Associate Director, Strategic Outsourcing

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Job Description

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 AD/Director of Strategic Outsourcing will provide strategic oversight and relationship management of preclinical Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to enhance operational efficiencies and expand research capabilities, thereby supporting drug discovery programs. This role is crucial in shaping the strategic planning, vendor sourcing, evaluation, contracting, and monitoring of both business and scientific performance of key strategic CRO partners.

Accountabilities:

• Provide leadership, management and oversite for Strategic Outsourcing and Contract Research Organization (CRO) management to support Takeda Research projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and regulatory and animal welfare requirements.   
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with key CROs partners that are aligned with long-term Research objectives and innovation goals.
• Focus on building relationships that go beyond transactional interactions to create collaborative environments that foster mutual growth and learning.
• Conduct CRO site qualification visits and select CROs based not only on operational capabilities but also on their strategic alignment with the company’s vision, their ability to innovate, and their reputation in the industry.
• Consider the strategic geographical locations, therapeutic area expertise, and technological advancements of CROs in the selection process.
• Integrate CROs into the strategic planning processes, ensuring that their capabilities are fully leveraged in the company’s drug discovery efforts.
• Establish and maintain high-level executive connections between the company and the CRO to ensure open lines of communication and to strengthen the strategic relationship.
• Regularly engage in strategic discussions to align on expectations, share insights, and update on shifts in the industry landscape or company direction.
• Evaluate CRO performance on operational metrics like timeliness and budget adherence as well as fit to evolving Research and disease area strategies.
• Proactively identify strategic risks associated with outsourcing to CROs, including intellectual property issues, dependency risks, and alignment with long-term goals.
• Defines the strategy for implementing instrumentation (i.e. dashboard tools, databases) for strategic analysis, accessibility, and information sharing.
• Defines data management practices to ensure accountability to individuals that generate data.  
• Participates in the strategic design and global guidance for any data initiatives by providing best practices, data guidance, key performance indicators, and metrics to support greater efficiency, consistency, and validation of business processes and decision-making.
• Provides recommendations on hardware and software procurement to support business goals on CRO management activities.
• Works with CROs to understand their development plans and how these align with the company’s future needs.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or related field preferred but may not be required based on industrial experience in a Pharma/Biotech R&D setting.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry with significant exposure to preclinical CRO management.
• Solid knowledge in all aspects of preclinical CRO management and oversight and has a solid foundation on the operational support needed to advance early and late-stage Research projects.
• Strong background in developing and managing analytics and tools used in managing CROs (i.e. Smartsheets, and other MS software tools)
• Solid understanding of FDA Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) for nonclinical studies as set forth in 21 CFR Part 58, as well as OECD and ICH Guidelines.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills with proven track record of strategic planning and execution in a research environment.
• Deep understanding of drug discovery processes and Takeda therapeutic areas
• Strategic mindset and the ability to think critically and creatively to drive innovation and business growth.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

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

Yes

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