Public Affairs Manager (Senior Manager, Band Level 4)

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Manager / Senior Manager, Public Affairs (Band Level 4) in Tokyo to lead Public Policy Engagement (PPE) activities. The role maximizes the value of assigned products and therapeutic areas in Japan, helps shape the external policy environment and supports the execution of broader Public Affairs priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Run public policy engagement with S&G, TA, medical, V&A and C&PTA teams to create value for products and platforms
• Create a Public Affairs strategy for each product using the OGSM framework and One Brand Plan, and lead executive PPE activities
• Gather policy trends and insights from policymakers on diseases and products and reflect them in business plans
• Execute public policy engagement to optimize health policies and develop and maintain relationships with policy stakeholders
• Promote PPE activities in Japan with GPA counterparts and external stakeholders such as think tanks and trade associations
• Support PA duties and conduct all activities in line with internal SOPs and laws and regulations

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably a Ph.D., in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Political Science, Law, Business Administration, Public Relations or a related field
• Japanese (native) and English (business)
• At least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry (preferable)
• Preferred: background in government/public affairs, marketing, medical, development, regulatory, patient advocacy, consulting or government official roles, and experience in advocacy and lobbying
• Interest in the Japanese policy-making process and trade association activities

Required skills

• Developing materials on complex issues for government and Novartis executives
• Leading cross-functional and external partnerships without formal authority and managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Strategic thinking and strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of relevant public policy engagement regulations and guidelines
• Desired: business networking, media relations, press releases, social media, Microsoft Access