Immunology Product Marketing (IBD) – Pre-Launch

About the role

MSD is building a new Immunology Marketing Team in Tokyo focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) therapies. It is looking for two marketing professionals to join during the pre-launch and launch-preparation phases. The role combines strategic brand positioning, multi-year business planning, patient journey mapping and cross-functional launch coordination. Deep IBD knowledge is important, but experience driving pharmaceutical launches and commercial forecasting makes a candidate stand out.

Key responsibilities

• Define brand positioning, patient segmentation, targeting, value propositions and core clinical messages, then run an insight-driven launch and commercial strategy
• Build patient-flow-based sales forecasts and operating expense budgets, and prepare annual business plans, long-range operating plans and senior management presentations
• Lead the launch readiness plan, track milestones and run cross-functional scenario planning
• Act as the commercial hub between Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, Clinical Development and Field Sales
• Adapt global brand plans and assets to the Japanese market and incorporate Japan-specific patient insights
• Map the patient journey and design patient support programs to improve adherence and experience
• Run an omnichannel promotional plan, oversee external agencies and create digital and field content
• Engage commercial KOLs, medical societies and academic groups
• Set commercial KPIs, track brand performance and ensure compliance with internal standards, JPMA codes and local regulations

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree; Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, Economics or MBA preferred
• Pharmaceutical or healthcare brand marketing experience with strong strategic planning and commercial acumen
• Experience in IBD, immunology or gastroenterology commercial marketing is important
• Hands-on experience building sales forecasts, budgets and business plans
• Launch experience (new products, launch readiness or major indication expansion) highly preferred
• Native or fluent Japanese and English capable of global teleconferences and international negotiations

Required skills

• Forecasting models and business planning
• Strategic thinking and analytical thinking
• Cross-functional leadership and project management
• Omnichannel marketing and content creation