Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships and Outsourcing Asia Operations

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Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and drive the development, negotiation, and lifecycle management of study contracts in collaboration with key functions, ensuring alignment with Master Service Agreements to achieve predictable outcomes and quality in accordance with Takeda’s pipeline strategy, values, and policies.
• Lead ballparking, contracting, and commercial management for multiple clinical studies, translating asset-level business requirements into robust supplier partnerships supporting R&D activities across designated therapeutic areas.
• Execute scalable commercial strategies to accommodate local dynamic business needs, enabling seamless initiation of clinical studies at the asset level, even amidst shifting assumptions.
• Support SPO enablement in the development and enhancement of frameworks and workbooks to ensure local requirements are incorporated appropriately and support continuous improvement activities for SPO.
• Lead study-level negotiations with CROs and suppliers to ensure optimal terms for assigned studies while balancing risk and business priorities.
• Strategically manage contract amendments and commercial adjustments across assets to ensure alignment with evolving business and pipeline strategies
• Responsible for developing, managing, and strengthening strategic partnerships with designated TAU(s) within China, acting as a trusted advocate and advisor, ensuring business requirements are effectively translated into SPO deliverables.
• Act as first line of defense for supplier related issues on local trials.
• Actively anticipate and address future asset-level contracting and supplier needs for assigned therapeutic areas, aligned with Takeda’s strategic priorities in China.
• Cultivate strong collaborative relationships with clinical operations and relevant stakeholders to elevate engagement and understanding.
• Collaborate with study teams to proactively address commercial/contractual challenges, mitigate risks, develop contingency plans, and resolve critical issues with Clinical Partner Outsourcing/SPO leadership.
• Establish unified standards, templates, and tools for China-focused development management within the SPO organization, ensuring scalable, high-quality, and cost-effective delivery in collaboration with global SPO functions.
• Ensure comprehensive compliance with internal policies, regulations, and inspection readiness for all relevant regulated activities.
• Take ownership of or actively contribute to special projects and initiatives that support Takeda’s strategic objectives.

R&D Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees (e.g., MBA) or certifications (e.g., PMP, CPA) strongly preferred.10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research environment, showcasing leadership in complex and dynamic settings.
• Deep knowledge of China-specific clinical trial processes and regulatory landscape, including CFDA/NMPA regulations, with strategic input into compliance initiatives.
• Significant familiarity with China-based CRO and local clinical outsourcing models, particularly the design of financial and commercial frameworks.
• Extensive experience supporting matrixed organizations, with demonstrated ability to drive collaboration across functions and regions effectively.
• Proven expertise in clinical procurement, advanced contract management, and supplier relationship strategies.
• Advanced competencies in contract negotiations, financial modeling, and budget management, with strategic focus on commercial alignment.
• Thorough understanding of GCP, ICH guidelines, and China-based clinical trial regulations, with aligned strategic application in leadership roles.
• Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities paired with advanced project management expertise proven in high-impact environments.
• Highly skilled communicator with superior written and verbal presentation abilities tailored for executive-level engagement.

• Fluency in Mandarin and English (written and spoken) is required.
• Established experience working with or for multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in China.

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