Senior Director, Design & Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences; Hybrid

Job Description

We are looking for an exceptional leader to head the global digital product strategy across Takeda’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Digital Data & Technology (DDT) portfolio, driving innovation and operational excellence throughout the CMC lifecycle.

The Head of Design & Delivery, Pharm Sci will lead the global digital product strategy across Takeda’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Digital Data & Technology (DDT) portfolio driving innovation and operational excellence across the CMC lifecycle.

This leadership role is accountable for shaping and delivering innovative, compliant, and business‑aligned digital solution. You will manage a global team of product managers and work cross‑functionally to ensure Takeda’s technology platforms are innovation‑modern, scalable, and enable faster, delivery of medicines to patients.

• Drive the delivery strategy for multi‑year enterprise impacting programs and products including critical digital transformation initiatives such as Aedificus Fortis (AF), In Silico First and digitization of internal clinical manufacturing projects
• Elevate the product management teams to be seen as strategic partners ensuring delivery of fit for purpose digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of Pharm Sci and beyond
• Define and execute the strategic product roadmap across Pharm Sci products including but not limited:
  Scientific Data products (Tetrascience, ECM, SDMS). GMP Clinical Manufacturing products (MES, ERP, MODA, LIMS). Knowledge management product (PLM, R&D Search). Drug and Device Management Lab Validation.
• Structure and resource product teams based on demand planning to support strategic roadmaps
• Ensure platforms are integrated, compliant, and user‑centric across all business areas.
• Build, upskill, and lead a high‑performing global product management team. Foster a product‑driven agile culture to support delivery excellence
• Collaborate with senior leaders across Pharm Sci, Research and RDDT including Business Partners, Tech Services, Data and AI delivery to align technology strategies with evolving business needs.
• Identify and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., automation, AI/ML, NLP) into the product portfolio to drive operational excellence and innovation in CMC and device design
• Ensure all products are developed and maintained in compliance with global regulations (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, FDA) and Takeda’s quality and risk management standards.
• Work closely with architecture, engineering, quality, and data teams to ensure scalable and interoperable solutions across R&D.
• Represent Pharm Sci product leadership in strategic governance forums, investment planning committees, and external regulatory or industry working groups as needed.
• Ensures alignment of product solutions to Takeda’s short and long‑term goals, both tactical and strategic.
• Leads and mentors Product Oriented Delivery (POD) Leads, Technical Leads, Business Analysts, and Quality Engineers, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment.
• Provides guidance and coaching to team members and teams, reviewing and assessing team performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Drive alignment between POD capacity and evolving business needs ensuring agility in responding to high impact initiatives
• Responsible for stakeholder management, driving cross‑functional collaboration, cross‑enterprise influence and communication to ensure smooth project/product delivery and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
• Handles risk management, identifying potential project/product risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Oversees project budgets, resource allocation, and timelines to ensure timely delivery of projects within budget and in adherence to quality standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS) strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D technology or digital product leadership roles, with deep expertise across Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Strong understanding of CMC processes, GxP, regulatory compliance…