Director, Design & Delivery, DQS & Global Regions DDT

Role Summary

The Director, Design & Delivery, DQS & Global Regions DDT will lead the global technical product strategy across Takeda’s Data & Quantitative Sciences (DQS) and R&D Global Regions DD&T portfolio. This includes oversight of key domains such as Programming, Statistical Computing, Global Evidence, Quantitative Pharmacology & Translational Sciences, Pharmacovigilance and R&D Global Regions. The role advances Takeda’s R&D pipeline by shaping and delivering innovative, compliant, and business-aligned digital solutions that enable data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, and regulatory success across the DQS landscape, leveraging AI-enabled technologies to accelerate delivery of safe and effective medicines. The candidate will lead a global team of product managers and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure technology platforms are forward-looking, robust, and optimized to support faster, safer development outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic product roadmap supporting the Data and Quantitative Science and R&D Global Regions Strategy, including platforms for statistical programming (e.g., SAS, R, Python), advanced analytics, real-world evidence, quantitative pharmacology, translational sciences, and pharmacovigilance technologies; enable automated data quality checks, scalable cloud infrastructure, and AI/ML/GenAI tools while maintaining governance, security, and compliance across global operations.
• Ensure platforms are integrated, compliant, and user-centric across all business areas.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global product management team; foster a product-driven culture grounded in Takeda’s values.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across DQS, Global Development, and IT delivery to align technology strategies with evolving business needs.
• Integrate emerging technologies (automation, AI/ML, NLP, digital submissions, real-time safety monitoring) into the product portfolio to drive innovation in quantitative sciences and pharmacovigilance.
• Ensure all products are developed and maintained in compliance with global regulations (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, ICH, EMA, FDA, PMDA) 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 DQS & Global Regions product leadership in governance forums, investment planning committees, and external industry working groups as needed.
• Ensure alignment of product solutions to Takeda’s short and long-term goals; lead and mentor POD Owners, Technical Leads, Business Analysts, and Quality Engineers.
• Provide guidance and coaching to team members, review performance, and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, drive cross-functional collaboration, and ensure smooth project/product delivery.
• Handle risk management, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and timelines to ensure timely delivery within budget and quality standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS) strongly preferred.
• Required: 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D technology or digital product leadership roles.
• Required: Demonstrated ability to lead product teams through complex, validated environments using modern product management and agile delivery frameworks.
• Required: Strategic thinker with outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Required: Proven success managing global teams, product portfolios, and vendor ecosystems.
• Required: 7 years of experience in a leadership role within a technology or product development environment.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business or a related field.

Skills

• Technical: Familiarity with platforms such as TAGG for SAS, Sycamore, Argus, Veeva Clinical, TrackWise, Medidata; knowledge of modern safety signal detection and automation tools.
• Strong passion for transforming development operations through ethical, patient-centered innovation.
• Knowledge of current industry trends and emerging technologies within the R&D Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences sectors.
• Knowledge of product areas and key trends; knowledge of project management principles and methodologies with a track record of delivering complex technology projects.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS) strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred (Information Technology, Business or related field).