Talent & Development Director

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

The Talent & Development Director is responsible for designing and delivering programs that strengthen leadership capabilities and drive talent initiatives specifically in the Field Sales and Commercial organization, and enterprise wide. This role encompasses building skills, fostering leadership effectiveness, and supporting talent management, employee development and organizational strategies. (Past experience working directly in Field Sales, as a Sales Leader is a requirement of this role.)

Key Responsibilities

• Partners with Commercial Field Sales, Commercial Learning & Development, and HRBPs to ensure field sales‑specific processes, tools, scenarios, and on‑the‑job duties are integrated into leadership programs.

• Conducts needs assessments and leverages data to identify Field Sales and Commercial leadership capability gaps and recommend targeted solutions to meet and anticipate learner needs.

• Designs, delivers, and oversees SMPA University leadership development curriculum for Commercial teams and emerging leaders (provides internal facilitation for approximately 50% of programming).

• Ensures functional programs complement and reinforce core leadership offerings, including onboarding, first‑line leadership, and accelerated development programs.

• Facilitates functional meetings and team effectiveness interventions to promote collaboration and alignment in partnership with senior leadership and HRBPs.

• Collaborates on organizational effectiveness initiatives to strengthen culture, engagement, inclusion, and change readiness.

• Supports talent planning, workforce planning, succession planning, and performance management design for Field Sales in partnership with HRBPs.

• Designs and implements differentiated and accelerated development programs for high‑potential talent.

• Manages vendors and associated budgets, ensuring high‑quality program and participant experiences.

• Stays current with best practices and innovations in leadership development, adult learning, and organizational effectiveness.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, coaching methodologies, and assessment tools (e.g., 360‑degree feedback, personality assessments).

• Demonstrated expertise in situational leadership and leadership development frameworks.

• Proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders.

• Instructional design expertise, including needs analysis, curriculum design, and program evaluation required.

• Advanced facilitation skills in both in‑person and virtual environments required.

• Strong stakeholder management, cross‑functional collaboration, and project management skills.

• Experience in vendor and budget management.

• Demonstrated capability and enthusiasm for AI and digital transformation in the workplace.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills required.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• High emotional intelligence, self‑awareness, and organizational effectiveness skills.

• Certifications in leadership training models, change management, instructional design, or adult learning preferred.

• Certification in leadership assessment instruments (Insights preferred; MBTI, DiSC, Hogan a plus).

Education & Experience- (Field Sales experience is Required)

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or L&D certifications a plus.

• Experience working directly in field sales, as a Sales Leader, required.

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, including:

  • *5+ years of field sales leadership experience*

  • 5+ years of leadership development experience, designing and delivering leadership programs for commercial or sales organizations.

• Demonstrated experience leading a portfolio of leadership development programs.

• Willingness to travel 25–30%.

The base salary range for this role is $184,000 to $230,000. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state.  Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.  Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

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.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.