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Executive Director, Global Program Leader (GPL)

Boston, Massachusetts
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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 R0133833 Date posted 09/09/2024 Location Boston, Massachusetts

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’sPrivacy Noticeand Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

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 Executive Director, Global Program Leader (GPL) 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.

OBJECTIVES: 

Takeda is looking for a experienced proven drug development leader to manage an innovative immunology  ,  with ongoing plans for expansion In addition to driving the progression of the active programs, this individual will be responsible for leading the team to r for this asset.

The Global Program Leader is a seasoned drug development leader fully dedicated, responsible and accountable for overarching Global Program(s). The GPL defines the asset strategy and leads all development and Life Cycle Management projects associated with an asset from discovery to the marketplace.   The guiding framework for this role is defined by Takedas’ values of Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business. In addition to project specific responsibilities, the ED GPL may be called upon to represent the GPL community in enterprise-wide initiatives to improve speed/cost to market (e.g. innovative trial designs, improving governance processes, asset strategy etc.)

GPLs must

  •  be experienced, versatile and strong enterprise leaders
  •  be committed to simultaneously driving regulatory approval as well as product launch and global patient access
  • have the ability to partner with all functions to drive, deliver and maximize asset value.
  • be recognized as an outstanding cross-functional leader with a track-record of consistently delivering against challenging goals
  • communicate effectively, be adept at taking decisions as well as facilitating joint decision making

This is best achieved by a unique fit for purpose combination of the competencies listed below. 

  • Inspirational Leadership
  • Strategic Vision
  • Strong Analytical Credibility
  • Execution Skills
  • Stakeholder Relationship Management

  • For a given asset, responsible for an overarching global program strategy and execution. The GPL leads all research, development, commercial and LCM activities associated with an asset from discovery to the marketplace with full accountability.
  • Leads the Asset Strategy together with the commercial leader in the context of unmet medical need, competitive landscape, and key TPP attributes required to bring the product to market and to ensure global access for patients in context of Takeda’s values: Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business. This must take into consideration all development and commercial requirements as well as potential local/regional key requirements
  • For a given asset, the GPL is the single leader of a cross functional team, the Global Program Team (GPT). The GPL ensures through the functional sub-teams leaders and their teams all project deliverables achieve defined project scope & objectives, budget and timelines with full functional support, keeping in mind value maximization and strong sense of the time/quality balance. 
  • Provides matrix management, strategic and tactical leadership to GPT members who are responsible for leading the key deliverables of the functional sub-teams for a given asset. GPT members are directly accountable to the GPL on the sub-team objectives.
  • Accountable with the  Global Program Manager for  operating budgets within the global program; leads budget setting in collaboration with functions and manages variance to budget ensuring overall Takeda financial objectives are met.
  • Reports on program progress, issues, related updates, new requests for decision related to strategic scope or budget increase (new recommendations, change or buy-up) or timelines change and risks to TA Unit Head and/or the Takeda executive management governance committees  per company process.
  • Manages several assets of increasing complexity (including newer platform technologies), depending on the size and stage or the programs
  • Showcases the GPL leadership skills and Enterprise GPT operating model functioning and deliverables through all job attributes defined at Takeda
  • May lead key business initiatives: including evaluating new opportunities and providing overall support for feasibility studies on potential global programs.
  • May represent GPL community in internal development optimization initiatives such as refresh to asset strategy, innovative trial design etc.
  • Promotes organizational reputation by engaging with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating actively to the GPL community

ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

Program Strategy, Activity Planning and Execution

  • Oversees and leads all clinical science activities involved in interactions with FDA and other regulatory authorities and key opinion leaders relevant to assigned compounds. 
  • Proactive identification of challenges and development of contingency plans as appropriate.
  • Leads the Global Program Team in setting program vision, strategy, goals, priorities and long-term plans and schedules. Aligns cross-functional, cross-divisional project goals with Takeda business needs and strategies.
  • Works closely with the GPM in order to provide strategic, process, and operational leadership to multiple GPTs and Takeda functions in the successful delivery of projects from discovery to commercialization and LCM activities.  Could manage 3-5 projects  across all phases of development including innovative early POM/POC in novel mechanisms with less-defined regulatory pathways through large-scale Phase III/submission projects and global launch projects.
  • Links GPT cross-functional sub-teams, such as the Clinical Subteam, Commercial Subteam, Pharmaceutical Sciences (CMC) Subteam, etc. to the GPT through function-based subteam leaders to execute according to the Enterprise GPT Playbook, align and ensure transparency of all program-related activities.
  • Provides leadership and support to TA Leaders and Sub-team leaders to set the vision and direction for the Therapeutic Area and prioritizes all aspects of projects within a global program.
  • Reports on progress of projects, plans/plan changes, critical path, possible scenario and issues/risks/impact to TA Unit and Takeda executive management through internal or external reviews of global programs.
  • Leads key business initiatives:  for example, evaluates new opportunities (i.e.: in-licensing candidates, impact of change in market conditions or availability of new project data in disease areas where Takeda has little or no previous experience) and provides overall support for feasibility studies on potential global programs-non exhaustive list

Fiscal Responsibility

  • Accountable with the responsible GPM for project operating budgets within the global program; monitors and controls expenditures; manages variance between budgeted and actual expenditures of time, dollars, and personnel while meeting overall Takeda financial objectives.

Resource and Issue Management

  • Responsible for evaluation of external interactions in the context of overall development strategies using complex problem solving in the region but in context of a global environment.
  • Manages internal and external resources (people, information, technologies, time, and capital); allocates project resources appropriately, given division, function and individual goals and objectives to align with business imperatives.
  • Proactively and regularly identifies/monitor project risks before they transform into issues and develops contingency plans; communicates timely and proactively project-related issues to senior executive management and manages issues to resolution.
  • Consults with TAU, Franchise Leadership and Portfolio Office to deliver accurate and timely project status and deliverable information to enable the organization to focus on key priorities and enhance its ability to deliver work (e.g., studies/projects) on-time and on-budget (including proficient use of systems to improve reporting or access to data).

Change Management

  • Proactively responds to the dynamics of a changing marketplace; directs adjustments in functional or cross-divisional plans in response to changes in strategic direction. Change management agent for the GPT.
  • Contributes to the creation and maintenance of systems/databases for the purpose of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), trending, learning, and improving decisions regarding program performance and continuance.

Matrix Team Management

  • Provides mentorship to the members of the teams that they oversee. Partners with functional leaders to advise and mentor team members on professional development opportunities.
  • Provides matrix management, strategic and tactical leadership to GPT members who are responsible for leading the key deliverables or functional sub-teams within individual projects. Sub-team leads are primarily accountable to the GPL. Stakeholder management is also an expectation as a result of the highly matrixed work environment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

Required:

  • Advanced scientific degree (MD, or PhD, or PharmD) 
  • Minimum of 12 years related/relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with deep knowledge of research and development and commercial operations
  • Minimum 8 years interdisciplinary global experience with complex projects including strategy and execution and matrix team management
  • Managed global marketing authorization submissions/approvals for multiple NMEs Advanced degree in science field (MD, PharmD or Ph.D.)
  • Broad business/enterprise orientation with proven matrix leadership experience is highly preferred
  • Passionate about developing others into future leaders

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Project Management Professional certification from PMI desired

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:

$205,100.00 - $322,300.00

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

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
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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 - GPM Head & Chief of Staff, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area

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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What we believe in

Our values of Takeda-ism are Integrity, Fairness, Honesty and Perseverance, with Integrity as the core. These are brought to life through actions based on Patient, Trust, Reputation and Business, in that order.

Our belief in putting people first extends beyond our patients — it includes their families and communities, as well as our Takeda colleagues and their families.

We are committed to embracing our differences, valuing different perspectives, and fostering a culture of respect, inclusiveness and empowerment.

Our embedded Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy enables us to attract and retain exceptional talent, drives innovation, and helps address systemic inequalities in our communities.

  • Integrity

  • Fairness

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Working at Takeda

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  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
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    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
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    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

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Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

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Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

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