Lead Counsel, Data Protection

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Job description

Digital Ethics & Compliance (DE&C) is part of Takeda’s Ethics & Compliance (E&C) organization and focuses on what the organization needs by ensuring ethical behavior plays a fundamental role in risk mitigation and that Takeda remains a forward-thinking leader in risk identification and mitigation. By working in an agile manner, E&C ensures the balance between stable structures (governance, processes, and systems) and dynamic approaches to delivering innovative solutions to appropriately manage our risks.

Within this framework, Takeda’s DE&C department is seeking Lead Counsel, Data Protection & AI (Global, ex-U.S.) to guide, advise, and support the organization, outside of the United States, on global data protection and artificial intelligence matters. The role will report to the Global DPO and AI Trust Head Counsel, serving as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders, ensuring that Takeda continues to operate ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with global data privacy requirements and emerging AI regulations.

E&C COMMITS TO

• Act as a role model for Takeda’s values, ethics, and values-based decision-making, fostering this mindset in clients, partners, and teams.

• Enable the organization to take decisions that are ethical and aligned with Takeda’s priorities of Patient, Trust, Reputation, and Business.

• Collaborate across all E&C teams and partner with Global Data & Technology (GD&T) stakeholders to embed ethics and compliance as part of the way everyone works at Takeda.

• Maintain agility in responding to a rapidly changing environment and business needs, encouraging ethical behavior consistent with Takeda’s values.

The Lead Counsel, Data Protection & AI (Global, ex-U.S.) will exemplify these commitments by driving and upholding high ethical standards and a values-based approach to data protection and AI initiatives across Takeda’s global operations (excluding the U.S.).

DE&C TEAM ADDRESSES DIGITAL, DATA & COMPLIANCE RISKS BY

Providing a risk, ethics, and compliance (RE&C) framework, SOPs, and other tools that enable GD&T (and other relevant teams) to incorporate Ethics and Privacy by Design into their Data and Technology programs and platforms. Deploying global E&C programs that strengthen Takeda’s ethical culture, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Acting as an E&C authority and trusted partner to ensure all digital operations are compliant and ethical while leveraging the latest technologies to drive innovation and growth. Working cross-divisionally (Business Units / Business Functions and GD&T) to ensure that data, AI, and digital technologies embed ethics and compliance into product and platform design.

Within this context, the Lead Counsel, Data Protection & AI (Global, ex-U.S.) will ensure that Takeda remains compliant with global data protection laws and emerging AI regulations by integrating these principles into Takeda’s broader digital ethics strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advisory & Guidance

• Provide prompt, reliable, and solutions-oriented advice on global, regional, and local data protection and AI-related matters.
• Act as an E&C business partner to Legal, offering strategic input on initiatives impacting data protection and AI compliance.

Global Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs)

• Lead and execute Global PIAs, identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Ensure PIAs are conducted as needed, maintaining transparency and lawfulness in data processing.

Policy & Governance

• Develop and maintain data protection and AI policies, standards, and best practices aligned with evolving regulations.
• Collaborate with the DE&C global program team to incorporate regulatory updates into corporate policies, SOPs, and assessment tools.

Risk Management & Incident Handling

• Assess and mitigate data privacy and AI risks, escalating issues when necessary.
• Oversee standard contractual clauses for international data transfers and coordinate with Legal on embedding privacy and AI-focused clauses in vendor contracts.
• Manage privacy incidents and investigations in coordination with regional DPOs and external authorities.

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor and track global data protection and AI regulations, conducting timely Regulatory Impact Assessments (RiAs).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements through corporate privacy and AI operations, tools, and processes (e.g., Subject Requests, ROPA, PIA, AI ethical assessments).
• Oversee privacy investigations and reporting, coordinating with BU/BF leads.
• Support the design and delivery of training on digital ethics, privacy, and AI for relevant stakeholders.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with IT, Legal, HR, Info Security, and other teams to embed data protection and AI compliance across Takeda.
• Act as a key SME in global data and digital strategy, advising senior management and providing early-stage input into technology projects.
• Manage regulatory agency relationships, oversee third-party risk management, and support audits, investigations, and inquiries related to data protection and AI trust.
• Engage with industry forums to stay informed on best practices and influence global standards.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements in digital ethics, data protection, and AI to enhance Takeda’s compliance posture.
• Provide strategic leadership by influencing without direct authority, collaborating with senior stakeholders, and managing cross-functional projects.
• Drive process optimization and technology improvements while fostering a strong compliance culture through accountability for privacy and AI regulations.
• Set the tone from the top, ensuring ethical and responsible data practices across the organization.
• Manage the Global DPO and AI Trust Office when required and delegated.

CAPABILITIES

• Legal Expertise: Qualified lawyer with a robust background in data protection/privacy law and practical AI legal considerations.
• Autonomy & Ownership: Self-driven professional who excels at independently managing a broad portfolio of responsibilities.
• Global Mindset: Demonstrable experience providing legal counsel across multiple jurisdictions and cultures; solid understanding of diverse regulatory landscapes.
• Positive and Optimistic Attitude: Exhibit a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, embracing challenges with resilience and a can-do spirit. Maintains a genuine enthusiasm for growth, encourages constructive feedback, and supports a respectful, uplifting team culture.
• Collaboration: Excel as a strong team player, fostering a spirit of cooperation and open communication. Actively share knowledge and mentors colleagues, creating an environment of mutual respect and support where everyone can thrive.
• Technical Acumen: Ability to understand and collaborate on technology and AI initiatives, bridging the gap between legal requirements and innovation.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities; capable of simplifying complex legal issues for non-legal stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Adept at identifying emerging trends in data protection and AI, anticipating potential risks, and proposing proactive solutions.
• Integrity: Demonstrate high ethical standards, impeccable integrity, and an unwavering commitment to upholding Takeda's values. Act as role model for Takeda’s values, ethics and values-based decision making. Align area of responsibility with organizational strategy and cultural philosophy aligned with PTRB and Takeda-ism.

EXPERIENCE

• Qualified lawyer with minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in data protection/privacy law, including roles where autonomous decision-making and strategic advisory were key.
• Familiarity with life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceutical industry regulations is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in AI’s evolving regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations.
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority, manage projects, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional and senior-level stakeholders.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to engage in continuous learning, skill development, and leadership training.
• Strong command of English language in both written and verbal form.

We don’t do ordinary –at Takeda we unite in diversity

Takeda is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, where individuals are recognized for the diverse backgrounds and abilities they bring to our company. We are continually improving workplace experience and accessibility for everyone, and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as an important contributor to our Team.

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