Head of Research Operations

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Job Description

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine?

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.

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE:

• Define goals and assess operational effectiveness of Takeda Global Research functions and individual project teams
• Own’s operational excellence – design, implement and monitor for Drug Discovery Units and Research line functions through (i) IT, (ii) Finance/Legal, (iii) Procurement, and (iv) Quality, Data Privacy
• Responsible for devising and implementing global operational strategies and initiatives using cutting edge data and digital approaches for process improvement, aimed at fostering efficiency and driving innovation across Research.
• Owns contract and vendor management for key Research partners
• Overseeing and managing Research Operations budget annually while ensuring financial stability and effective resource allocation
• R&D representative for Research on global projects and initiatives (including Risk Register, Data Risk Management)
• Lead and coach the Research Operations teams at the Boston, San Diego and Shonan Takeda locations

ACCOUNTABILITIES:  

• Work with senior Research leadership to define innovative research operational KPIs, tracking these KPIs across Research groups and projects
• Recommend operational improvements to be driven within and beyond the Research Operations group, informed by strategy review, internal benchmarks, competitive intelligence
• Oversee Research Ops IT: work with IT to design and deliver fit-for-purpose Research systems and applications
• Oversee Research Ops Finance/Legal: act as Research point of contact for Legal, Compliance, and external parties, track and predict resource utilization, provide data for financial planning process, create customized financial analysis for Research audience
• Oversee Research Ops Procurement: collaborate with Global Procurement to design global outsourcing strategy to promote technology access and flexiblie capacity, perform contracting and manage vendor resources
• Oversee Research Ops Training: lead professional development program for Research colleagues that is consistent across Research sites, compile and standardize training materials for tools and processes supported by the department, maintain all necessary accreditations and credentialing for Research groups
• Spearhead and successfully execute worldwide endeavors aimed at enhancing processes and achieving operational excellence.  Streamlining administrative tasks for scientists to boost the Research pipeline.
• Build, evolve and expand the Business Operations, Lab Operations, Site Operations, Strategic Vendor Partnerships verticals and teams, all of whom support global Research functions in Boston, Shonan and San Diego
• Lead and oversee systems and automation into business processes to reduce cycle times and improve efficiencies – collaborate with Corporate IT and R&D Technology functions.
•  oversight of facilities, EHS, Lab Operations) for Research
• Drive and lead R&D Capital Projects,
• Identity, create and drive new verticals and strategic initiatives with direct impact to drive Research portfolio and pipeline
• Leading a diverse team of professionals and contributing to a diverse, harmonious and inclusive environment
• Chair bi-weekly global Research Operations Agility meetings that are expanded to incorporate colleagues across R&D, with a particular emphasis on fostering connections and collaborations with business partners across Takeda (DDT, Ethics & Compliance, CEI, Quality, Global Publications, etc.)
• Strong understanding of drug discovery activities in context of Research line functions and project teams
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to act independently through complex cross-functional matrices and international sites.
• Strong analytical skills supported by use of digital solutions
• Proactive, resourceful, self-motivated and possesses good interpersonal skills to interact professionally with all levels in the organization.
• Desirable Has experience of working through virtual and/or matrix team models
• Excellent general problem solving skills and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and to simplify and organize complex tasks.
• Desirable Accurate and precise communication skills are necessary with experience of international partnerships with multiple international contributors to individual projects.
• Track record of successful leadership of matrix teams.
• Proven track record of identifying and solving for bottle neck's/barriers to efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to work across functions, regions and cultures
• Enterprise level leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate and drive results
• Ability to present complex information clearly and with confidence
• Excellent communicator, able to persuasively convey both ideas and data, verbally and in writing
• Proven skills as an effective team player who can engender credibility and confidence within and outside the company
• Ability to distil complex issues and ideas down to simple comprehensible terms
• Embraces and demonstrates a diversity and inclusion mindset and role models these behaviors for the organization. Ensures and encourages diversity
• Effectively navigates the changing external and internal environment and leads others through change by creating and inspiring and engaging workplace
• Cultivates a broad network of relationships throughout Takeda, with affiliates and external partners, in the industry and area of expertise.
• Effectively represents function in negotiations with the ability to resolve conflict in a constructive manner
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with other interfacing Takeda functions
• Forward thinking with the ability to recommend, influence and implement organizational change and continuous innovation
• Comfortable challenging the status quo and bringing forward innovative solutions
• Ability to take risks implementing innovative solutions, accelerating time to market
• Identifies opportunities and anticipates changes in the business landscape through an understanding and ongoing assessment of the environment affecting the business.
• Role models respect and inclusion, creating a culture that fosters innovation
• Ability to work in a global ecosystem (internal and external) with a high degree of complexity
• Ability to see and understand broader, enterprise level perspective

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Expected Advanced degree (MS, MA, MBA) with 15+ years experience, or Bachelors with 20+ years experience with at least 9 years of managerial experience in related field preferred but may not be required based on industrial experience in a biotech/pharma R&D setting. Has a proven track record in successfully building teams and driving portfolio progression.
• Is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of Drug Discovery to IND and has a solid foundation in translational sciences and early clinical development. Is likely to have worked as a scientist in drug discovery
• Has strong leadership skills and acumen.
• Capable of leading a matrixed team comprised of scientists from within Takeda as well as external collaborators.
• Shows cross-cultural understanding to utilize the diverse talents and has demonstrated ability to manage teams to maximize the organizational productivity
• Deep experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with a demonstrable deep understanding of drug discovery & development practices and significant experience in biotechnology / pharmaceutical field.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Will manage globally coordinated work product, possibly with direct reports at multiple locations. Approximately 25% travel may be required.  Domestic and international flights with overnight stays are required.

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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.

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EEO Statement

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.

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