R&D Head Digital, Data, & Technology (DD&T)

at  Takeda Pharmaceutical

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ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategy: Lead at the intersection of technology with R&D, developing and implementing breakthrough strategies that harness the full potential of data, digital, and technology to drive R&D success. Guide the highly cross-functional R&D DD&T team, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic growth with significant senior executive visibility, positioning Takeda as a leader in digital biopharmaceutical R&D. Develop, communicate, and execute a comprehensive R&D DD&T strategy and roadmap with a clear vision that aligns to Takeda’s DD&T strategy and enables our R&D objectives and long-term goals, while ensuring accountability and responsibility for the strategy’s success. Management: Lead the evolution of the technology, data and digital teams within R&D, promoting efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence. This role ensures delivery and change management across the organization, with significant direct budget accountability and accountability for a large reporting line. Internal & External Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with internal and external innovators to enhance our R&D strategy and pipeline. Partner with R&D leaders, and extended Takeda DD&T teams to align and enhance R&D efforts. Provide subject matter expertise on the evaluation of enterprise partnership and business development opportunities. Uphold direct accountability for ensuring alignment and successful partnership outcomes. Project Execution: Build and maintain robust delivery and support systems that leverage cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics to meet evolving R&D needs, with a direct focus on continuous improvement. Oversee the execution of high-impact projects. Ensure direct accountability for the project’s success and alignment with broader DD&T strategy.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

The R&D Head DD&T has a “double major” in both R&D and DD&T with extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, specifically across the R&D continuum. They have demonstrated experience in integrating the diverse internal and external expertise needed to bring new medicines to patients to address the external regulatory, compliance, legal and reputational elements of our business. They have both business, management and operational expertise. This role requires strong leadership skills as well as the ability to approach situations from a creative point of view.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical/scientific field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering; graduate degree preferred (MD/PhD/MSc).
• Extensive biopharma industry experience in roles of progressive responsibility, including previous roles in drug development or research.
• Extensive experience in digital strategy, data management, or technology leadership roles within the pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare industries.
• Proven track record of success in leading/managing large-scale technology projects, digital transformation initiatives and data driven decision making processes, especially in an R&D or innovation environment.
• Technical proficiency and experience with modern and up and coming technologies/solutions such as cloud computing, big data, AI and machine learning and industry leading digital platforms and their application in regulated industries
• Experience working with global regulatory bodies and ensuring technology compliance in highly regulated environments

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Strategic Vision & Leadership (Vision, strategy and business alignment, people management, communication, influencing others, managing change)

• Strategic Mindset. Ability to translate digital and data trends into actionable business strategies.
• Stakeholder Leadership. Ability to influence and lead senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams within a matrixed global organization. Challenge the status quo in support of new ways of working and bring others along on the change journey with them.
• Trusted advisor. Engages others in collaborative working relationships. Acts as internal consultant who drives results.
• Connector. Demonstrates an enterprise mindset. Defines success from various perspectives to develop best solutions for the organization. Makes connections to people, goals, and programs within R&D and across the enterprise. Sees opportunities beyond own role or function.
• Developer of Talent: Prioritizes employee engagement and talent development, creating an environment where people form diverse backgrounds can thrive, meaningfully build capabilities and grow their careers.

Innovation (The required level of scientific knowledge, knowledge sharing, innovation and risk taking)

• Passion for innovation, with a demonstrated ability to foster a culture of experimentation and rapid iteration.
• Experience and/or deep understanding of contemporary digital trends (i.e. big data, data science, RPA, AI, etc.) and the ability to stay ahead of industry trends and leverage them for competitive advantage in drug development

Collaboration and Communication (The span and nature of one’s engagement with others when performing one’s job, internal and external relationships)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Able to persuasively convey both ideas and data verbally and in writing across diverse audiences
• Proven track record of collaboration with internal R&D Teams, the central global Data, Digital and Technology teams, other business units/functions across the organization, and external partners including startups, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies

Decision-making and Autonomy (The capacity and authority to make organizational decisions, autonomy in decision-making, complexity of decisions, impact of decisions, problem-solving)

• Ability to make, influence, and evaluate decisions involving the technology architecture and roadmap as it aligns with business strategy
• Capacity to independently solve complex problems.
• Minimizes complexity. Translates complex decisions and change initiatives into prioritized and integrated processes.

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise (Breadth and depth of knowledge, application and complexity of technical knowledge)

• Deep understanding of AI/ML, data analytics, cloud computing and their applications in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Proficiency in managing large, complex datasets, including real-world data, clinical trial data and bioinformatics
• Knowledge of advanced drug discovery technologies such as computational chemistry, genomics and proteomics.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements in drug development and the use of digital tools and data in clinical settings
• Familiarity with data privacy laws and ethical considerations related to patient data
• Strong understanding of external business environment and industry trends

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy

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.

Please refer the Job description for details