Takeda

pharmaceutical

SeniorDirector,AIRxProgramManagement

$212–333k Boston, Massachusetts, United States FULL TIME Remote Friendly
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.

The Brief

“Senior Director, AIRx Program Management at Takeda. Skills: operational and strategic integrator, operational architect, driving clarity, decision velocity, execution rigor, risk identification and escalation, shaping program narratives. Own the integrated program strategy execution framework across AIRx teams. Translate scientific strategy and functional plans into clear, actionable integrated program plans”

What You'll Achieve.

delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost; incubate the future AI-powered operating models; deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates; deliver candidates at biotech speed within a large enterprise; helping scientists decide better, and faster; set the standard for program management excellence in the new operating model; driving clarity, decision velocity, and execution rigor across AIRx portfolios; enables scientific teams to focus on discovery; shaping scalable frameworks for future Labs of Tomorrow; advancing programs from discovery through preclinical stages to IND filing/Ph1 enablement; enhance productivity and decision-making

Industry & Context.

pharmaceutical
Problems you'll solve

Proactively identifies risks early and drives timely escalation and resolution; Applies structured problem-solving to complex, cross-functional challenges

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree with 23 years, MS 21 years or PhD 15 years in Science or Management related discipline, 8–10 years of program management experience, experience in early drug discovery (e.g., target identification, hit-to-lead stages), experience in late drug discovery (e.g., candidate stage, preclinical/IND enabling stages), Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification required, Demonstrated success advancing programs from discovery through preclinical stages to IND filing/Ph1 enablement

Nice to Have

Experience operating in fast-paced, resource-constrained, or biotech-like environments strongly preferred

What You'll Do.

Own the integrated program strategy execution framework across AIRx teams

Translate scientific strategy and functional plans into clear

actionable integrated program plans

Drive decision readiness

Maintain real-time visibility into program health

Lead end-to-end program integration

integrating internal teams

and consulting functions

Drive high-tempo execution through structured forums

on-strategy decision-making

Implement fit-for-purpose tools

Own governance strategy and execution

Ensure materials are decision-oriented

Drive lean governance

Establish a culture of early risk identification and escalation

Lead structured scenario planning and mitigation strategies

Oversee coordination with CROs and external collaborators

Optimize data flow and handoffs across internal and external interfaces

Own AIRx-level and program-level budget tracking and forecasting

Partner with the Head of AIRx on resource allocation and prioritization

Drive transparency in cost-to-milestone and investment efficiency

Capture and codify AIRx best practices

and operating principles

Contribute to the design of a repeatable

scalable Labs of Tomorrow model

Introduce innovative approaches

Serve as an enterprise leader within Research PM

Act as a bridge between AIRx and the broader Research organization

Mentor and influence across functions

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

integrating internal teams, CRO partners, and consulting functions; Serve as a bridge between AIRx and the broader Research organization; Mentor and influence across functions

Communication Scope

Exceptional communicator capable of engaging scientific, operational, and executive audiences

Process & Methodology

integrated program strategy execution framework, integrated program plans, milestones, activity-level planning, critical path, decision points, program health, end-to-end program integration, high-tempo execution, structured forums, sprint reviews, decision meetings, on-time, on-strategy decision-making, governance strategy and execution, lean governance, risk management, scenario planning, mitigation strategies, budget tracking, forecasting, resource allocation, prioritization

Full 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](https://jobs.takeda.com/privacynotice) and [Terms of Use](https://www.takeda.com/terms-and-conditions/). I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. ## **Job Description** Takeda Research is constructing a Lab of Tomorrow built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with the singular vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To catalyze these efforts, Takeda is creating two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR). AIRx will consist of a dedicated group of experienced drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It is designed to incubate the future AI-powered operating models and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates. **Role Purpose** The Program Manager for AIRx serves as the operational and strategic integrator for a novel, high-velocity drug discovery model designed to deliver candidates at biotech speed within a large enterprise. This role is about helping scientists decide better, and faster. As AIRx Program Manager, you will be the operational architect of a genuinely new model of drug discovery — not inheriting someone else’s process, but designing the one that the rest of Takeda Research will adopt. This role goes beyond traditional program management in drug discovery and will set the standard for program management excellence in the new operating model. The incumbent is accountable for driving clarity, decision velocity, and execution rigor across AIRx portfolios by integrating planning, governance, external partnerships, and resource orchestration into a cohesive operating system

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