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Business Unit Head, Rare Diseases

Toronto, Ontario
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The Europe & Canada (EUCAN) Business unit supports Takeda's mission at a regional level and as the leader in rare diseases and specialty care, we champion better health and a brighter future for patients, healthcare providers and our people.

Across the EUCAN BU, patients come first in every decision we make. We develop strategic partnerships which deliver value for society and create a culture within which our people can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our mission is to empower and enable our people to fulfill their potential by embracing diversity and creating a high-performance, collaborative working environment. In the EUCAN region integrity is one of our key values. We put patients, trust and reputation before business and this is one of the main reasons why our people choose to work here.

Job ID R0122287 Date posted 05/03/2024 Location Toronto, Ontario

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Job Description


Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and has a team of engaged employees who strive for excellence in everything they do.

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE

The Business Unit Head, Rare Diseases is accountable for delivery of agreed product metrics, including the commercial P&L and financial KPIs. The purpose of this role is to provide strategic & operational direction and leadership to the Sales and Marketing teams for the Rare Diseases Franchise in Canada and its associated commercial and cross-functional teams. Key responsibilities include establishing and driving Canadian product strategies and plans to maximize the benefit to patients and customers and to optimize the value of all Rare Diseases products for Takeda.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Provide strategic & operational direction and leadership to the Sales and Marketing teams.
  • Provide leadership and cross-brand alignment in the creation and execution of the launch plan for both marketing (brand plan, marketing programs and tactics) and sales (sales plans of actions, account management plans, awareness programs and tactics) plans to meet agreed product goals and revenues.
  • Ensure plans are developed, implemented, and monitored in conjunction with relevant cross functional teams and aligned with the Global brand strategy. Identify and address Canadian marketing issues/needs quickly and monitor progress.
  • Accountable for delivering Canadian Commercial P&L goals and other performance objectives & financial KPIs (e.g. product revenue and earnings targets) for the Rare Diseases products as agreed with the GM, Canada.
  • Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders, including HCPs, HCP associations, and patient advocacy groups. Lead the development of country-level forecasts for all Rare Diseases products.
  • Manage Canadian business alliances to deliver on revenue targets and maintain/grow effective collaboration. This will also be achieved through effective collaboration with the relevant corporate functions and International Commercial Operation team.
  • Assess and recommend opportunities for Canadian lifecycle management of the brands/ franchise to optimize brand growth and competitive edge.  Oversee development of business cases for new business opportunities for the franchise.
  • As a key stakeholder, manage, motivate, and develop the Sales and Marketing team for the business unit by setting clear objectives, effective coaching, evaluation, and feedback on performance.
  • In collaboration with the GM, Canada, Business Insights, and all other relevant functional teams to set annual sales targets, annual incentives, and reviewing progress vs. target.
  • In collaboration with the commercial operations and medical teams, ensure business unit team members are properly trained on Rare Diseases products, sales techniques, and CRM to excel in their respective role.
  • Organize and lead business reviews (quarterly or more frequent as relevant) in collaboration with relevant cross functional teams.
  • Ensure all activities of the business unit comply with Takeda’s Code of Conducts/Policies and the country Promotional Code.
  • Ensure sales/marketing resources are adequate to ensure optimal competitive advantage on all commercial fronts and to achieve short-, mid- and long-term revenue targets for the business unit.
  • In collaboration with Human Resources, manage all HR related issues in the franchise including discipline, reward, recruitment, appraisal, setting standards, and ensuring any problems arising are resolved. Performs bi-annual Performance Reviews in line with Takeda talent management process including development plans for all direct reports.
  • Ensure administrative systems are effective and designed to support the franchise sales and marketing activities without impeding franchise efforts to meet business goals.
  • Encourage and demonstrate the key components of the Takeda culture as a first line leader in the commercial function.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

  • Bachelor’s Degree of Life Science (or similar) or Business Administration, master’s degree preferred.
  • At least 10 years-experience in pharmaceutical company of which significant number of years in leadership position.
  • Significant experience and track record of success in Regional Sales management and brand/product management. Experience (minimum of 3 years) in Rare Diseases preferred; alternatively, demonstrated success in changing from one therapeutic area to another.
  • Experience in portfolio management (i.e. managing multiple products through their lifecycle) and leading a commercial team (i.e. both sales and marketing) strongly preferred.
  • Experience operating in a multi-national company and in a matrix organization.
  • Thorough understanding of commercial aspects of the business including brand management, sales planning and execution, market access, patient advocacy, regulatory environments and pricing, hospital formulary listing and PMS for the brand in country.
  • Successful track record of hiring, developing, and retaining talent / direct reports as well as strength in cross-functional collaboration, locally, regionally and globally. Incorporates stakeholder feedback to improve the business.
  • Ability to leverage knowledge of marketplace, competitor landscape and economic forces and translate them into clear short term and long-term strategies. 
  • Ability to move with ease between addressing current needs and planning with informed insights.
  • Able to present issues and recommend solutions in a succinct manner to Global Senior and Executive Management on a frequent basis.
  • Drives innovation through solutions and enables others to do the same; operates from a framework of possibilities.
  • Strong focus on execution, accountability, role modelling of leadership behaviours and acting with integrity.
  • Ability to effectively navigate ambiguity and lead others through change in a productive manner.
  • Early adopter of digital strategies and demonstrated digital literacy across multiple platforms.
  • Travel up to 20% of the time.
  • Fluent in written and spoken English with strong preference for fluency in French (both written and spoken)

Locations

Toronto, Canada

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
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Success profile

What makes a successful team member within EUCAN at Takeda?

  • Agile
  • Analytical
  • Enthusiastic
  • Ambitious
  • Collaborative
  • Entrepreneurial
Believe in your own ability to do things you want to do. If you do that, things will happen.

Heena Howitt - Country Medical Lead Genetic Diseases

  • Takeda named Global Top Employer for seventh consecutive year. Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • About Takeda At Takeda, there is an unwavering commitment to putting patients first, and to creating a workplace that is underpinned by empowerment and focused on diversity, collaboration and steadfast values.
  • Europe & Canada Business Unit Takeda in Europe and Canada (EUCAN) is delivering leading innovations in oncology, gastroenterology and rare diseases to provide better health and a brighter future for patients.

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Toronto, Ontario


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