Research Enablement Lead, Director

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Job Description
Objective / Purpose:
The Research Strategy and Operations function is responsible for integrating scientific acumen with business analytics and processes to deliver clear business plans, operational excellence and portfolio progression for the Takeda Research pipeline.
The Research Enablement Lead, Director supports a specific drug discovery unit (DDUs) or platform group in the delivery of critical Research priorities, serving as the sub-functions de facto Chief of Staff. Reporting to the Head of Japan Enablement Leads, the Lead plays a crucial role in the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of functional projects. They are responsible for driving operational efficiency, fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality research outcomes.
Accountabilities:

• Partners closely with Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Platform senior leadership to coordinate and prioritize activities, ensuring efficient use of resources, and monitoring progress towards goals and milestones.
• Provides strategic and operational support to Research leaders including change and project management, ensuring functional alignment to Research priorities.
• Supports DDU and Platform senior leadership in managing and allocating resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to support functional activities and optimize productivity.
• Proactively identify areas for process improvement within functional operations, escalating to Operations leadership when necessary.
• Facilitates collaboration and communication among different teams and stakeholders, fostering a cooperative work environment.
• Engages with internal and external stakeholders, such as researchers, collaborators, and functional leadership, to understand and address needs in alignment with Research priorities
• Ensures smooth cross-functional liaisons with critical functions such as Legal, Finance, Sourcing, HR, and scientific teams to facilitate project success.
• Facilitates navigation of organizational processes and procedures, rapidly addresses/escalate bottlenecks or issues
• Identifies potential risks and challenges that may impact functional operations, proactively addressing issues to minimize disruptions.
• Identifies and develops programs to meet research staff training requirements in alignment with Research priorities.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices, developing standardized processes, and promoting knowledge sharing across the organization.

Additional Responsibilities
Portfolio/Project Management Support for Early-Stage Small Molecule Projects(from project proposal to hit compound generation)

• Manage project timeline information
• Facilitate alignment across TVS (Target Validation Sciences), DDU, GC (Global Chemistry), GB (Global Business), and S&O (Strategy & Operations) functions
• Support global communications, including coordination of information between Boston and Shonan

CRO Management Support for In Vitro Pharmacology (IVP)

• Ensure IVP group operates efficiently and effectively
• Manage requests and routine assay information
• Oversee contractual information related to licenses for in vitro assays
• Support financial information management, including tracking PO status, managing FTE information, and monitoring project-related budget vs. actuals

Compound Logistics Optimization Support

• Coordinate with Import/Export, DMPK, Safety, and IT teams toward optimizing global logistics
• Contribute to building a cross-functional business framework to enhance DMTA cycle efficiency

Lab Equipment Information Management

• Coordinate CAPEX-related activities (maintaining new request lists, cross-department/site coordination, and prioritization support)
• Oversee information management for equipment maintenance contracts
• Manage contractual information for both hardware and software

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Expected 12+ years related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with expertise in drug discovery and Takeda therapeutic areas
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Experience as a team member in small molecule drug discovery projects, with hands-on expertise in conducting vitro assays as a researcher
• Strong knowledge of drug discovery and development processes, including preclinical and clinical research
• Deep understanding of the small molecule drug discovery process
• Strategic mindset and the ability to think critically and creatively to drive innovation and business growth
• Strong knowledge of business operations planning, change management, analytics, and reporting
• Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in a scientific discipline preferred

What Takeda can offer you:
Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.
Salary Increase: Annually
Bonus Payment: Twice a year Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-
16:45, (Narita) 8:45-5:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45 Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year) Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.
Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework
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Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.
• Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year
• Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45
• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)
• Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.
• Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework
• Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

• It is possible the job scope may change at the company's discretion.
• It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company's discretion.

Locations
Fujisawa, Japan
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time