Strategic Program Lead – Data Quality Strategy

Job Description

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Job Description

About the role:

The role leads a complex, multi-year transformation that redefines how the organization generates, governs, owns, and uses data - enabling scalable value creation across systems, functions, and business processes. It focuses on delivering measurable improvements in data maturity through the implementation of data product thinking, federated governance, ownership and quality frameworks, and AI-enabled platform capabilities. As the orchestrator between manufacturing, corporate and global Data stakeholders, the role ensures that execution aligns with strategic priorities, accelerates adoption, and builds the capabilities required to achieve 5-star data quality maturity. It also ensures tight integration with digital big rocks, key strategic initiatives, and the AI transformation agenda, enabling full interoperability between data and AI delivery tracks.

This is a high-impact, high-visibility program leadership role for an individual who can operate confidently across strategy, change, and execution - driving sustained momentum, enabling behavioural shifts, and embedding a modern data culture across a global organization committed to manufacturing and quality. You will be responsible for driving the execution of major Data Quality initiatives with the goal of establishing trustworthy, AI-ready data as both a foundation and accelerator of digital transformation.

How you will contribute:

Strategic Leadership

• Steers the Data Quality initiative and roadmap across Manufacturing and Quality organizations, including delivery of 3-star maturity and progression to 4-star and 5-star levels
• Shapes and evolves the data strategy in close collaboration with global functions, sites, business, product owners, domain leaders, and digital teams — tying data priorities to broader digital transformation, strategic initiatives and digital big rocks
• Advocates for the adoption and consistent use of high-quality data products across operational and digital use cases
• Acts as a sparring partner to business and data stakeholders to embed data-first thinking into functional roadmaps

Governance & Enablement

• Drives the implementation of data governance by establishing scalable processes, accountability frameworks, and decision-making forums — including Standard Operating Procedures, job aids, training, and boards
• Leads the adoption and operational readiness of critical data roles (e.g., Data Product Owner, Data Trustee, Data Steward), including enablement, training, and organizational change support
• Aligns governance and role rollout across functions, systems, and local organizations to ensure consistency and impact

Execution Focus & Oversight

• Oversees and ensures the successful and timely implementation of the data strategy according to defined milestones
• Ensures integrated planning and delivery across agile teams, workstreams, and value streams (e.g., PI cycles, OKRs)
• Tracks and communicates progress toward data maturity targets, identifying blockers early and ensuring sustained execution momentum
• Represents the program in key leadership forums, SteerCos, governance panels and co-develops executive materials with the broader team
• Leads the annual roadmap refresh process, incorporating lessons learned and evolving priorities

What you bring to Takeda:

• At least 5 years of proven experience in leading enterprise-level data programs, preferably in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals or manufacturing
• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Data Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Business Analytics; a PhD is a plus
• Strong background in data strategy, data governance, and transformation delivery in complex, global environments
• Demonstrated experience with agile operating models, data product thinking, and cross-functional program leadership
• Familiarity with enterprise data architecture, quality frameworks, and enabling platforms such as data cataloging and stewardship tools
• Experience in stakeholder engagement across business, IT, and digital/tech functions at senior leadership level
• Ability to define and drive enterprise-level data strategy with measurable business impact
• Skilled at leading through influence in a matrixed organization and aligning cross-functional stakeholders
• Solid knowledge of data governance, data quality, and product-oriented data management in complex environments
• Strong understanding of operational domains (e.g., manufacturing, quality) and how data drives value
• Ability to clearly articulate complex data concepts to diverse audiences and build executive alignment
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale programs through agile planning, OKRs, and structured coordination
• Capable of driving cultural shifts around data ownership, literacy, and role adoption

More about us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Empowering our people to shine:

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, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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