Head Strategy and Quality Operations

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Job Description
OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE
The Head of Strategy and Quality Operations (SBO) for Global Quality is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the strategic direction of the Global Quality (GQ) organization. This role partners closely with the GQ Leadership Team (GQLT) to drive enterprise-wide alignment, operational excellence, and transformation initiatives that support Takeda's mission to become the most trusted, science-driven, digital biopharmaceutical company.
Leadership/People:
No. of direct reports: 6
No. of indirect reports: 40+
Geographic Scope:: Global
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development, refinement, and execution of the Global Quality strategy in alignment with enterprise priorities and long-term vision.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable roadmaps and performance metrics aligned from global enterprise to site and function
• Serve as a thought partner to the GQO and GQLT, providing insights on industry trends, benchmarking, and innovation opportunities.

Business Operations & Governance

• Oversee the operational rhythm of the GQ organization, including business reviews, MYC/MRP cycles, and strategic performance management.
• Drive portfolio management, resource optimization, and cross-functional coordination across GQ functions.
• Ensure effective governance structures and decision-making forums are in place and operating efficiently.
• Proactively identify and facilitate removal of potential roadblocks in delivering the strategic portfolio
• Track enterprise wide performance metrics to measure progress

Transformation & Excellence

• Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, including digital enablement, process redesign, and capability building.
• Lead enterprise-wide change management planning and execution
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence through AOS deployment and best practice sharing.
• Coach and mentor for transformation leads within the organization

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Act as a key liaison between GQ and enterprise functions such as GMS, Biolife, VBU, USBU, Finance, HR, DD&T, and R&D.
• Facilitate transparent communication and alignment across global teams, including preparation of executive-level presentations and updates.
• Build and maintain strong network of internal and external stakeholders

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS
Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise

• Ability to develop strategy and roadmap to enable Takeda to fulfil its commitment to quality within its overall vision (Integration oversight and deliverables, Change and Organizational Capabilities, Strategic planning and PMO, Enterprise interface, governance, reporting).

Leadership

• A firm grasp of industry, scientific and regulatory trends and market conditions, to develop mid and long term strategy
• Full alignment with all GQ Operating Units, with HR, GMS Finance & Communications.
• Build a patient-centered best in class organization, develop diverse talent and elevate organizational performance

Decision-making and Autonomy

• DOA to be determined in line with new TMAP
• Full accountability for decisions on the day-to-day operation of this function
• Decisions are complex, they impact several thousand employees

Interaction

• Full alignment with all GQ Operating Units, with HR, GMS Finance & Communications

Innovation

• Unique contribution of thought, experience, background, and skills in developing a learning organization and driving change
• A firm grasp of industry, scientific and regulatory trends, understands market conditions, and develops strategies to evolve Takeda's regulatory profile to become the model for the industry

Complexity

• Global strategic role.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
Education / experience

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, or transformation roles, preferably within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives at a global scale.
• Proven track record of leading organizational change
• Strong analytical, financial acumen, and business planning capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Experience working in a matrixed, multicultural environment.
• Deep understanding of quality systems, regulatory frameworks, and GxP environments.

• Demonstrated expertise in digital transformation, including:
  • Leading the adoption of digital tools and platforms (e.g., data lakes, AI/ML, automation, cloud-based systems).
  • Driving digital maturity assessments and roadmaps across global functions.
  • Partnering with IT/Digital teams to implement scalable, compliant digital solutions.
  • Leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decisions and performance tracking.
• Experience with enterprise performance management tools and digital dashboards.
• Lean SixSigma Blackbelt
• Experience in assessing and managing risk.
• Executive presence with the ability to engage credibly with senior leadership and external stakeholders

Core Competencies / Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Current on local and global regulations
• Digital and analytical skills
• Investigation and problem solving
• Strong communication skills engaging stakeholders: site, business, network, company, regulators
• Risk identification, evaluation and management
• Continuous improvement

Leadership Behaviors

• Strategic enterprise thinking, finding innovative ways to serve patients build reputation and trust
• Creating the environment that inspires and enables people
• Focusing on the few priorities and provide superior results
• Elevating capabilities for now and the future

#GMSGQ #LI-LA1 #ZR1
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:
Lexington, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range:
$255,800.00 - $401,940.00
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.
Locations
Lexington, MACHE - Glattpark (Opfikon) - Zurich HQ
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Job Exempt
Yes
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