Build & Lead the Japan Business for a Global Generics Company
A global pharmaceutical company with a strong international reputation in the generics space is seeking a senior commercial leader to establish and grow its Japan business from the ground up.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly connected professional within the Japanese generics (GX) ecosystem to create a new market entry and directly shape long-term growth in one of the world’s most important healthcare markets.
About the Role
The Country Manager will lead all commercial and strategic activities in Japan, focusing on building trusted partnerships with Japanese generics manufacturers. This is a hands-on, entrepreneurial position suited to someone who thrives on autonomy, relationship-building, and business creation.
You will not inherit a legacy organisation — you will design the Japan strategy, open doors at senior levels, and build a sustainable pipeline of opportunities aligned with global portfolio strengths.
Key Responsibilities
Market Strategy & Entry
Develop and refine a comprehensive Japan market entry strategy targeting key GX companies.
Map the landscape of potential partners, decision-makers, and commercial opportunities.
Provide continuous insights on regulatory, pricing, portfolio, and competitive trends in the Japanese generics environment.
Business Development & Partnerships
Identify, initiate, and advance partnership opportunities such as:
IP/dossier sales
Licensing and supply agreements
Co-development arrangements
Lead the full BD lifecycle from first contact to negotiation and deal progression.
Serve as the primary commercial interface between Japanese partners and global teams.
Stakeholder Engagement
Leverage an established network of CEOs, owners, and senior executives within the GX ecosystem.
Engage regularly with suppliers (API, excipients, chemicals, CDMOs) and influential advisors in the sector.
Represent the company at key industry events and forums in Japan.
Execution & Operational Leadership
Operate initially as a stand-alone country representative with a high level of autonomy.
Build and maintain a structured, transparent pipeline and provide clear reporting to global management.
Collaborate closely with global BD, regulatory, technical, and supply-chain teams to align Japan activities with overall strategy.
Experience
10–20+ years working within or closely with the Japanese generics industry.
Experience likely in:
Business development, licensing, corporate planning or portfolio roles at GX companies
API/excipients/chemicals/CDMO suppliers working with GX decision-makers
Consulting/investment banking focused on healthcare with strong GX relationships
Proven track record of originating and closing partnership or portfolio deals.
Deep knowledge of how GX companies select products, build portfolios, and structure partnerships.
Network & Market Insight
Well-established relationships with owner-founders, CEOs, and senior executives at Japanese generics companies.
Understanding of key suppliers and adjacent stakeholders in the GX value chain.
Strong grasp of commercial, regulatory, and market-access dynamics in Japan.
Competencies & Style
Highly relationship-driven BD professional with strong negotiation skills.
Strategic thinker who can execute independently and operate without local corporate infrastructure.
Entrepreneurial, resilient, and comfortable with ambiguity.
Credible and confident engaging at C-suite level in Japan’s business culture.
Native-level Japanese; solid business-level English for communication with global teams.
