Excellence & Operations Lead supports the Medical Organizationby leading a team of Medical Coordinators and Project Managers to ensure operational excellence and consistency across the organization. The Medical Excellence & Operations Leadworks with the LOCcross-functional and EUCAN/global teams to align technical expertise, innovation and excellence across the organization. 

This role requires a strategic thinker who can inspire others, focus on key priorities, and elevate organizational capabilities in line with Takeda's Leadership Behaviors.  

KEY JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:  

• Lead the research, alignment, design, and implementation of high-performance, innovative solutions to support operational effectiveness and consistency across teams.

• Lead the management of vendor, project, and resource priorities to develop, disseminate, and support best practices and capabilities.

• Provide oversight and direct management of a team of coordinators and project managers supporting Medical Affairs and HCP engagements across the LOC.

• Be the key point of contact in Canada for Medical Excellence and Operations for EUCAN/Global.

• Ensure maintenance of relevant process SOPs and business practices in partnership with other stakeholders (e.g., electronic systems owners) as appropriate.

• Lead the development of tools, processes, and techniques for improving process efficiencies.

• Actively manage, if applicable, internal and vendor resources and budget to ensure quality and timely delivery of deliverables.

• Excellence in all operational aspects of the Medical & Scientific Affairs function: Point of contact for audits, all Medical Affairs systems (Veeva, Marv, etc.), and training (departmental meetings, off-site, etc.).

• Ensure appropriate communication and training for available tools and business solutions to internal and external stakeholders.

• Development of onboarding and training resources for Medical Affairs.

• Work with the team to develop local playbooks, templates, and best practices aligned with EUCAN/Global resources to support excellence and consistency in planning and tracking tools (i.e., medical planning, insight reporting, budgeting, and launch excellence).

• Lead the development, tracking, analysis, and reporting of metrics and KPIs for Medical Affairs in collaboration with the MLT.

• Research, maintain knowledge, and serve as SME for industry trends and new insights in concepts, technologies, business needs, and directions.

• Support building internal and external networks to identify and utilize data sources and partnership opportunities.

COMPETENCIES:

Occupational Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough understanding of legal, compliance, and regulatory guidelines related to medical affairs in the pharmaceutical industry

• Knowledge of the Health Canada policies and other federal and provincial policies impacting the area.   

• Strong demonstrated leadership skills to manage and develop direct reports 

Additional Competencies

• Proven expertise in matrix project leadership and operational project management, with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and facilitate cross-functional collaboration effectively.  

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and apply strong business acumen.  

• Financial skills to forecast and manage a budget, and to understand the business implications of decisions and external factors.  

• Excellent strategic thinking skills and proven strategic problem-solving ability, including driving to appropriate solutions.  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including scientific writing, presenting, influencing, and negotiating.   

• Influencing without authority, managing senior stakeholders and navigating ambiguity and conflict diplomatically.  

• Vendor oversight experience. 

Digital Competencies

• Dedication to leading by example through intentional skill development, experimentation and fostering a culture of digital curiosity within the organization. 

• Experience working effectively with colleagues in virtual or remote settings, utilizing digital collaboration tools, incl. MS Teams. 

• Proficiency in leveraging digital tools, platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies (including Microsoft Office suite) to communicate with impact and perform tasks efficiently and effectively. 

• Understanding of cybersecurity threats and best practices to protect sensitive information and systems.

• Prior experience in driving digital transformation initiatives, showcasing a strategic mindset towards technology innovation and integration with daily work practices.    

EDUCATION, LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE:

• Post-Secondary education in a related discipline is required. 

• Project management certification is an asset.

• 7 or moreyears of experience in pharmaceutical industry withdemonstrated leadership responsibilities within Medical/Scientific Affairs.

• Bilingual (English/French) – a strong asset

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a head-office based position in Toronto, Canada.

• Willingness to travel to various meetings or client sites, including overnight trips. Some international travel may be required.