Head of Data and AI Enablement, R&D DD&T (Vice President)

Takeda • Boston, MA

48d

About The Position

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is seeking a strategic executive leader to join the R&D Digital, Data & Technology (DD&T) leadership team as Vice President, Data & AI Enablement. This pivotal role will define and drive Takeda’s R&D DD&T AI and data strategy, with a focus on transformative AI and digital technologies. The VP will serve as an inspiring strategic partner to senior leaders across R&D, provide technical leadership at the highest level, and build and develop a high-performing team from the ground up. As a key architect of 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

• PhD or equivalent in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related discipline.
• 18+ years of progressive leadership in digital, data, technology, or R&D roles within global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare organizations.
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI and digital solutions in large, regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success in building and scaling high-performing teams from inception.
• Experience leading large, diverse, and geographically distributed teams in matrixed organizations.
• Deep expertise in emerging technologies (LLMs, generative AI, NLP, advanced analytics) and their application to drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory science.
• 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.
• Results-driven, pragmatic, and resilient.
• Commitment to Takeda’s values and mission to improve patient lives.
• High integrity and adaptability in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced business training preferred.

Responsibilities

• AI & Data Strategy: Develop and deliver a bold multi-year roadmap for AI and data enablement within R&D DDT, ensuring alignment with Takeda’s business priorities. Lead the adoption of generative AI, large language models, and advanced analytics to address complex scientific and operational challenges.
• Strategic Partnership & Influence: Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leaders across R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial functions. Inspire alignment and engagement around the DDT transformation agenda, translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies that support Takeda’s broader R&D objectives.
• Technical Leadership: 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 DDT organization. Champion the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring operational reliability, scalability, and continuous improvement.
• Team Building & Talent Development: 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.
• Operational Excellence & Technology Integration: 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, as well as for successfully integrating these activities with those within Takeda overall.
• Data Ecosystem Stewardship: Lead the development of secure, scalable data platforms that enable seamless access, integration, and thorough utilization of Takeda’s R&D 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.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure all data and AI initiatives within R&D DDT adhere to global regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, GxP), ethical guidelines, and Takeda’s commitment to patient privacy and data integrity.
• Measurement, Reporting & Accountability: 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.
• External Engagement & Thought Leadership: 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees