Senior Director, Head of Research Strategy & Operations, R&D, Japan
On-siteFujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
Job Summary
Implement the operational strategy and business management of Research Japan, aligning local execution with global priorities and organizational standards. Oversee core governance, operating rhythms, and reporting to drive clarity and accountability, while identifying risks and providing senior leadership with visibility and recommendations. Drive annual planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting in partnership with Finance, translating data into decision-ready business reviews and investment cases. Lead the design and adoption of new ways of working to support the Labs of Tomorrow ambition, managing change impacts and embedding sustainable improvements across the Japan research organization. Report to the Global Head of Strategy & Operations, shaping priorities and representing Research Japan in critical cross-functional forums.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in life sciences, business, or a related field
- Advanced degree
- Significant leadership experience in strategy, operations, transformation, or business management within pharma, biotech, or life sciences
- Strong track record leading complex business operations and enterprise change in a matrixed, global environment
- Strong financial acumen
- Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and investment case development
- Excellent executive communication skills
- Fluency in Japanese and English, written and verbal
- Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research operations, R&D governance, or lab operating models
- Experience leading transformation initiatives involving process simplification, digital enablement, or new operating models
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with global research organizations and the Japan-global operating environment
- Experience with digital transformation programs
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.