Director, Product Pod Lead

Role Overview

The Product Pod Lead is a senior technology and product leader responsible for defining and executing the vision, strategy, and delivery of technology solutions that enable global R&D, Regulatory, or Global Development functions. This role owns a portfolio of platforms and products—such as Regulatory Information Management (RIM), Clinical Operational, Clinical Data Products, and supporting integrations—and drives innovation to accelerate regulatory submissions, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.

• Develops and conveys portfolio‑level strategy and vision in collaboration with stakeholders, aligning with business goals and technology directions.
• Maintains and communicates the integrated portfolio product roadmap to ensure team alignment and delivery of value.
• Consistently challenges how processes and products can evolve to exploit AI and drive toward workforce and product future.
• Oversees a portfolio of products and services with end‑to‑end accountability for vision, backlog, budget, and lifecycle management, in collaboration with product managers.
• Establishes portfolio KPIs, success metrics, and performance dashboards to track value delivery.

• Drive platform rationalization, data quality, and master data management strategies across Regulatory and Development functions.
• Lead cross‑functional product teams (product managers, solution architects, engineers, data stewards, and external vendors) using Agile or hybrid methodologies.
• Oversee system implementation, integration, and enhancement projects ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Ensure all systems meet regulatory requirements (21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5, GDPR, FDA/EMA guidelines).
• Manage and mentor a team of senior product managers, business analysts, and technical leads.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, encouraging professional development and cross‑functional learning.
• Lead strategic vendor relationships within the portfolio where applicable.

• Strategic thinker with ability to translate regulatory and R&D business needs into technology capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, master data management, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills at senior executive level.
• Demonstrated success in Agile product management, technology strategy, and vendor management.
• Experience with cloud‑based platforms (Veeva, Salesforce, AWS, Azure) and emerging technologies such as AI, NLP, and process automation.
• Collaborative ability with Product Managers, Business System Owners, Solution Architecture, and broader product management and enterprise teams.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend the right technology platforms and software products to solve business problems.
• Strong executive level presence and communication.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Life Sciences, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of IT leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated life sciences industry.
• Minimum of 8 years of people leadership experience leading a medium to large organization and influencing senior‑level management and key stakeholders.
• Track record of driving business process transformation and organizational culture change and delivering on complex programs.
• Strong analytical skills and budget management.
• Previous organizational change management experience.
• Deep expertise in Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Development, and R&D technology ecosystems (e.g., Veeva Vault RIM, CTMS, eTMF, QMS, IDMP, product master data).
• Proven track record of managing multi‑million‑dollar technology portfolios and delivering complex global programs.

Base salary range (Boston, MA): $ – $ (actual offer will depend on qualifications, experience, and location).

Employees are eligible for short‑term and long‑term incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, disability coverages, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time, holidays, well‑being benefits, up to 80 hours of sick time per year, and up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

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, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.