Head of R&D, Japan

Title:

Head of R&D, Japan

Company:

IPSEN K.K.

 

About Ipsen:

Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation.

 Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company’s success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society!

For more information, visit us at https://www.ipsen.com/ and follow our latest news on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Job Description:

Head of Research & Development, Japan   

Tokyo | Hybrid 

 

Ipsen is seeking an accomplished R&D leader to lead our scientific and development organisation in Japan. 

 

This is a senior executive leadership position, representing R&D on the Japan Leadership Team and connecting Japan with Ipsen’s global R&D organisation. The role holds overall accountability for R&D strategy and portfolio development in Japan, alongside responsibility as the Marketing Authorization Holder Representative (Sokatsu). 

 

Key responsibilities 

• Define and lead the long-term R&D strategy and portfolio priorities for Japan. 

• Drive clinical development and regulatory strategies supporting development, registration and lifecycle management of innovative medicines. 

• Act as the senior R&D partner to the General Manager, Japan and Global Asset Teams. 

• Lead the Japan R&D community across Clinical Development, Regulatory, Medical and Patient Safety. 

• Hold senior accountability for MAH responsibilities, product quality, safety, efficacy and regulatory compliance. 

• Represent Ipsen with PMDA, MHLW, industry bodies and external scientific stakeholders. 

 

About you 

You will bring: 

• Significant R&D leadership experience within a global pharmaceutical organisation. 

• A track record of progressing assets through development, registration and post-approval. 

• Deep understanding of the Japanese pharmaceutical, healthcare and regulatory environment. 

• Strong experience engaging with PMDA and MHLW. 

• A Japanese pharmacist license and eligibility to serve as Sokatsu. 

• The ability to lead and influence senior teams within a complex global matrix. 

• Fluent Japanese and business-level English. 

 

This is an opportunity for an established R&D leader to shape the future of Ipsen’s R&D organisation and portfolio in Japan while influencing development strategy at a global level. 

 

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported; where we embrace “The Real Us”. The value we place on different perspectives and experiences drives our commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities. When we include diverse ways of thinking, we make more thoughtful decisions and discover more innovative solutions. Together we strive to better understand the communities we serve. This means we also want to help you perform at your best when applying for a role with us. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let the recruitment team know. This information will be handled with care and will not affect the outcome of your application.