Research Enablement Lead, Director

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Kanagawa, JPN
Hybrid
Healthtech • Software • Analytics • Biotech • Pharmaceutical • Manufacturing
Takeda exists to create better health for people, brighter future for the world.
The Role
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Job Description
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, Director supports a specific drug discovery unit (DDUs) or platform group in the delivery of critical Research priorities, serving as the sub-functions de facto Chief of Staff. Reporting to the Head, Japan Enablement Leads, the Lead plays a crucial role in the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of functional 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 closely 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.
  • 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 a cooperative work environment.
  • Facilitates connections between Research Functions and Research Strategy & Operations experts to ensure aligned enterprise solutions.
  • 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 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.
  • Fosters a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices, developing standardized processes, and promoting knowledge sharing across the organization.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):
  • Expected 12+ years related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with expertise in drug discovery and Takeda therapeutic areas, experience in Small Molecule Chemistry is 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, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
  • Effective 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 knowledge of business operations planning, change management, analytics, and reporting
  • Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in a scientific discipline preferred

What Takeda can offer you:
Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.
Salary Increase: Annually
Bonus Payment: Twice a year Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-
16:45, (Narita) 8:45-5:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45 Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year) Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.
Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework
Click here to find out Takeda's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Better Health, Brighter Future
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:
  • Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.
  • Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year
  • Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45
  • Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)
  • Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.
  • Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework
  • Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:
  • It is possible the job scope may change at the company's discretion.
  • It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company's discretion.

Locations
Fujisawa, Japan
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time

Takeda Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Takeda and has not been reviewed or approved by Takeda.

  • Retirement Support Retirement funding includes a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match with immediate vesting and an additional age- and service-based company contribution, plus access to an employee stock purchase plan. These features materially expand total compensation beyond base pay.
  • Parental & Family Support Family support includes fully paid bonding leave for all parents, reimbursed adoption/surrogacy and doula expenses via Maven, and breast-milk shipping for work travel. Backup child, adult, and elder care through Bright Horizons further strengthens caregiving support.
  • Healthcare Strength Medical coverage offers nationwide PPO and HSA-PPO options with preventive care covered, alongside regional HMO choices where applicable and integrated pharmacy benefits. Round-the-clock assistance and virtual behavioral health access complement the core medical plans.

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The Company
HQ: Cambridge, MA
50,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1781

What We Do

For over 240 years, Takeda’s propensity to evolve has driven the next generation of innovation, and as a future-focused organization, we’re continuing to drive forward with endurance in our steadfast pursuit to achieve the best outcomes for our patients in a rapidly changing world.  We have been preparing for this period of value creation by investing in data, digital and technology, and we’re proud of our employees and their commitment to turning groundbreaking ideas into life-changing impacts.   Since our founding in Japan, integrity and putting patients first have been at the heart of our identity, and we will emerge ready for our future as one of the most trusted and science-driven digital biopharmaceutical companies. Join a team where your innovation impacts lives.   Together, we’ll realize improved outcomes by improving data quality, enhancing launch execution and improving the patient journey. You’ll play a critical role in accelerating data collection and increasing accuracy across all parts of the business. Patients across the globe will benefit from access to treatments afforded by greater opportunities and efficiency in our research and development.  

Why Work With Us

We connect to our history and Japanese heritage through everything we do to bring our purpose, values, vision, and imperatives to life. We are committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients. Being a part of Takeda means having the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

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