- Job Title: Head of OBU Marketing, OBU, Shanghai
- Company: Takeda
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Category: Pharmaceutical Marketing
- Date Posted: May 22, 2025
- Experience Level: 10+ years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing advertising and promotional campaigns
- Conducting market research to identify and predict consumer trends
- Managing product planning and development, including P&L activity and ROI analysis
- Creating and distributing promotional materials
- Leading and managing a department or small unit, including multiple teams led by Managers and Team Leaders
- Providing strategic direction and oversight to managers across various functional areas
- Communicating and influencing executive leadership to ensure successful execution of major initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of marketing principles to drive business growth and promote Takeda's products and services effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- 🔑 Develop and implement advertising and promotional campaigns that align with business goals and resonate with target audiences.
- 🔑 Conduct market research to identify trends, analyze competitors, and inform marketing strategies.
- 🔑 Manage product planning and development, overseeing P&L activity and ROI analysis to ensure optimal resource allocation.
- 🔑 Create and distribute promotional materials that effectively communicate product features and benefits.
- 🔑 Lead and manage a department or small unit, fostering collaboration and achieving business objectives through effective team leadership.
- 🔑 Provide strategic direction and oversight to managers across various functional areas, ensuring successful execution of major initiatives.
- 🔑 Communicate and influence executive leadership to align marketing efforts with business goals and secure buy-in for key projects.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign development, and team leadership, requiring a well-rounded marketing professional with strong analytical and communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. A Master's degree would be an asset.
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in marketing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in strategic planning and brand management
- Strong market analysis and research skills
- Excellent campaign development and execution abilities
- Demonstrated leadership and team management skills
- Proficiency in budget management and ROI analysis
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage executive leadership
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the pharmaceutical industry
- Familiarity with the Chinese market
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency (English and Mandarin)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in marketing, leadership experience, and a solid understanding of the pharmaceutical industry will be best suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Head of Marketing role in Shanghai, the estimated salary range is ¥500,000 - ¥700,000 per year. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee assistance programs.
- Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard working hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Overtime may be required based on business needs.
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Takeda operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, focusing on developing and commercializing innovative medicines.
- Company Size: Takeda is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
- Founded: Takeda was founded in 1781 and has since grown into a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Company Description: Takeda is committed to delivering Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients worldwide. The company strives to transform lives through innovative medicines and a patient-centric approach to healthcare.
- Company Specialties: Takeda specializes in pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, oncology, gastroenterology, and vaccines.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing.
- Reporting Structure: The Head of OBU Marketing will oversee multiple teams led by Managers and Team Leaders, with a total of around 20 direct reports.
- Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be based in Takeda's Shanghai office.
- Growth Opportunities: Takeda offers various growth opportunities, including internal promotions, cross-functional projects, and international assignments.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced marketing professionals to lead a significant function within Takeda's OBU division and drive business growth in the Chinese market.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Takeda's Shanghai office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Office Location(s): The Shanghai office is located in the Pudong New Area, offering easy access to public transportation and amenities.
- Geographic Context: Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse culinary scene. The city offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Takeda's Shanghai office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Applicants can expect a multi-stage interview process, including phone screens, behavioral interviews, and case studies. Finalists may also be required to present their ideas to the leadership team.
- Key Assessment Areas: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their marketing strategies, leadership approach, and problem-solving skills, as well as their understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the Chinese market.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and leadership skills.
- Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns you've led and the results you've achieved.
- Research Takeda's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal goals align with the company's objectives.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Siebel)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard marketing tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Takeda's core values include "Integrity," "Fairness, Honesty, and Honesty," "Respect," "Accountability," and "Perseverance." Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values align with Takeda's corporate culture.
- Work Style: Takeda fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, multicultural team and be open to feedback and continuous learning.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Takeda's core values?
- How have you demonstrated leadership and collaboration in your previous roles?
- How do you approach continuous learning and professional development?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Takeda's values and work style will be well-positioned to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Market dynamics: The Chinese pharmaceutical market is highly competitive and subject to regulatory changes, requiring candidates to stay informed and adaptable.
- Language barriers: While English is the primary language of communication at Takeda, candidates should be prepared to work in a bilingual environment and develop their Mandarin skills over time.
- Work-life balance: As a senior leadership role, this position may require occasional overtime and flexibility to meet business needs.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to navigate these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Role scope: This role is focused on driving business growth within Takeda's OBU division, with a specific emphasis on the Chinese market.
- Industry context: The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated and competitive, requiring candidates to have a strong understanding of market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
- Career path: This role offers a clear path for career progression, with the opportunity to take on increased responsibilities and move into more senior leadership positions within Takeda.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role aligns with their aspirations for professional growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign to launch a new product in the Chinese market
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the OBU segment
- Managing a team to create and distribute promotional materials for Takeda's existing product portfolio
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize pricing strategies and maximize revenue growth
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and demonstrate their ability to drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Takeda's overall marketing strategy for the OBU division?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does Takeda support the professional development of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how is it supported in this role?
- How does Takeda engage with the local community and contribute to social responsibility initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their commitment to driving business growth at Takeda.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://takeda.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Shanghai-China/Head-of-OBU-Marketing-OBU--Shanghai_R0152992).
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and leadership skills.
- Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns you've led and the results you've achieved.
- Research Takeda's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal goals align with the company's objectives.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
