Director, AIRx External Partnership Management Lead

Overview Takeda Research is building a Lab of Tomorrow powered by AI, automation, and new ways of working, with the singular goal of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To accelerate this vision, the company is forming two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR). AIRx will be a dedicated group of experienced drug hunters operating with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. Role Purpose The Director, AIRx CRO & External Partnerships is the single accountable owner of all CRO relationships for AIRx. The role drives daily coordination with CRO teams, regular on-site presence at key partners (including periodic visits to domestic and international CROs), and tight integration with AIRx scientific leads to manage the full external execution lifecycle—partner identification, contracting, data specification, and ongoing performance management—ensuring CRO outputs feed AIRx data systems in a format ready for AI/ML decision-making. Accountabilities Active CRO management Manage CROs with active oversight—setting expectations, driving cadences, and holding partners directly accountable for milestones and quality. Maintain regular on-site presence at key CRO partners, including periodic visits to critical domestic and international partners, to deepen relationships and resolve issues directly. Drive daily and weekly coordination between CRO teams and AIRx scientific leads to ensure tight execution against shared milestones. Identify performance issues proactively and resolve them in real time to protect program timelines. Partner selection & contracting Identify and evaluate CRO partners for chemistry, biology, DMPK, and other capabilities required by AIRx programs. Own contracts, SOWs, timelines, and quality standards; collaborate with Takeda procurement, legal, and alliance management as needed. Build and maintain a preferred supplier network capable of responding at AIRx’s pace and quality requirements. Data, budget & landscape Coordinate data handoffs to ensure CRO outputs are captured in AIRx data systems (TetraScience, SAIL) in a standardized, decision-ready format suitable for AI/ML pipelines. Track and manage outsourcing spend across programs; provide budget visibility to the Head of AIRx and Program Manager. Monitor the external CRO and innovation landscape for new capabilities, providers, and partnership models that strengthen AIRx execution. Qualifications & Competencies Degree in life sciences or chemistry; advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical outsourcing, CRO management, or alliance management within drug discovery; biotech experience strongly preferred. Deep knowledge of the CRO landscape across chemistry, biology, and DMPK capabilities; established personal network of CRO and external partner relationships. Proven track record actively managing complex, multi-CRO programs—not just contracting them—with urgency, rigor, and budget discipline. Hands‑on, operational style; comfortable embedding in scientific team dynamics rather than managing at arm’s length. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally on a regular basis. Strong contract negotiation, vendor management, and performance oversight skills. Experience supporting AI/ML‑enabled or digital drug discovery programs strongly preferred; familiarity with data standardization requirements (TetraScience, FAIR data principles) a plus. Additional Information The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Travel Requirement: visits to critical domestic partners and quarterly visits to international partners. Compensation and Benefits Base Salary Range (Boston, MA, U.S.) : \$177,000.00 – \$278,080.00. The actual base salary offered may depend on qualifications, years of relevant experience, specific skills, level of education, certifications, or other professional licenses, and the location where the employee performs the job. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short‑term and/or long‑term incentives; 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. U.S. based employees also receive up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year, and new hires 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr