Associate Director

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Job Description

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as an Associate Director, Research Business Excellence in our Cambridge office.

At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.

Objective / Purpose:

The Research Strategy and Operations function is responsible for integrating scientific acumen with business analytics and processes to deliver clear business plans, operational excellence and portfolio progression for the Takeda Research pipeline.

The Associate Director, Research Business Excellence plays a crucial role in the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of teams within Research. The incumbent will drive continuous review and reporting of Research business activities and support operational needs of cross functional teams. This role is responsible for delivering timely business analytics and forecasting to support portfolio, budget, and resource planning. By developing and deploying customized reporting and automation, this role touches all elements of Research and is key to ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality research outcomes.

Accountabilities:

• Support all aspects of financial planning in partnership with Program Managers and Research Enablement Leads, including tracking, forecasting, and reporting to ensure robust financial oversight.
• Enhance monthly financial analysis and reporting processes in collaboration with project managers and finance colleagues.
• Manage financial data integrity to support accurate reporting and effective communication.
• Support research planning and forecasting to ensure alignment with departmental and overall research goals.
• Offer expert support in procurement, contract drafting, review, negotiation, and invoice management.
• Facilitate rapid resolution of issues in contracting and procurement processes to expedite contract initiation and closure.
• Resolve and troubleshoot accounting and payment issues related to contracted work.
• Manage and support centralized resources and activities, ensuring effective utilization across research areas and platform teams.
• Incorporate new technologies and automation into workflows to streamline decision-making and democratize business data.
• Drive continuous improvement activities to enhance all project and operational management processes.
• Manage and support key communication processes and infrastructure, including mass communications and maintaining department websites/SharePoints.
• Ensure smooth cross-functional liaisons with critical functions such as Legal, Finance, Sourcing, HR, and scientific teams to facilitate project success.
• Support project reporting through tools like DDU, Research, and Enterprise-wide functions including Interact, ImPact, PowerBI, and others to ensure comprehensive data accessibility and analysis.
• Manage and support department-wide non-pipeline projects, ensuring they align with broader organizational objectives and are executed efficiently.

Education & Competencies:

• Expected 10 years related experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry
• Advanced degree in a scientific or business management discipline preferred
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong financial and business management acumen with and eye for identifying opportunities to achieve efficiencies
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Strong knowledge of drug discovery and development processes, including preclinical and clinical research
• Strategic mindset and the ability to think critically and creatively to drive innovation and business growth

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

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy. 

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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:

$153,600.00 - $241,340.00

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

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.