Associate Manager, R&D Contract Management

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OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE

This global, business-facing contract delivery role, supports Takeda R&D teams to engage with external partners efficiently and compliantly, enabling research activities and supplier collaboration,
The role, based in Lodz, Poland, operates globally and requires strong organization and communication skills.

• Support the delivery of simple contracts, including Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), simple Statements of Work (SOWs), and related amendments, in alignment with Takeda policies and procedures.
• Manage purchase order (PO) management and transactional support activities, including invoice follow-up, record maintenance, and related system transactions.
• Manage supplier onboarding and supplier master data updates through applicable systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness of records.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across R&D, Procurement, Finance, Compliance, Quality, and Legal to support timely, compliant, and efficient contract and transaction processing.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the end-to-end processing of simple contracts, including CDAs, simple SOWs, and amendments, from intake through execution and closeout.
• Partner with R&D requestors to clarify business needs and gather required information for contract and transactional processing.
• Prepare, route, track, and maintain simple agreements using approved templates, systems, and workflows.
• Coordinate with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Compliance, Quality, and external parties, as needed, to support contract execution and issue resolution.
• Manage supplier onboarding and supplier updates in applicable systems, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Manage purchase order creation, PO tracking, invoice reconciliation, accrual inputs, and other transactional activities related to contracts and supplier engagement.
• Maintain accurate contract, supplier, and transaction records in relevant systems and repositories.
• Ensure assigned activities are completed in compliance with Takeda policies, financial controls, quality requirements, and applicable healthcare compliance requirements.
• Identify routine process issues, escalate risks or exceptions appropriately, and recommend practical improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Provide reliable day-to-day support to internal stakeholders and contribute to a collaborative and service-oriented team environment

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise

• Excellent understanding of contracting requirements in line with Takeda policies and external regulations.
• Negotiation skills (internal and external facing)
• Foundational understanding of contract administration, procurement operations, and transactional support processes.
• Ability to manage simple contracts and routine transactions with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously and follow through to completion.
• Good problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, gather relevant information, and escalate when appropriate.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work across functions and geographies.
• Working knowledge of applicable systems and tools, such as Ariba, ServiceNow, Microsoft Office, and other contract or supplier management systems.
• Understanding of Takeda policies, standard processes, industry regulations, and compliance requirements relevant to contract and transaction support.
   

Leadership

• Demonstrates accountability and professionalism in day-to-day work.
• Communicates clearly and works effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Builds collaborative working relationships across functions and geographies.
• Supports team goals and contributes to a positive, inclusive, and service-oriented work environment.
• May provide informal guidance or support to less experienced colleagues on routine activities.
• Champion diversity.

 Decision-making and Autonomy

• Exercises sound judgment in handling routine contract and transactional activities within established guidelines and procedures.
• Works independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance on non-routine, higher-risk, or more complex issues.
• Escalates issues, risks, and exceptions in a timely manner to ensure compliant and efficient resolution.
• Supports implementation of decisions and process changes effectively and accurately

Interaction

• Works closely with R&D, Procurement, Finance, Compliance, Legal, Quality, and other internal stakeholders to support simple contract and transaction delivery.
• Interacts with external suppliers and partners, as needed, to support onboarding, documentation, and routine issue resolution.
• Builds effective working relationships and collaborates across Takeda functions and geographies.

Innovation

• Identifies opportunities to improve routine processes, data quality, and transaction efficiency.
• Contributes ideas to simplify work, improve user experience, and enhance compliance.
• Supports a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and inclusion.

Complexity

• Works in a global environment with multiple stakeholders, systems, and process requirements.
• Manages routine to moderately complex work within defined processes and escalates issues outside standard scope.
• Balances quality, compliance, timeliness, and customer service in day-to-day execution.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, law, procurement, or a related field preferred
• English proficiency essential, including the ability to work with English-language contractual and business documentation.
• Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience in business operations, contract management, procurement operations or transactional support, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry or a similar regulatory environment.
• Experience supporting simple contracts, supplier onboarding, purchase order management, or related operational processes.
• Basic understanding of contract terms, contracting workflows, and procurement-related controls.
• Familiarity with healthcare compliance requirements and general contracting processes is preferred.
• Comfortable using systems and applications such as Ariba, ServiceNow, Microsoft Office, and other relevant business tools.
• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a global matrix environment and collaborate across functions and geographies.
• Comfortable using technology applications including but not limited to Ariba, ServiceNow and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and SharePoint), Power Bi and Power automate.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify routine process enhancements and support implementation.

We offer a truly collaborative, purpose-driven environment where innovation, integrity, and patient focus are at the heart of everything we do.

This role follows a hybrid working model to support both flexibility and team collaboration.

At Takeda, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our ability to deliver for patients.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Takeda is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to advancing innovative medicines across gastroenterology, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience, and vaccines.

Warsaw, Poland

Base Salary Range:

zł138,300.00 - zł190,190.00

For information about our benefits, please click here.