Vice President, Global Program Leader (GPL) - Oncology, Solid Tumors

Company: Takeda
Location: Boston
Posted on: January 15, 2026

Job Description:

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use . I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. Job Description Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Vice President, Global Program Leader - Oncology, Solid Tumors in our Cambridge office. At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world. Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission. OBJECTIVES: The Global Program Leader is a seasoned leader fully dedicated, responsible and accountable for overarching Global Program(s). The GPL defines the asset strategy and leads all development and LCM projects associated with an asset from discovery to the marketplace. The guiding frame is defined by Takeda values of Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business. GPLs must be experienced, versatile and strong enterprise leaders Committed to simultaneously driving regulatory approval as well as launch and global patient access Ability to partner with all functions to drive, deliver and maximize asset value Effective in communicating, decision making and committing to areas of joint decision making This is best achieved by a unique fit for purpose combination of skills reflected in these critical skill categories. Additional information in the Knowledge and Skills section. Inspirational Leadership Strategic Vision Strong Analytical Credibility Execution Skills Stakeholder Relationship For a given asset, responsible for an overarching global program strategy and execution. The GPL leads all research, development, commercial and LCM activities associated with an asset from discovery to the marketplace with full accountability. It may involve conventional molecules or novel modalities such as Cell Therapy or Gene Therapy, large scale programs through to launch and beyond, or smaller scale programs (e.g. rare disease or early development programs). Leads the Asset Strategy together with the commercial leader in the context of unmet medical need, competitive landscape, and key TPP attributes required to bring the product to market and to ensure global access for patients in context of Takeda’s values: Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business. This must take into consideration all development and commercial requirements as well as potential local/regional key requirements For a given asset, the GPL is the single leader of a cross functional team, the Global Program Team (GPT). The GPL ensures through the functional sub-teams leaders and their teams all project deliverables achieve defined project scope & objectives, budget and timelines with full functional support, keeping in mind value maximization and strong sense of the time/quality balance. Provides matrix management, strategic and tactical leadership to GPT members who are responsible for leading the key deliverables of the functional sub-teams for a given asset. GPT members are directly accountable to the GPL on the sub-team objectives. Accountable with the responsible Global Program Manager for activities operating budgets within the global program; leads budget setting in collaboration with functions and manages variance to budget ensuring overall Takeda financial objectives are met. Reports on program progress, issues, related updates, new requests for decision related to strategic scope or budget increase (new recommendations, change or buy-up) or timelines change and risks to TA Unit or and Takeda executive management governance committees as per company process. Manages several assets, depending on the size and stage or the programs Showcases the GPL leadership skills and Enterprise GPT operating model functioning and deliverables through all job attributes defined at Takeda May lead key business initiatives: Evaluates new opportunities and provides overall support for feasibility studies on potential global programs. Promotes organizational reputation by engaging with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating actively to the GPL community ACCOUNTABILITIES: Program Strategy, Activity Planning and Execution Leads the Global Program in setting program vision, strategy, goals, priorities and long-term plans and schedules. Aligns cross-functional, cross-divisional project goals with Takeda business needs and strategies. Works closely with the GPM in order to provide strategic, process, and operational leadership to multiple GPTs and Takeda functions in the successful delivery of projects from discovery to commercialization and LCM activities. Could manage 3-5 projects for across all phases of development including innovative early POM/POC in novel mechanisms with less-defined regulatory pathways through large-scale Phase III/submission projects and global launch projects. Links GPT cross-functional sub-teams, such as the Clinical Subteam, Commercial Subteam, Pharmaceutical Sciences (CMC) Subteam, etc. to the GPT through function-based subteam leaders to execute according to the Enterprise GPT Playbook, align and ensure transparency of all program-related activities. Provides leadership and support to TAU/Franchise Leaders and Sub-team leaders to set the vision and direction for the Therapeutic Area Unit and prioritizes all aspects of projects within a global program. Reports on progress of projects, plans/plan changes, critical path, possible scenario and issues/risks/impact to TA Unit and Takeda executive management through internal or external reviews of global programs. Leads key business initiatives: for example, evaluates new opportunities (i.e.: in-licensing candidates, impact of change in market conditions or availability of new project data in disease areas where Takeda has little or no previous experience) and provides overall support for feasibility studies on potential global programs-non exhaustive list Fiscal Responsibility Accountable with the responsible GPM for project operating budgets within the global program; monitor and control expenditures; manages variance between budgeted and actual expenditures of time, dollars, and personnel while meeting overall Takeda financial objectives. Resource and Issue Management Manages internal and external resources (people, information, technologies, time, and capital); allocates project resources appropriately, given division, function and individual goals and objectives to align with business imperatives. Proactively and regularly identifies/monitor project risks before they transform into issues and develops contingency plans; communicates timely and proactively project-related issues to senior executive management and manages issues to resolution. Consults with TAU, Franchise Leadership and Portfolio Office to deliver accurate and timely project status and deliverable information to enable the organization to focus on key priorities and enhance its ability to deliver work (e.g., studies/projects) on-time and on-budget (including proficient use of systems to improve reporting or access to data). Change Management Proactively responds to the dynamics of a changing marketplace; directs adjustments in functional or cross-divisional plans in response to changes in strategic direction. Change management agent for the GPT. Contributes to the creation and maintenance of systems/databases for the purpose of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), trending, learning, and improving decisions regarding program performance and continuance. Matrix Team Management Provides matrix management, strategic and tactical leadership to GPT members who are responsible for leading the key deliverables or functional sub-teams within individual projects. Sub-team leads are primarily accountable to the GPL. Stakeholder management is also an expectation as a result of the highly matrixed work environment. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Required: Advanced scientific degree (MD, or PhD, or PharmD) or MBA Minimum of 15 years related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with working knowledge of research and development and commercial operations Minimum 10 years interdisciplinary global experience with complex projects including strategy and execution and matrix team management Preferred: Advanced degree in science or business is desired Broad business/enterprise orientation is highly preferred Managed multiple NME global approvals Passionate about developing others into future leaders TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Willingness to travel to various meetings or client sites, including overnight trips. Some international travel may be required. Requires approximately 20-25% travel. Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy. LI-JT1 Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. For Location: Boston, MA U.S. Base Salary Range: $255,800.00 - $401,940.00 The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. 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. EEO Statement Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law. Locations Boston, MA Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time Job Exempt Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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