Director, Project Team Leader Japan - Global Development

About the role

Johnson & Johnson is hiring a Japan Project Team Leader (PTL) in its Innovative Medicine R&D group, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The PTL is a senior cross-functional R&D leader who shapes and executes global asset development strategies by integrating Japan insights, and acts as the country counterpart to the CDTL and R&D's empowered country-level leader. The role sits in the Project/Program Management group.

Key responsibilities

• Lead country-level cross-functional project teams as an extension of the CDT, ensuring Japan contributes to global strategy and providing a single local voice on project strategies, regulatory, clinical, operational, portfolio and commercial insights
• Translate global strategy into country delivery strategies with the CDT and R&D in Japan, addressing risk, feasibility and value trade-offs, and escalate strategic, resourcing and risk issues to governance forums
• Act as an R&D country representative within the CDT and as a strategic interface between CDTL, PDL, PML, RPM, CPM, country R&D functions and non-R&D stakeholders
• Foster a "one team" mindset, resolve complex decisions and conflicts, and coach junior Project Team Leaders (TA lead only)
• Prepare decision-oriented documentation such as strategic insight briefs, input to the GFLS and ADP for Japan, and decision logs, and represent R&D externally at scientific forums and with health authorities

Required profile

• At least 8 years in drug development, including 3 years leading cross-functional matrix teams in a global R&D organization
• Thorough knowledge of global drug development and registration, and in-depth knowledge of Japan's local practice, policy and regulation
• Strong track record in cross-functional project delivery; direct or matrixed people management experience preferred
• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (medical, pharmacy, regulatory, quantitative sciences, business); MD/PhD/PharmD/MBA strongly preferred
• Fluent written and spoken English and Japanese

Required skills

• Project management, program management and stakeholder management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, strategic thinking and business acumen
• Collaboration and influence across teams in a matrix environment