Director, Research Enablement Lead

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a (Title) 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.

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 Research Enablement Lead supports a specific drug discovery unit (DDUs) or platform group in the delivery of critical Research priorities, serving as a senior business leader and as the sub-functions de facto Chief of Staff. Reporting to the Head of Research Enablement or directly to the Head of Strategic Operations, the Lead plays a crucial role in the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of functional organization and projects. They are responsible for driving operational efficiency, fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality research outcomes.  

Accountabilities:                                                                                                                                         

• Partners with Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Platform senior leadership to coordinate and prioritize activities, ensuring efficient use of resources, and monitoring progress towards goals and milestones with a long-term strategic mindset. 

• Provides strategic and operational support to Research leaders including change and project management, ensuring functional alignment to Research priorities 

• Supports DDU and Platform senior leadership in managing and allocating resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to support functional activities and optimize productivity. 

• Proactively identifies areas for process improvement within functional operations, escalating to Operations leadership when necessary.

• Facilitates collaboration and communication among different teams and stakeholders, fostering cooperative work environment and a single Research mindset. 

• Engages with internal and external stakeholders, such as researchers, collaborators, and functional leadership, to understand and address needs in alignment with Research priorities. 

• Ensures smooth cross-functional liaisons with critical functions such as Legal, Finance, Sourcing, HR, and scientific teams to facilitate project success. 

• Facilitates navigation of organizational processes and procedures, rapidly addresses/escalate bottlenecks or issues 

• Identifies potential mid- and long-term risks and challenges that may impact functional operations, proactively addressing issues to minimize disruptions. 

• Identifies and develops programs to meet research staff training requirements in alignment with Research priorities. 

Education & Competencies :
 

• Expected 10 years related experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with expertise in drug discovery and Takeda therapeutic areas 

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in a scientific discipline preferred 

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels 

• Excellent project management and organizational skills 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams 

• Strong knowledge of drug discovery and development processes, including preclinical and clinical research 

• 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 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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