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Strategic Planning and Business Operations, Associate Director

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality
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  • Job Type: Full Time
  • 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 R0150340 Date posted 04/18/2025 Location Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

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Job Description

Objective / Purpose: Describe at the highest level the team where this job sits and how this role will contribute to the team’s delivery of critical function.

  • To safeguard the integrity, continuity and compliance of R&D operations in the region by establishing/enhancing a proactive and integrated approach to risk management, especially in countries including but not limited to China and India
  • Adopt agile methodologies and mindsets across R&D China & APAC regions, promote cross-function collaboration, and enhance the adaptability in the face of emerging technologies, evolving regulatory environment, geopolitical tension, etc.
  • Strengthen operational performance and innovation effectiveness, lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement framework. Foster a culture of excellence that max. value creation, minimize inefficiencies, and supports sustainable innovation delivery.

Accountabilities: Describe the primary duties and responsibilities of the job. Include only the essential functions of the job. Approximately 5 – 10 bulleted task statements should be identified.

Risk Management

  • Develop and oversee the regional risk management framework in alignment with global R&D practice and standards
  • Identify operational, compliance, and strategic risks, ensuring mitigation plans are integrated into R&D project governance
  • Partner with QA, legal, EHS, compliance and other stakeholders to ensure robust compliance with relevant regulations and internal policies
  • Monitor risk indicators and provide leadership with actionable insights through regular reporting and escalation processes
  • Lead and drive corporate internal audit to ensure smooth audit process and internal readiness

Agility & Strategic Enablement

  • Promote agile ways of working and support transformation programs that increase speed and adaptability
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and rapid experimentation to accelerate decision-making
  • Assess organizational readiness and lead change management activities tied to agility and digital transformation initiatives
  • Support capability building and training for agile tools, methods, and mindsets across R&D teams

Business Excellence

  • Lead and implement a culture of continuous improvement across the regions
  • Design and define business framework, fit-for-purpose operating model for any new business
  • Identify and execute high-impact initiatives to optimize R&D processes, system and ownership
  • Collaborate with global and cross-functional teams to share best practices and standardize core processes where appropriate                                                                                                                                                                                       

Qualifications & Skills :

  • Bachelor’s degree in science or business-related field required. Advanced degree such as PhD and MBA preferred
  • >10 years work experience in the healthcare industry with extensive knowledge on the evolving pharma landscape including policy and innovation trends
  • Strategic thinker with strong track record in risk governance, operational transformation and cultural change.
  • Be able to bridge science, system, process and strategy to accelerate R&D performance and impact
  • Agile/Scrum certification (scrum master, SAFe) is a plus
  • Strong command in both verbal and written English, able to articulate ideas clearly in forms of speaking, report, and powerpoint presentation
  • Proven track record in project management and leading initiatives
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with senior leaders, Function Heads, and team members both locally and globally
  • Able to work in complex situations and deliver projects according to timelines
  • Able to work on multiple tasks concurrently

Locations

Shanghai, China

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 - 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 2024.
  • 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.

Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality


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