Head of Data and AI Enablement, R&D and Global Medical DD&T (VP)

Takeda•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is seeking a strategic executive leader to join the R&D and Global Medical Digital Data & Technology (DDT) leadership team as Head, Data & AI Enablement. This pivotal role will define and drive Takeda’s R&D and Medical AI and Data strategy, with a focus on transformative AI and digital technologies. The head will serve as an inspiring strategic partner to senior leaders across R&D, provide hands-on technical leadership at the highest level, and build and develop a high-performing team from the ground up. As a key architect of R&D of the Future, our business digital and AI transformation, you will ensure that Takeda remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and operational excellence. This is a tremendous opportunity for a leader who thrives in a global, regulated pharmaceutical environment and is passionate about delivering impact at scale.

Requirements

18+ years of progressive leadership in digital, data, technology, or R&D roles within global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare organizations.
PhD or equivalent in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related discipline.
Proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI and digital solutions in large, regulated environments.
Deep expertise in emerging technologies (LLMs, generative AI, NLP, advanced analytics) and applying them to drug discovery, translational, clinical development, or regulatory science.
Success in building and scaling high-performing teams from inception.
Experience leading large, diverse, and geographically distributed teams in matrixed organizations.
Strategic thinker with a focus on operational excellence, talent development, and inclusive leadership.
Ability to inspire, influence, and align senior leaders across functions and geographies.
Strong executive presence, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced business training preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a bold multi-year roadmap for R&D of the Future AI and data enablement within R&D and Global Medical DDT, ensuring alignment with Takeda’s business priorities and Enterprise DDT strategy.
Lead the adoption of generative AI, large language models, and advanced analytics to address complex scientific and operational challenges.
Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leaders across R&D and Global medical functions.
Inspire alignment and engagement around the DDT transformation agenda, translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies that support Takeda’s broader R&D and Medical objectives.
Provide expert guidance and oversight for the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI, machine learning, and data platforms.
Ensure technical excellence and operational reliability in all digital and AI initiatives, setting the standard for innovation and delivery within Takeda’s R&D and Global Medical DDT organization.
Champion the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring operational reliability, scalability, and continuous improvement.
Build, lead, and mentor a world-class team of data scientists, AI engineers, software developers, and domain experts.
Establish a collaborative, high-performance culture that attracts and develops top talent, enabling the team to deliver on ambitious goals and drive sustained success.
Oversee the implementation and scaling of emerging technologies, ensuring robust delivery and integration into research, clinical, and regulatory domains.
Drive operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance in all AI and digital initiatives.
Accountability for defining or providing measurable and significant input into and operational direction and strategy for R&D and Global Medical, as well as for successfully integrating these activities with those within Takeda overall.
Lead the development of secure, scalable data platforms, in collaboration with Enterprise partners, that enable seamless access, integration, and thorough utilization of Takeda’s data assets.
Champion the use and reuse of data as a strategic currency to drive scientific discovery, accelerate innovation, and unlock new insights across research and clinical domains.
Empower teams to leverage AI-powered analytics for deep exploration, hypothesis generation, and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring data is actively harnessed to advance Takeda’s scientific and therapeutic ambitions.
Ensure all data and AI initiatives within adhere to global regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, GxP), ethical guidelines, and Takeda’s commitment to patient privacy and data integrity.
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of AI, data, and digital initiatives.
Ensure accountability for delivering measurable business value and continuous improvement.
Represent Takeda as a thought leader in the external community.
Build strategic partnerships with technology vendors, academic institutions, and industry consortia.
Present at key conferences and contribute to advancing Takeda’s reputation in AI and digital innovation.