Global Brand Lead

Job Description

The Global Product Strategy group is part of the Strategy and Portfolio Development (SPD) team. SPD is focused on fueling the growth of Takeda through our inline portfolio, lifecycle management, and rich pipeline. Our key goal is to commercialize our unprecedented pipeline that includes best-in-class and/or first-in-class therapies, many of which have complex or under-developed markets.

Takeda is currently developing Zasocitinib (TAK-279), an oral, selective allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in several immune-mediated diseases. As Zasocitinib progresses towards its initial launch in plaque psoriasis, Takeda is actively preparing for a subsequent indication launch in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The Director, Global Brand Lead (GBL) will:

• Support the development of the global commercialization strategy for TAK-279 in psoriasis.
• Develop global positioning, brand identity, and creative campaign in collaboration with the US team.
• Build the core promotional materials to enable the LOCs to successfully launch TAK-279 into the psoriatic arthritis market.
• Lead key differentiation initiatives to enhance the value proposition for TAK-279 in psoriasis.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Drive Translation of Zasocitinib PsA Global Brand Strategy into execution:

• Contribute to the refinement of the PsA brand strategy and translation of strategic direction into clear positioning, messaging, and brand narrative.
• Partner with Insights & Analytics to identify and apply key customer and market insights to strengthen brand positioning and differentiation.
• Evolve the brand identity and creative campaign from psoriasis launch to ensure Zasocitinib stands out in a competitive PsA market.
• Lead evolution of the global brand plan, incorporating regional / LOC stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and market relevance.

Build Launch Promotional Materials to Enable LOCs to Successfully Launch Zasocitinib in PsA

• Own end-to-end development of core global marketing materials (e.g., messaging platform, campaign assets, brand book, core visual aid), incorporating input from Regions and LOCs
• Lead agency management and execution for development of materials, including briefing, feedback, timelines, and quality control.
• Apply customer insights and regional / LOC feedback to ensure materials are differentiated, practical, and ready for market adoption.

Drive KOL Engagement and Insights Integration

• Lead development and execution of the global KOL engagement plan, including ad boards, 1:1 engagements, and congress-related activities.
• Partner cross-functionally (e.g., Medical, ClinSci) to ensure coordinated and impactful KOL engagement across key congresses.
• Translate insights into clear implications for brand strategy, messaging, and materials.
• Develop commercial congress assets and speaker materials to support LOC readiness and external engagement, including post-approval launch events.

Drive Global Launch Readiness

• Partner with Launch Excellence to lead launch readiness reviews/exchanges with functions, regions, and LOCs to identify risks, interdependencies, and mitigations.
• Support Global Launch Summit(s) to enable LOC preparedness.
• Partner with regions/LOCs to ensure successful launch, share best practices, and adapt global launch strategy based on early market learnings.
• Own timely delivery of launch tools, materials, and guidance to support region/LOC preparedness and competitive readiness.

CORE ELEMENTS RELATED TO THIS ROLE

• First Global Brand Lead for Zasocitinib in Rheumatology, responsible for bridging strategy and execution to enable a successful second indication launch in PsA.
• Acts as the central execution engine, translating strategic direction into compelling materials, actionable KOL insights, and launch-ready deliverables.
• Operates with high independence, driving cross-functional alignment and agency execution.
• Contributes to ongoing brand evolution and lifecycle management based on early launch learnings and market feedback.

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS

• Seasoned marketer with in-line brand experience required (global)
• Launch experience required (global)
• Knowledge and experience with digital engagement among patients and HCPs
• Business acumen, with a strong appreciation for cross-cultural and cross-functional differences
• Ability to understand and interpret medical information, working knowledge of evidence-based medicine.

Leadership

• Strong organizational skills and managing up and down.
• Learning agility, curiosity (aptitude for recent technologies)
• Adaptable to and comfortable with change on personal and organizational level
• Demonstrable ability to present to large groups; able to translate complex data into actionable messages.
• Listening and understanding skills; ability to comprehend stakeholders’ points of view

Decision-making and Autonomy

• Accountability and ownership; able to take calculated risk and allow others to take initiative.
• Collaborative problem-solver, confident to share his/her ideas with all levels of management.
• Seeks management approval prior to committing resources or making irreversible decisions.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills, with demonstrated evidence-based approaches.
• Able to challenge the status quo appropriately and provide alternative solutions.
• Team player, creating atmosphere of trust; helping others to learn and grow; actively seeking feedback.

Interaction

• Build and foster meaningful relationships and interactions with cross-functional team members, including region/LOCs.
• Interaction with KOL, HCP, and patient groups
• Working across geographic and cultural boundaries
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

Innovation

• Energy and drive – entrepreneurial spirit
• Sufficient understanding of medical science to interpret data and to draw conclusions; working knowledge of evidence-based medicine.

Complexity

• High complexity: ability to juggle multiple priorities and successfully launch into an incredibly competitive and established market.
• Able to think outside the box.
• Working across cultures – recognizing different business, clinical and legal practices; keeping compliance with Takeda’s values and SOP

EDUCATION, BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• University degree in marketing/business or life sciences; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years pharma experience with strong history in pre-launch / launch execution and global marketing roles
• Experience in rheumatology, dermatology, immunology, or close-related specialty areas strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into end-to-end execution, including agency management, budget and timeline ownership, and delivery of launch-critical assets.
• Excellent communication/influencing skills, with ability to operate effectively across senior, cross-functional, and global stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and drive outcomes with minimal direction in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Launch experience required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Domestic and international travel 25%