Executive Recruiter

Takeda•Boston, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a results-driven Executive Recruiter at the Associate Director level to serve as a strategic partner in Takeda’s Executive Search function, supporting the company’s most senior talent planning and hiring needs. This role partners with business leaders globally to identify, assess, and secure top executive talent that enables growth, strengthens leadership capability, and drives business performance. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the life sciences market and executive talent landscape, along with the ability to translate business priorities into effective hiring strategies. In this role, you will collaborate closely with executive stakeholders across the enterprise, acting as a trusted advisor on workforce planning and executive recruitment strategies for VP+ level searches. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, as you will regularly engage with senior leaders and maintain a high level of visibility across the organization. The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership with hands-on execution, leading senior-level searches while helping shape the broader executive hiring approach. This role also includes mentoring team members, driving operational excellence, and developing talent strategies that deliver meaningful business outcomes. A strong focus on candidate experience and the ability to attract exceptional leadership talent will be critical to reinforcing Takeda’s reputation as an employer of choice. This is a hybrid role based out of our Cambridge, Massachusetts office. Candidates must live within a commutable distance and be able to work from the office a minimum of five (5) days per month. Fully remote or travel‑in arrangements are not supported.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of talent acquisition and executive search experience, including recruitment for R&D, Medical Affairs, and Global Supply Quality related roles within the life sciences industry.
Proven success in structuring, negotiating, and closing complex executive-level offers.
Demonstrated ability to build credibility with and influence senior leaders across the organization.
Strong relationship management, communication, and organizational skills.
Experience managing full-cycle executive search processes from strategy through close.
Commitment to delivering a high-touch, white-glove candidate and stakeholder experience with speed and efficiency.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Responsibilities

Lead internal and external senior-level searches primarily in R&D, Medical Affairs, & Global Supply Quality (GSQ), delivering a high-touch, white-glove executive search experience.
Own end-to-end global executive recruitment, including proactive identification and engagement of talent for current and future opportunities.
In partnership with Talent Intelligence, develop and apply market insights and talent intelligence to inform senior leaders and shape executive-level attraction strategies.
Collaborate across HR (HR, Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Development) to build trusted relationships with executive and leadership teams to effective partner to deliver results.
Manage milestones and timelines across executive search projects; identify risks/issues and adjust plans, timelines, or resources to ensure successful delivery.
Monitor, analyze, and report on key talent acquisition metrics, including cost avoidance, for the Global Executive Search function.
Drive continuous improvement in executive search processes and outcomes.
Nurture and manage third-party agency relationships to augment executive search delivery as needed.