Head of AI & Data Strategy and Operational Excellence

Takeda • Cambridge, MA

1d • $212,000 - $333,190 • Onsite

About The Position

The Head of AI and Data Strategy & Operational Excellence is a leadership role accountable for defining, orchestrating, and executing the AI & Data strategy, transformation roadmap, and enterprise portfolio across Takeda. This role serves as the enterprise integrator across strategy, transformation, portfolio governance, and value realization—ensuring AI & Data investments are tightly aligned to business priorities & outcomes, executed through disciplined operating models, and translated into measurable impact. The role also leads AI-Forward programs, including operating model evolution, ways of working, portfolio governance, and cultural change, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior business and DD&T leadership for data and AI aspirations.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of AI, data, analytics, and emerging technologies (including GenAI and agentic patterns)
• Strong expertise in enterprise strategy, portfolio management, and operating model design
• Proven experience with agile delivery models, governance frameworks, and performance management
• Strong financial acumen, including investment management and value tracking
• Strategic, enterprise mindset with the ability to operate in ambiguity
• Demonstrated success leading complex transformations in matrixed, global organizations
• Strong people leadership focused on talent development, succession, and capability building
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills at executive level
• Authority to shape strategy, portfolio priorities, and execution approach
• Ability to balance long‑term strategic goals with near‑term execution trade‑offs
• Skilled at aligning diverse stakeholders and driving decisive outcomes
• 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.
• Function as a thought leader and evangelist, forward thinking with the ability to recommend and influence business outcomes
• Comfortable challenging the status quo and bringing forward innovative solutions
• Ability to take risks implementing innovative solutions, accelerating time to market and prioritizing enterprise scale for adoption
• Ability to work in a global ecosystem (internal and external) with a high degree of complexity. The successful candidate in this role must be able to cooperate with and inspire various stakeholders across all business and technical domains and in all world regions.
• Ability to see and understand a broader, enterprise level perspective
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Extensive experience in strategy, portfolio management, transformation, or enterprise operating models
• Demonstrated leadership experience in large‑scale digital, data, or AI‑driven organizations
• Strong experience partnering with senior business and technology leaders

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in business, technology, or related field preferred
• Experience within life sciences / pharmaceutical environments
• Exposure to global, regulated environments and enterprise governance models

Responsibilities

• Lead AI & Data strategy and orchestration, translating enterprise and business priorities into a coherent set of transformation initiatives and a multiyear roadmap
• Own the AI & Data transformation, including AI forward program and its target operating model design, ways of working, and transition from current to future state
• Serve as champion for AI & Data culture, talent evolution, fluency, and capability maturity across the organization
• Ensure alignment between strategy, operating model, talent, and delivery capacity
• Own enterprise portfolio prioritization for AI & Data initiatives, talent, and investments
• Establish and operate outcome‑based portfolio governance, including intake, prioritization, investment trade‑offs, and decision forums
• Deliver ad-hoc strategic initiatives of the DD&T, in a management or support capacity in collaboration with the Strategy arm of the AI&D.
• Lead portfolio RAID management, escalation, and executive reporting
• Drive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), KPIs, Annual Goals, and performance tracking to ensure transparency, accountability, and value realization
• Provide oversight for people and financial management across the Strategy & Portfolio pillar, including budgets, investments, vendors, and operating expenses
• Ensure financial discipline while enabling agility, innovation, and scale
• Partner with Finance, Transformation, and Procurement to optimize AI & Data investments and vendor strategy
• Act as the single point of orchestration for AI & Data strategy and portfolio discussions across DD&T and enterprise governance bodies
• Maintain strong alignment with Business Units, DD&T teams, Transformation Office and extended teams
• Enable cohesive enterprise storytelling for AI & Data strategy, priorities, and impact
• Drive alignment of data and AI fluency goals in partnership with ICC-led chapter and capability leaders
• Define, maintain, and evolve the AI & Data strategy with partnering with AI & data foundation leads and aligned to Takeda priorities
• Ensure disciplined, transparent, and outcome‑driven decision‑making across AI & Data investments
• Track and communicate business impact, benefits, and risks to senior leadership
• Drive adoption of AI‑native ways of working and enterprise fluency
• Serve as a trusted advisor and integrator across business, technology, and transformation stakeholder

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