SPD Launch Excellence Lead

Takeda seeks a Director-level SPD Launch Excellence Lead in Zürich to oversee brand planning and launch frameworks. The role focuses on harmonizing processes, managing the Launch Excellence Platform, and driving strategic alignment across global teams.

This Associate Director position is central to Takeda’s enterprise-wide Launch Excellence and Brand Planning initiatives. The role exists to maintain a consistent, evolving approach to launch strategies that adapts to both internal stakeholder needs and external market dynamics. The incumbent will ensure that brand strategies are robust and that launch learnings are effectively shared across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Update and harmonize launch excellence frameworks, templates, processes, and workshop materials.
• Manage the release schedule for the Launch Excellence Platform, prioritizing feature development and user benefits.
• Direct the training, rollout, and onboarding efforts for the Launch Excellence Platform.
• Oversee the Launch Readiness Review forum to ensure timely and effective assessments.
• Facilitate the sharing of launch learnings across the organization to improve future outcomes.
• Lead the SPD Brand Planning Process, ensuring all pipeline assets develop strong brand strategies.
• Manage the operational aspects of Brand Planning processes to ensure smooth execution.
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders within SPD, IBU, USBU, and across the wider enterprise.
• Develop an external network to monitor industry trends in Brand Planning and Launch Excellence.
• Utilize technology and tools to increase efficiency and productivity in processes and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences strategy consulting, including at least two distinct cross-functional roles.
• At least three years of experience in the commercial sector of pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences strategy consulting, covering both pre-launch and in-line activities.
• Proven track record of contributing to at least one successful launch in the pharma or biotech industry.
• Experience leading complex projects that require alignment at both global and local levels.
• Solid knowledge of marketing strategy and new product commercialization, including pre-launch activities.
• Ability to simplify complex concepts and strategies and communicate them effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Strong influencing skills with the ability to navigate stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint, and project management software.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical development, regulatory requirements, and commercial launch excellence.
• Knowledge of essential global launch activities within cross-functional program teams.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills to manage competing priorities effectively.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree such as an MBA, PhD, or MAL.
• Multilingual capabilities.
• Experience with global launches.
• Brand Management experience at the country level.
• Project Management Certification.