Chief of Staff, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Role Summary

Chief of Staff, Pharmaceutical Sciences is responsible for driving the execution of the Pharm Sci strategy to improve business performance and organizational efficiency, increasing speed for CMC deliverables, and leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives with an emphasis on AI-forward projects. The role serves as the principal integrator and project leader for cross-functional programs, coordinating with senior leadership to deliver measurable value across global sites and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.

Responsibilities

• Drive the execution of Pharm Sci strategy to increase business performance, organizational efficiency while increasing speed for CMC deliverables, including AI-forward projects and mindset.
• Partner with PS, partners and leadership to identify, prioritize, and lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, focusing on increasing CMC productivity and ensuring CMC costs are financially sustainable with a growing R&D portfolio.
• Serve as the principal integrator and project leader for key cross-functional programs, ensuring alignment, transparency, and delivery of measurable value across global sites.
• Collaborate with lean experts and scientists to simplify processes and systems to improve agility and foster a high-performance culture.
• Drives and influences strategy, business performance, and transformation initiatives across the global Pharmaceutical Sciences organization with internal sites in Boston, Vienna, and Shonan and outsourcing partners.
• Lead cost optimization and business performance programs across internal and external CMC spend in partnership with Finance, R&D, Global Manufacturing & Supply, Global Quality and Commercial functions.
• Operate as an individual contributor with cross-functional team leadership to affect enterprise-wide priorities, efficiency, and cultural evolution while fostering an AI-forward mindset.
• Serve as strategic partner and advisor to the SVP, Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences, driving execution of the organization‚Äôs priorities.
• Direct and mobilize cross-functional project teams to deliver measurable business outcomes in cost, speed, and simplicity.
• Coordinate organization-wide strategic planning, communications, and progress tracking for the Pharm Sci Leadership Team, including PSLT and town halls.
• Integrate and align senior stakeholders across Pharm Sci, Finance, R&D, GMS and GQ to achieve collective success.
• Develop and deliver business analytics, executive presentations, and dashboards for key decision-makers.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment in alignment with Takeda‚Äôs values.

Education

• PhD, MS, or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field (required).

Skills

• Exceptional communication, quantitative, analytical, and collaborative skills.
• Strong cost management, business analytics, and operational excellence (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Ability to simplify complex information and communicate progress toward business outcomes.
• Ability to set clear vision, align stakeholders, and mobilize project teams to deliver bold goals.
• Outstanding judgment and the ability to drive outcomes in complex, ambiguous environments.
• Change-agent mindset, building buy-in for new ways of working and transformation initiatives.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and influence with senior leaders and diverse teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in CMC product development or related pharmaceutical/biopharma experience, with a track record of delivering complex programs at a global level.
• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex strategic/cost programs in a global, matrixed environment.
• Lean/operational excellence training or practical experience preferred.