Sr. Director, Strategic Planning and Business Operations

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.  I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

Sr. Director, Strategic Planning and Business Operations

Cambridge, MA

Onsite/Hybrid

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE

• The Senior Director, Strategic Planning and Business Operations will report to the SVP, Head of Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T), Plasma Derived Therapies (PDT) and serve as a strategic partner to the Global DD&T and PDT leadership team. This role is responsible for shaping long-term technology strategy, aligning with enterprise planning, driving performance management (KPIs, OKRs, metrics), and leading executive-level communications and business reviews. The role requires a strong presence, analytical rigor, critical thinking and problem-solving ability to translate complex strategies into compelling narratives for senior stakeholders.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of long-range strategic plans in partnership with the SVP, Head of DD&T PDT and Strategy & Planning teams.
• Drive the performance management agenda across Global Technology, including the definition, tracking, and reporting of KPIs, OKRs, and other success metrics.
• Serve as the architect and facilitator of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), ensuring alignment, accountability, and visibility across the organization.
• Build and deliver high-impact executive presentations and strategic narratives for senior leadership forums, board updates, and global communications.
• Drive Digital Transformation Initiatives: Lead efforts to integrate digital technologies into all areas of the business, fundamentally changing how the organization operates and delivers value to customers.
• Develop and Implement Risk Management Strategies: Identify potential risks to the business and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Oversee Change Management Processes: Ensure that change initiatives are implemented smoothly and successfully, and that lasting benefits are achieved.
• Partners with Finance, HR, and cross-functional teams to ensure strategic initiatives are resourced, sequenced, and measured effectively.
• Process owner for PDT DD&T for streamlining new ways of working across the ecosystem including the process for workforce resourcing (employees which includes Innovation Capability Centers (ICCs) resourcing, vendors, etc.
• Lead a team of strategy and performance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain strategic operating rhythms, including annual planning, mid-year reviews, and strategic offsites.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive benchmarks, and emerging technologies to inform strategic direction and innovation opportunities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing insights and recommendations that shape enterprise-wide technology decisions.
• Ensure alignment between strategic priorities and operational execution through close collaboration with Global DD&T, Commercial, GMS, R&D, and Engineering teams.
• Lead a high performing team of directors and managers – provide strategic vision for the department while also balancing near-term deliverables
• Ensure professional development, performance management, and succession planning activities to build and retain a high-performing team
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that aligns with the organization's values and mission

Leadership  

• Demonstrated ability to work across functions, regions and cultures
• Functional level leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate and drive results
• 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
• Demonstrates leadership presence and confidence
• Embraces and demonstrates a diversity and inclusion mindset and role models these behaviors for the organization
• Build teams across functions and geographies with individuals who have the right skills and experience to deliver on key organizational initiatives.
• Invests time in helping others to enhance their skills and perform at a higher level

Decision-making and Autonomy

• Decision making responsibilities:
  • Provide input to highly complex decisions that impact the functional area
  • Accountable for decision making for designated function
  • Ability to seek diverse input from multiple constituents and stakeholders to drive innovative solutions
  • Ability to incorporate feedback and ensure decisions are implemented swiftly to yield flawless execution 
• Accountable for providing input to and implementing vision and strategy for designated scope

Interaction

• Effectively navigates the changing external and internal environment and leads others through change by creating an 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

Innovation

• 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

Complexity

• Ability to work in a global ecosystem (internal and external) with a high degree of complexity
• Deep expertise required
• Ability to see and understand broader, enterprise level perspective 

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS: 

• Bachelor's degree in technology required, MBA or advanced degree in Business, Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in technology strategy, performance management, or enterprise planning roles.
• Proven track record of leading strategic planning and performance management in a global, matrixed organization.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with experience preparing materials for Senior Leadership audiences.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing without authority.
• Strong organizational skills to manage deadlines, communicate strategy, and ensure readiness for strategic objectives
• Structured and methodical, yet adaptable to changing needs and innovation
• Experience working across diverse teams and enabling change
• Deep understanding of technology trends, digital transformation, and innovation frameworks.
• Experience working with external consultants and managing strategic partnerships.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in complex environments.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word), Smartsheet, and performance dashboards.
• Comfortable working across global, hybrid, and virtual teams
• Direct experience in the pharmaceutical industry or related field required
• Previous experience leading a medium to large organization and influencing senior-level management and key stakeholders is a plus
• Proven track record of leading and driving business process transformation and organizational culture change as well as delivering on programs with complex business deliverables
• Track record of successful leadership, management, and development of large, multi-disciplinary globally dispersed teams. Strong judge of talent with the ability to make tough talent decisions.
• Health care business acumen with a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry

WHAT TAKEDA CAN OFFER YOU:

• 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan

• Tuition reimbursement Company match of charitable contributions

• Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings

• Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days

• Community Outreach Programs

Empowering Our People to Shine Discover more at

No Phone Calls or Recruiters Please.

This job posting excludes Colorado applicants.

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. 

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$208, $327,140.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. 

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation. 

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.

LocationsBoston, MAWorker TypeEmployeeWorker Sub-TypeRegularTime TypeFull time

Job Exempt

YesIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

---