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Associate Director, Clinical Operations Program Lead (COPL)

Remote
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  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

Takeda has been translating science into breakthrough medicines for 240 years. Every step of the way, our teams have worked together to tackle some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. Today, we’re a driving force behind innovative therapies that make a lasting difference to millions of patients around the world.

In R&D, all of our history and potential comes together in an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and amplifies every voice. Working closely with colleagues, you’ll play a key role in bringing our rich pipeline of products forward to help patients. Come join a team that’s earned trust for more than two centuries, and find out how advancing transformative therapies at Takeda will shape your bright future.

Job ID R0162978 Date posted 09/16/2025 Location Remote

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Job Description

OBJECTIVES:

  • Develop and lead the program-level operational strategy and planning on assigned programs in close collaboration with our strategic partners and other vendors.

  • Represent Clinical Operations at the Global Program Team (GPT) and partner with Global Clinical Lead to lead the Clinical Sub Team (CST) accountable for the development and execution of the CDP. 

  • Provide program-level sponsor’s operational oversight of our strategic partners and other vendors to ensure the effective execution of the clinical studies on time, with high quality and within agreed budget.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Accountable to the GPT for the translation of the CDP into an optimal operational strategy and plan.  Ensures assessment of various scenarios operational for optimal execution of the CDP. Maintain close communication with the Global Program Leader and Global Clinical Lead to ensure expectations and activities are aligned.

  • On assigned clinical programs, develop and lead the clinical program operational strategy in close collaboration with the Clinical Operations Managers (COMs), strategic partners, CROs, and other vendors.

  • Serve as the point of escalation for the COMs for issues that can’t be resolved at the study level. Collaborate with COMs and cross-functional counterparts to oversee the performance of activities assigned to our strategic partners, CROs, and other vendors.

  • Responsible for budget planning and accountable for external spend related to clinical program execution.  Works closely with COMs, Global Program Manager (GPM), and Finance to ensure on a regular basis that budgets, enrolment, and gaiting are accurate.

  • Responsible for participating in strategic cross-functional initiatives for process and/or business improvements.

  • Communicates program status and issues to ensure timely decision-making by senior management.

  • May participate in Business Development/in-licensing/alliances evaluations by providing operational due diligence.

  • Review and provide expert clinical operations input into clinical documents related to the drug development process and into preparation for key regulatory meetings as appropriate.

  • Leads Clinical Operations aspects of inspection readiness activities and acts as subject matter expert during regulatory inspections.

  • Lead or participate in cross-functional strategic initiatives and process improvement.

  • Actively seek new ways of working more efficiently to meet the needs of clinical development.

  • Demonstrate advanced Takeda Leadership Behaviors and act as a role model for Takeda´s values.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent required, Life Sciences preferred.  Advanced degree is highly desirable.

Experience: 10+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry and/or clinical research organization, including 7+ years clinical study/project management. Experience must include early phase clinical studies/Phase 2 studies or later phase global programs. Experience in more than one therapeutic area is highly desired.  Expertise in global regulatory and compliance requirements for clinical research, including but not limited to US CFR, EU CTD, and ICH GCP. Awareness of local country requirements is also required.

Skills:

  • Demonstrated excellence in program management, including scenario assessment, risk assessment and contingency planning

  • Demonstrated excellent matrix leadership and communication skills

  • Able to influence without authority

  • Excellent teamwork, communication, organizational, interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills

  • Entrepreneurial and innovative; takes measured risks; thinks outside the box; challenge the status quo

  • Pragmatic and willing to drive and support change

  • Is comfortable with ambiguity

  • Embody a culture of continual improvement and innovation; promote knowledge sharing

  • Fluent business English (oral and written)

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Requires up to 10 % travel, including overnight and international travel to other Takeda sites, strategic partners, and therapeutic area required travel.

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:

Massachusetts - Virtual

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$153,600.00 - $241,340.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.S.based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

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

Massachusetts - Virtual

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It 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.

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During my 20-year journey here, I’ve been fully supported by my colleagues, and I can’t say enough about our rich internal talent and the long-standing values that drive our decisions as we work to develop important medicines for the patients we serve.

Doug Coffman - Head, R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office, R&D Regional & Business Operations

When making any type of decision, the first thing we ask is 'how will this impact patients?’ Ultimately, we’re laser focused on the best interests of the patient, and I truly believe we follow through on that.

Meredith Culp - VP, Head of Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Strategy & Operations and Head of Global Development Integration Office

Our culture and shared values make us like a family here at Takeda. It doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love with people you love, and when your outcome is really fantastic.

Alison Handley, Head, Center for External Innovation

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