About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an international organization within the life sciences sector to identify a senior leadership professional to oversee its Japan business operations. This is a confidential executive opportunity for an experienced leader who can combine strategic business development with operational excellence while driving sustainable growth across the region.

Reporting to global leadership, this individual will work closely with commercial, scientific, project management, and operational teams to strengthen market presence, expand strategic partnerships, and ensure the successful delivery of customer projects.

Location: Kanagawa, Japan

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall business strategy and operational performance of the Japan business.

• Align commercial, scientific, and project management functions to improve collaboration, accelerate customer response times, and deliver competitive solutions.

• Partner closely with international headquarters and regional stakeholders to maximize resources and ensure seamless execution across functions.

• Provide strategic leadership to laboratory and operational teams, ensuring efficient execution, high-quality project delivery, and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee annual business planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and operational performance.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Lead the commercial strategy for Japan by identifying new business opportunities, developing market expansion plans, and strengthening relationships with key clients and strategic partners.

• Coach and develop senior managers while building a high-performing, collaborative leadership team.

• Monitor business performance through KPIs, financial metrics, and operational reviews, implementing corrective actions where required.

• Represent the organization with customers, partners, and other external stakeholders to strengthen long-term business relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related discipline. An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) is advantageous.

• Approximately 8-10+ years of leadership experience within the pharmaceutical, CDMO, CRO, chemical, or broader life sciences industry.

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams across commercial and technical functions.

• Strong track record of delivering business growth, managing complex customer programs, and leading organizational performance.

• Experience working within a multinational or matrix organization with regional and global stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, market development, and customer relationship management.

• Solid financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and business performance.

• Understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and project delivery within a scientific environment is highly desirable.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership capabilities.

• Fluent in English; Japanese is essential, and Mandarin would be considered an advantage.