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Associate Director, Global Learning & Capabilities Excellence (Pharma/Med Device)

Astellas
Astellas
5-10+ years
CAD $144,000 – $194,000 annually
Canada
10 Feb. 16, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Hybrid Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Associate Director, Global Learning & Capabilities Excellence (Pharma/Medical Devices)

Job ID: 25-POS00086366M
Location: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Work Model: Hybrid (Remote within Canada with in-office collaboration)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Required: 5–10+ Years in Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Industry


About Astellas Pharma Inc.

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Tokyo, with operations in approximately 70 countries and a workforce of more than 14,000 professionals worldwide. Ranked among the Top 30 global biopharma companies by revenue, Astellas is recognized for its strong legacy in oncology, urology, transplant, women’s health, genetic regulation, immuno-oncology, and regenerative medicine.

In Canada, Astellas continues to expand its footprint through a strong commercial portfolio and innovative pipeline. The organization operates with a patient-centric philosophy known as “The Astellas Way,” grounded in integrity, ownership, results, openness, and patient focus.


Role Overview

The Associate Director, Global Learning & Capabilities Excellence plays a strategic leadership role within the Customer Engagement Excellence (CEE) function under the broader Value Delivery organization. This position drives the design, execution, and continuous improvement of global learning strategies supporting Commercial, Market Access, and Medical Affairs teams.

This role requires a seasoned pharmaceutical or medical device professional with deep expertise in learning strategy, capability development, field leadership training, and cross-regional stakeholder collaboration. The successful candidate will operate within an Agile model, partnering with global teams to ensure impactful, compliant, and scalable learning solutions.


Key Responsibilities

Global Learning Strategy & Execution

  • Lead the design and deployment of enterprise-level learning and capability development strategies aligned with business objectives.

  • Conduct learning needs analyses, primarily supporting U.S. field leadership and Value Delivery teams.

  • Develop and deliver blended learning programs including in-person workshops, Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), webinars, and self-directed digital modules.

  • Ensure onboarding, leadership development, compliance training, and technical capability programs meet global standards.

  • Measure learning effectiveness through participation metrics, impact assessments, and performance outcomes.

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration

  • Partner with HR, Value Delivery teams, LMS experts, and Digital stakeholders to optimize the learning ecosystem.

  • Collaborate with global colleagues across China, International markets, Europe, the U.S., and Japan to co-create scalable content and share best practices.

  • Work cross-functionally to maintain the independence and integrity of Medical Affairs capabilities.

Program Leadership & Governance

  • Lead large-scale, complex learning initiatives across multiple regions and therapeutic areas.

  • Oversee vendor management, project budgets, and content lifecycle management.

  • Ensure adherence to corporate policies, compliance standards, and AI/LMS governance frameworks.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for institutional knowledge, ensuring continuity and minimizing operational risk.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

  • Identify process improvements to enhance learning program efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Stay current with trends in pharmaceutical learning, leadership development, and digital training methodologies.

  • Foster an Agile culture, participating in ceremonies and supporting adaptive, results-oriented delivery.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Learning & Development, Instructional Design, HR, Business, or related discipline.

  • 5–10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or medical device industry, depending on level.

  • Demonstrated experience designing and deploying enterprise learning programs within regulated healthcare environments.

  • Strong business acumen, including project management, vendor oversight, and budget management.

  • Experience partnering with HR and cross-functional stakeholders across global markets.

  • Proven leadership capabilities, including team building, coaching, and influence without authority.

  • Expertise in virtual and in-person training facilitation.

  • Highly adaptable and effective in Agile environments.


Preferred Qualifications

  • MBA or advanced degree in healthcare, business, or related field.

  • Multidisciplinary project management experience within the healthcare industry.

  • Experience leading large-scale global training initiatives.

  • Understanding of global enterprise strategy within pharmaceutical organizations.


Compensation & Benefits (Canada)

  • Salary Range: CAD $144,000 – $194,000 annually (final compensation based on experience and equity considerations).

  • Annual corporate bonus eligibility.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

  • Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

  • Company-paid life insurance.

  • Generous paid time off and wellness programs.

  • Long-term incentive eligibility for qualifying roles.


Work Environment

This role is based in Canada with a hybrid model, allowing a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration, in alignment with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.


Equal Opportunity & AI Recruitment Disclosure

Astellas Pharma Canada is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Artificial intelligence-enabled tools may be used during various stages of recruitment and selection. These tools support, but do not replace, human decision-making.


Apply Through ThePharmaDaily.com

Senior pharmaceutical learning and development professionals seeking to shape global capability excellence within a top-tier biopharmaceutical organization are encouraged to apply. Join a company dedicated to transforming innovative science into meaningful value for patients worldwide.