The Head of Transactions and Contracting Legal is a key member of the legal leadership team, acting as a strategic advisor to senior management, including the Head of Business Development, Chief Procurement Officer, and the Global General Counsel. This position leads high-impact legal support for transformative business initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), in-licensing and out-licensing, collaborations, and strategic alliances. It will oversee the transformation and simplification of contracting and is pivotal in driving the legal aspects of transactions and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Strategic Transactions - oversee drafting, negotiation, and execution of complex agreements, including collaboration, licensing, and asset/share purchase agreements.
• Legal Counsel - advise the Business Development team and executive management on deal strategy and execution.
• Due Diligence - coordinate legal due diligence for potential transactions, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Contract Management & Oversight - manage and transform the contracting function (excluding contract operations), maintain contract templates to standardize workflows globally and mitigate risk.
• Risk Management & Compliance - identify legal risks in contractual arrangements and M&A activities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Leadership & Team Management - build and manage a high-performing legal team as well as oversee external counsel.
• Cross-functional Collaboration - partner with legal colleagues and business units to ensure seamless implementation of contractual commitments.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law within the relevant region.
• Extensive in-house experience in high-stakes negotiations, transactions, and contracts, with professional training in pharmaceutical law from a highly regarded firm.
• 15+ years of relevant post-qualification legal experience, particularly in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Demonstrated progression of responsibility in in-house pharmaceutical or biotech legal roles.
• Significant experience managing attorneys and legal professionals at all seniority levels.
• Fluency in spoken and written English at a business level.
• Comfortable managing complexity and ambiguity in a dynamic environment.
• Strong team player with a proven ability to build effective working relationships globally and cross-functionally.
• Business-oriented mindset with a solid understanding of business strategies and financial matters.
• Ability to set and drive strategic priorities for the legal team in alignment with business goals and risk management.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, interpersonal, and relationship building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Boston, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range: $304,000 - $418,000
Short-term and/or long-term incentives may be available. Eligible for medical, dental, vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; disability coverage; life insurance; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteer time off; company holidays; well-being benefits; up to 80 hours of sick time; 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 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.

Worker Type: Employee
Worker Sub-Type: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Job Exempt: Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.