Head of AI and Data Science Foundation

Takeda • Cambridge, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Takeda is on an exciting journey to transform the organization by harnessing the power of data, analytics, artificial intelligence, agentic and intelligent automation. The Head of AI and Data Science will set and drive the strategic direction, execution, and enterprise impact of Takeda’s AI Forward programs and AI initiatives (Agentic, Generative, and Data Science), translating these capabilities into an AI-enabled organization at scale. Reporting to the Head of AI and Data within the Data, Digital and Technology (DD&T) organization, this leader will shape and oversee the AI roadmap from concept through delivery across the Takeda Pharma Value Chain, BioLife Value Chain processes, and enterprise programmatic solutions. The role combines visionary technology leadership with hands-on execution, ensuring AI initiatives are prioritized, delivered at scale, and embedded into business workflows. Working closely with business and technology stakeholders, this leader will ensure AI solutions are aligned to strategic priorities, adopted by end users, and measured against clear business outcomes. The role will uphold Takeda’s standards for responsible, compliant, secure, and trustworthy AI throughout the solution lifecycle.

Requirements

• An advanced degree (M.S., PhD.) in mathematics, applied statistics, computer science, machine learning or similar
• 15+ years of experience in technology strategy, data analytics, or intelligent automation, with at least 3 years leading enterprise-level AI or digital transformation initiatives
• Proven experience in Pharma Industry
• Proven success in designing and maintaining AI, GenAI, Agentic AI systems at scale in production environments
• Deep expertise in modern AI and Agentic AI infrastructure and enterprise-grade system design
• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, Generative AI and Agentic platforms and Skills (e.g., Microsoft CoPilot, LLMs, Memory and knowledge management, planning and reasoning, multi-agent orchestration, Advance Prompt engineering)
• Business acumen and financial management skills
• AI Agent & LLM Experience: Demonstrated experience building AI agents, working with LLMs, and applying agentic patterns to automate complex workflows and business processes
• Continuous learning mindset and ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.
• Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide teams towards achieving product goals
• Communication & Storytelling: Ability to articulate transformation narratives that connect AI capabilities to business outcomes, making complex technical concepts accessible to executives, product leaders, and engineering teams alike.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Build strong relationships and foster a collaborative environment.
• Problem-Solving: Identify challenges and find innovative solutions.
• Strategic thinker with strong conceptualization skills, yet flexible and nimble in thinking and approach to problem solving.
• Demonstrate a can-do attitude and the ability to define success w/a bias towards action.
• Experience working within a complex organization and demonstrated ability to work across functions and regions, at all levels where the incumbent may not have direct authority.
• A self-starter attitude, thriving in dynamic environments, demonstrating ownership, accountability, and an ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Experience with data management and governance solutions such as Informatica or Collibra.

Responsibilities

• Lead Takeda’s enterprise AI strategy and roadmap, translating business priorities into scalable AI-enabled capabilities that create measurable impact across the organization.
• Shape the direction, operating model, and execution cadence for enterprise AI initiatives, ensuring focus, accountability, and sustained value delivery.
• Build and lead an AI Center of Excellence that serves as a catalyst for transformation by sharing best practices, enabling communities of practice, and mobilizing cross-functional expertise.
• Connect strategy to execution through clear value cases, adoption goals, outcome metrics, and compelling executive communication.
• Guide a portfolio of transformational AI initiatives (Game Changing and Process AI) across agentic AI, generative AI, intelligent automation, and data science, from ideation through deployment and enterprise scaling.
• Champion the use of AI to improve productivity, decision-making, customer experience, and operational effectiveness across Takeda’s global business functions with People experience function.
• Promote innovation through AI Labs, rapid experimentation, pilots, and MVPs, while scaling successful solutions into sustainable production capabilities.
• Co-Own the end-to-end AI product lifecycle with Head of AI & Data Products, including selection of the technology stack, data organization, context and prompt engineering, and model training.
• Partner with Head of AI and Data Governance to evolve enterprise AI & Data governance structures and processes.
• Partners with Data & AI engineering, architecture, data platforms, MLOps, AIOps, and LLMOps teams to establish reusable patterns for secure, reliable, and scalable AI delivery.
• Own practice level financials, including revenue, pipeline development, profitability and operating model design
• Ensure AI capabilities are scalable, reliable, and embedded effectively into operational processes.
• Evaluate and manage third-party vendors, tools, and platforms related to AI, automation, and data infrastructure.
• Oversee all BI, AI, Reporting and Visualization processes and governance.
• Work closely with business, product, technology, data science, risk, legal, compliance, privacy, quality, security, and external partner teams to embed AI into everyday ways of working.
• Engage executive leaders, councils, and cross-functional teams to build alignment, secure investment, and create shared ownership for AI-enabled transformation.
• Partner with domain experts and business units to identify high-value opportunities where AI can accelerate decision-making, automation, and innovation.
• Communicate AI strategy, progress, outcomes, and lessons learned in a clear and compelling way that inspires adoption across the enterprise.
• Advance responsible, compliant, secure, and trustworthy AI practices across the solution lifecycle.
• Establish practical guardrails for model risk management, transparency, human oversight, ethical use, and enterprise control of agentic AI capabilities.
• Manage AI capabilities as enduring products, with clear roadmaps, user experience standards, adoption measures, and structured lifecycle governance.
• Continuously monitor emerging AI technologies and translate relevant advances into practical opportunities that support Takeda’s mission and business priorities.

Benefits

• 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
• well-being benefits
• up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree