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Head of Healthcare Strategic Partnerships

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 R0148471 Date posted 10/07/2025 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

Join Takeda’s Center for External Innovation as Head, Healthcare Strategic Partnerships, to enable win-win partnershipsbetween Takeda andAcademic Research Centers/Healthcare organizations that align with Takeda’s therapeutic area strategies (GI, Oncology, Neuroscience) and pipeline needs, to accelerate the development and delivery of life-changing medicines to patients.

Ensure partnerships 

In this role, you’ll build relationships with healthcare systemleaders to learn about their Research capabilities (Clinical and translational research) in Takeda’s areas of interest.  You will collaborate with Takeda R&D leaders across Research, and Development (Therapeutic Area Units, and R&D Functions) to understand current oranticipatedportfolio/Research enablers which might be addressed by institutions/organizationsYou will identify and prioritize AMCs and health systems with patient populations and operational capabilities that can accelerate Takeda’s clinical trial enrollment and execution.

Takeda believes that strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations will support our shared goal of bringing transformation medicines to patients, sooner. 

Accountabilities:

·Maintain a current knowledge of Takeda’s R&D portfolio and priorities

·Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to evaluate institutional strengths, patient demographics, and trial readiness.

·Serve as Takeda’s ambassador in academic consortia and external research networks to strengthen visibility and influence 

·Develop and maintain relationships with the ecosystem of leading AMCs/health systems.

·Curate a list of Academic Medical Centers (AMC) with disease area strengths and mature clinical research capabilities which align with Takeda’s portfolio needs.  

·Serve as a conduit between Takeda and Academic medical centers/health centers; regularly communicate Takeda’s research interests withhealthcare centers and reciprocally communicate areas of strength at these institutions. 

·Scout innovative research opportunities and emerging indications that could expand Takeda’s pipeline 

·Facilitate strategic partnerships in mutual areas of interest 

·Regularly monitor partnership progress to enable redirection or refinement of priorities and plans as needed.

·Ensure partnerships havealigned incentives, mutually beneficial terms, and clear criteria for success.

Education, Competencies, and Skills:

·Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.

·Advanced degree in life science field preferred

·15+years experienceand proven success in cultivatingsenior executive-level internal and external relationships 

·Experience in leading Research offices and/or driving Research operations at Academic Medical Center/Academic health centers desirable

·Experience in Clinical Trial operations within Pharma or CRO, desirable

·Experience in driving creative and innovative collaborative partnerships

·R&D experience highly preferred.

·Experience working with cross-functional teams required.

·Proven success managing multiple broad corporate projects simultaneously required.

·Financial acumen including resource allocation, budget management, and strategic sourcing preferred.

·Travel Requirement: ~30%

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy

Technical/Functional Expertise:

·Strategic planning, business, innovation and partnerships

·Strong understanding of global biopharma and life sciences trends.

·Working knowledge ofindications in Takeda therapeutic areas(GI and Inflammation, Oncology, Neuroscience) and R&D workflows, including data ad digitalenablers across the value chain.

Leadership:

·Deep appreciation of healthcare and pharma industry dynamics, company vision, and implications for all aspects of the business including R&D and external innovation models.

·Enterprise-level leadership with the ability to listen, inspire, motivate, and drive results.

·Reputation for transparency and proactive engagement with all relevant internal and external expertise.

·Proven ability to mobilize and lead change.

·Excellent communicator, able to convey ideas and data simply and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

·Proven skills as an effective team player engendering credibility and confidence within and outside the company.

Decision-making and Autonomy:

·Ability to lead, support, or jointly make strategic, operational, or organizational decisions with global significance to Takeda and R&D vision and goals.

Interaction:

·Recognized as a leader for Takeda innovation by internal and external collaborators.

·Broad network within healthcare, academic, biopharma, and life science communities.

·Skillful in convening and mobilizing individuals of different seniority and backgrounds toward a common goal.

·Comfortable challenging the status quo and proposing innovative solutions.

Innovation:

·Forward-thinking with the ability to recommend, influence, and implement organizational change and continuous innovation.

·Ability to take assessed risks for implementing innovative solutions.

·Ability to identify opportunities and anticipate changes in the business landscape through understanding and ongoing assessment of environmental factors.

·Stay aware and current on scientific, AI/ML, and automation innovations in drug discovery and development.

·Formulate mid-to-long-term innovative strategies to sustain an innovative pipeline.

·Drive and motivate others to test and deliver new approaches and business models for strengthening the portfolio and improving processes.

Complexity:

·Build relationships, influence, and lead both Takeda colleagues and external collaborators as a matrixed leader.

·Navigate business and cultural considerations across Takeda’s global R&D locations.

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:

$208,200.00 - $327,140.00

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

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

The heart of our work

Shining a light on new perspectives

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

  • Honesty

  • Perseverance

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • 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.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2025.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


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

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


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

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About our location

Boston, Massachusetts


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