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Global Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Center Global Program Manager Application Deadline: Open Until Filled Job Location: Salem Date ... all Owner-direct vendors working with supply chain and consultants - Establish close out ...

Global Program Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$151.73K - $241.50K/yr

ROLE OVERVIEW Benchling is seeking an experienced customer-facing Global Program Manager (GPM) to ... Must be able to confidently engage and build trust with scientific, informatics, IT, and Director/V ...

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How much do global program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for global program director in the United States is $121,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $152,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Global Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Global Program Director, you need extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, and a relevant advanced degree, often in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (such as MS Project or Asana), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and certifications like PMP are typically required. Exceptional leadership, cross-cultural communication, and stakeholder management skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for effectively leading complex, multi-country initiatives and ensuring organizational objectives are met on a global scale.

How does a Global Program Director balance the demands of managing cross-functional teams across different time zones and cultures?

A Global Program Director typically coordinates teams located in multiple regions, which requires effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and flexible scheduling. They often use collaboration tools to bridge time zone gaps and establish clear processes for decision-making and reporting. Regular virtual meetings, clear documentation, and empowering regional leads help ensure alignment and smooth execution. Adapting leadership styles to respect cultural differences and being proactive about potential misunderstandings are key to fostering a cohesive, productive team environment.

What is a Global Program Director?

A Global Program Director is a senior leader responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale programs across multiple countries or regions. They manage program strategies, budgets, teams, and timelines to ensure the successful delivery of projects that align with an organization's global objectives. This role often involves collaborating with stakeholders from different cultures, ensuring compliance with international standards, and adapting programs to local markets. Global Program Directors play a crucial role in driving organizational growth and maintaining consistency in program execution worldwide.

What is the difference between Global Program Director vs Program Manager?

AspectGlobal Program DirectorProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple large-scale international programs, sets strategic direction, manages cross-functional teams globallyManages specific projects within a program, focuses on execution, timelines, and deliverables
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MBA, PMP), extensive experience in program management, leadership skillsUsually requires a bachelor’s degree, project management certifications (PMP), and relevant experience
Work EnvironmentGlobal offices, cross-cultural teams, strategic planning sessionsProject sites, team meetings, client interactions
Industry UsageCommon in multinational corporations, NGOs, government agenciesWidely used across industries for project execution

The main difference is that a Global Program Director focuses on strategic oversight of multiple international programs, while a Program Manager handles specific projects within those programs. The Director role involves higher-level planning and leadership, whereas the Manager role emphasizes project execution and management.

More about Global Program Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Global Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Global Program Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Global Program jobs? The most popular types of Global Program jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Global Program Director jobs? The top employers for Global Program Director jobs are:
What states have the most Global Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Global Program Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Global Program Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,974 per year, or $58.6 per hour.
Senior Director, Global Program Management

Senior Director, Global Program Management

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Takeda Pharmaceuticals rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Job Description
Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Senior Director, Global Program Management in our Cambridge office.
At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.
OBJECTIVES:
  • Provides global program management and matrixed leadership at the highest level to global, cross-functional, cross-divisional teams and franchises to drive development and deliver results in early to late-phase pipeline or marketed (life-cycle assets).
  • Demonstrates strong strategic leadership skills and may function as Global Program Leader on select assets as needed.
  • Leads program management across a portfolio of assets, working closely with the Global Program Leader (GPL), Global Program Managers as well as other R&D and Commercial functions to ensure that the scientific and commercial strategies are incorporated into portfolio/ asset development plans.
  • Independently leads a matrixed team of cross-functional experts as needed to set product strategies, goals, priorities, and long-term plans that are consistent with the portfolio strategy as established by the GPL.
  • Provides strategic direction, translating the cross-divisional, integrated portfolio/ Global Product Team (GPT) strategy into an efficiently executable plan. Ensures that cross-functional resources are available to execute portfolio/ asset plans, prioritized across the portfolio, and develops options for agile response to data that impact prioritization.
  • Plays a key GPT leadership role in championing an AI forward mindset, and leveraging data driven and AI enabled tools to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, improve decision-making, and optimize team collaboration.
  • Drives transparency both within the GPT and across R&D with regard to program status, risks and opportunities.
  • Exhibits strong strategic and change management abilities.
  • Maintains strong team cohesiveness and decision making even through controversial topics.
  • Mentors junior GPMs and functional members to enhance their knowledge and effectiveness.
  • Contributes to leadership of enterprise wide initiatives and business/alliance opportunities.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Has the highest level of expertise, recognized by colleagues, to draw upon a deep knowledge of functional activities and plans. Directly assesses cross-functional connectivity & risks based upon own expertise and experience.
  • Considered drug development expert by colleagues. Participates as an equal in functional dialogue in addition to guiding the discussion with the intent of resolution.
  • Works in franchise areas when responsibilities and impact are cross-program in addition to program specific responsibilities. Acts as GPL delegate to represent and implement strategic direction on key programs in the portfolio at the team, franchise and governance levels.
  • Anticipates the need and timing for key program changes and alerts the program leader as to the appropriate timing and stakeholders required to drive decision making
  • Provides mentorship, oversight and influence over key functions that are represented on the GPT.
  • Demonstrates the ability to bring project teams to consensus, acknowledging both risks and benefits, while cultivating a culture of collaboration and constructive conflict.
  • Takes a leadership role in broad indicatives across R&D. Functions as a leader to recognize the need , initiate, design and activate new strategies, processes & corporate initiatives that impact the broader R&

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree science or business-related field
  • Advanced degree in science or business is preferred
  • Preferred: 12-14 years of in-depth pharmaceutical industry experience and drug development in all phases of development with significant experience within related functions (e.g. Clinical Science, Clinical Operations, Research, Regulatory, CMC, Marketing)
  • 10+ years program management experience leading complex pharmaceutical projects in a multi-disciplinary, global environment
  • Demonstrated ability to positively influence outcomes, key project decisions, and strategic problem-solving
  • Proven ability to communicate clearly and present key information objectively to all levels of the organization including executive management
  • Matrix program leadership and management skills are required
  • Thorough knowledge of Therapeutic Area preferable but not required
  • Ability to influence and negotiate in a matrix environment to optimize development and address barriers
  • Proactive risk management with ability to propose solutions and deliver appropriate mitigation plan
  • Ability to communicate (written and verbal) with impact to provide appropriate context, articulate views, drive clarity, and address barriers to progress program development across all levels of the organization
  • Ability to drive decision-making within a cross-functional and cross-cultural, global team structure
  • Experienced in maturing team AI/data fluency and enabling adoption through AI leadership, training, and community of practice approaches for GPMs and GPT leadership.
  • Flexibility, tolerance and diplomacy to best manage change and differing opinions
  • Ability to work in a virtual setting/across time-zones, i.e., making effective use of communication tools (WebEx, TelePresence, telephone and video conferencing, etc.)
  • Ability to inspire and motivate in a matrix and global, cross-geographical team
  • Ability to work in a highly complex, multi-cultural, environment
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • A solid business background as well as excellent commercial understanding
  • Highly effective presentation skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Project Professional, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, AI & Word
  • Fluent in English

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Project Management Professional certification with PMI preferred but not required

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • May travel to the US, EU and Japan offices and other international locations.
  • Approximately 10% travel is required.

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
This position is currently classified as "hybrid" in accordance with Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
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Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:
Boston, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range:
$212,000.00 - $333,190.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
EEO Statement
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.
Locations
Boston, MA
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.

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