Global Medical Communications Lead, GI2
Takeda
Summary
The Director, Global Medical Communications Lead, is accountable for shaping and delivering the medical communications strategy for assigned high-priority asset(s) or franchise, as a core component of the integrated TA scientific communications and global medical strategy. Operates with a high degree of independence as functional expert and strategic advisor to TA leadership. Translates evidence into consistent, impactful scientific narratives for stakeholders across markets, delivered in the right format, through the right channels, at the right time, prioritizing impact over volume. Owns prioritization and delivery of the medical communications plan and core content, including scientific communication platforms (SCPs), core slide decks, FAQs, congress, symposia and medical education materials. Champions AI-enabled and digital approaches, including modular content reuse and scientific discoverability in AI-mediated channels, to increase speed, quality and reach.
Job description
About the Role
The Director, Global Medical Communications Lead, is accountable for shaping and delivering the medical communications strategy for assigned high-priority asset(s) or franchise, as a core component of the integrated TA scientific communications and global medical strategy. Operates with a high degree of independence as functional expert and strategic advisor to TA leadership. Translates evidence into consistent, impactful scientific narratives for stakeholders across markets, delivered in the right format, through the right channels, at the right time, prioritizing impact over volume. Owns prioritization and delivery of the medical communications plan and core content, including scientific communication platforms (SCPs), core slide decks, FAQs, congress, symposia and medical education materials. Champions AI-enabled and digital approaches, including modular content reuse and scientific discoverability in AI-mediated channels, to increase speed, quality and reach.
How You Will Contribute
- Shape and lead the medical communications strategy for assigned asset(s) or franchise as part of the integrated TA plan, designed to deliver a consistent omnichannel HCP experience; set priorities, make recommendations to TA leadership and anticipate evidence and communication needs across the lifecycle.
- Own the scientific narrative for assigned asset(s); lead development and evolution of SCPs, lexicons, core slide decks and FAQs as modular core assets designed for global-first reuse.
- Lead integrated congress and medical education strategy for assigned asset(s), including booth content, symposia, pre- and post-congress communications and insight capture, in partnership with the Global Congress CoE.
- Act as strategic partner and functional expert to MSTs, Clinical Development, evidence generation and LOCs; influence senior stakeholders and resolve competing priorities.
- Serve as medical approver for promotional and non-promotional materials; provide leadership in concept design and resolve complex medical, legal and regulatory questions.
- Translate strategy into reuse-led briefs and modular core assets for the GCC and Medical Content Factory, so local needs are met without local rework.
- Champion and scale AI-enabled workflows (e.g., content development, AI-assisted QC, data visualization) and ensure Takeda evidence is discoverable and accurately represented in AI-mediated channels.
- Define impact measures for assigned plans and use field, congress and digital insights to refine strategy and close evidence gaps.
- Own budget, forecasting and vendor strategy for assigned scope; act as financial steward and identify efficiencies.
- Mentor ADs, managers, fellows and contributors, and provide dotted-line leadership where assigned; build functional capability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a life science or healthcare discipline required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MSc, PharmD, PhD or MD).
- Minimum relevant experience: Bachelor's degree + 12 years, Master's degree + 10 years, or Doctorate + 8 years in the biopharmaceutical industry or a closely related field.
- 5+ years in medical communications, including leading strategy for high-priority assets in a global matrix environment.
- Deep understanding of drug development, evidence generation and Medical Affairs; strong business acumen and ability to turn complex data into strategy.
- Expert knowledge of international regulatory and legal guidance for medical communications and of medical review of promotional and non-promotional materials.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders without authority and drive alignment across global, regional and local teams.
- Experience in mentoring and matrix leadership; makes independent strategic decisions within scope and drives adoption of new ways of working.
- Proven experience applying AI and digital technologies to scale scientific communications.
- Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills; tells a compelling scientific story to senior audiences.
- Experience in the assigned therapeutic area preferred.
- Domestic and international travel required (up to ~20%), including congresses and offsite meetings.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a life science or healthcare discipline required
- Advanced degree preferred (e.g., MSc, PharmD, PhD or MD)
- Minimum relevant experience: Bachelor's degree + 12 years, Master's degree + 10 years, or Doctorate + 8 years in the biopharmaceutical industry or a closely related field
- 5+ years in medical communications, including leading strategy for high-priority assets in a global matrix environment
- Deep understanding of drug development, evidence generation and Medical Affairs
- Strong business acumen and ability to turn complex data into strategy
- Expert knowledge of international regulatory and legal guidance for medical communications and of medical review of promotional and non-promotional materials
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders without authority and drive alignment across global, regional and local teams
- Experience in mentoring and matrix leadership
- Proven experience applying AI and digital technologies to scale scientific communications
- Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills
- Experience in the assigned therapeutic area preferred
- Domestic and international travel required (up to ~20%)
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company founded in 1781 and incorporated in 1925. As one of the world's top 20 largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue and the third largest in Asia, Takeda specializes in developing and commercializing innovative medicines across several therapeutic areas including oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, gastroenterology, plasma-derived therapies, and vaccines. With approximately 49,095 employees globally, the company operates research and development centers, manufacturing facilities, and commercial operations across 39 U.S. states and numerous countries worldwide. Takeda maintains dual headquarters in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, with significant operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it serves as the largest life sciences employer in the state. The company's patient-focused approach is guided by its Takeda-ism values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance, emphasizing a commitment to delivering life-transforming treatments while advancing sustainable healthcare solutions. Takeda's extensive portfolio includes both innovative biologics and small molecule drugs, supported by strategic acquisitions and partnerships that have expanded its capabilities in areas such as immuno-oncology and rare disease treatments.