[Innovative Medicine] R&D, Project Leader (Director), Project Leader Group, Global Development

Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

Company

Johnson & Johnson MedTech develops healthcare solutions across Innovative Medicine and MedTech to prevent, treat, and cure complex diseases.

What you will do

• Lead Japan-based cross-functional R&D project teams as an extension of global development teams.
• Integrate Japan regulatory, clinical, operational, portfolio, and commercial insights into global development strategies.
• Translate global strategy into scenario-based country delivery plans, managing feasibility, risks, resources, and value trade-offs.
• Coordinate execution and stakeholder alignment across country R&D, commercial, regional, and global functions.
• Lead complex issue resolution, governance inputs, decision documentation, and communication aligned with global milestones.
• Represent R&D in scientific forums, health authority interactions, and key stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in drug development, including 3 years leading cross-functional matrix teams in a global R&D organization.
• Thorough knowledge of global drug development, registration, and pharmaceutical portfolio risk management.
• In-depth knowledge of Japanese practices, policies, regulations, and commercial market requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Ability to lead across matrix environments, make decisions under uncertainty, and manage complex organizational situations.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Japanese required.

Nice to have

• Direct or matrixed people management experience.
• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, medical, pharmaceutical, regulatory, quantitative, or business discipline.
• MD, PhD, PharmD, or MBA.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive work environment centered on individual dignity, diversity, and merit.
• Cross-functional collaboration across Japan, regional, and global R&D stakeholders.
• Emphasis on learning orientation, agility, accountability, and continuous improvement.