Job Title
Head of MedTech & Life Sciences
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Employment Type
Full-Time
Company Overview
A global business development and market expansion consultancy is seeking a senior commercial leader to head its MedTech & Life Sciences practice in Japan. The organization supports international companies, ranging from innovative startups to established enterprises, in entering and expanding across Asian markets through strategic partnerships, licensing, commercialization, and market development initiatives.
Position Overview
This leadership role is responsible for driving the growth and success of the MedTech & Life Sciences business in Japan. The successful candidate will lead a team supporting international clients across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and related sectors, providing strategic guidance throughout the market entry, partnership development, and commercialization process.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Market Expansion
Lead market entry, commercialization, partnership, and licensing projects for international healthcare and life sciences companies.
Develop and execute strategies to support client growth within the Japanese market.
Identify new business opportunities and support client acquisition activities.
Provide commercial and strategic recommendations to maximize client success and market penetration.
Client & Project Leadership
Oversee project delivery from initial market assessment through partner identification, engagement, negotiation, and ongoing relationship management.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients throughout market development and business expansion initiatives.
Monitor project progress and ensure delivery of high-quality consulting and business development services.
Present market insights, commercial recommendations, and strategic guidance to clients and stakeholders.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing MedTech & Life Sciences team.
Support employee development through coaching, training, and performance management.
Foster a collaborative, commercially focused, and results-driven culture.
Drive team growth and capability development aligned with business objectives.
Market Intelligence & Strategic Advisory
Provide in-depth industry knowledge and market intelligence across healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, customer needs, and partnership opportunities.
Support clients with strategic decision-making based on market insights and commercial opportunities.
Develop frameworks, tools, and best practices to enhance team effectiveness and project outcomes.
Partnership & Network Development
Build and maintain strong relationships across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, diagnostics, digital health, and emerging healthcare sectors.
Expand professional networks with industry leaders, investors, partners, distributors, and healthcare organizations.
Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Strengthen the company’s presence and reputation within the healthcare ecosystem.
Operational & Commercial Excellence
Develop business development infrastructure, sales processes, and supporting materials to improve execution.
Track project performance, client satisfaction, and business development metrics.
Collaborate with international colleagues to support global client engagements and cross-border initiatives.
Contribute to business growth through continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 10 years of experience within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, life sciences, or related sectors in Japan.
Strong understanding of the Japanese healthcare and life sciences market.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management, coaching, and talent development.
Proven track record in business development, market expansion, strategic partnerships, licensing, or commercialization activities.
Experience providing commercial insights and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders.
Native or fluent-level Japanese and business-level English communication skills.
Strong presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Immunology, or a related discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience within consulting, advisory, or market entry services.
Additional business, management, or commercial qualifications.
Experience working with international clients and cross-border projects.
Knowledge of licensing, distribution partnerships, and strategic alliance development.
Familiarity with emerging healthcare technologies and innovation ecosystems.
Benefits
Flexible working arrangements.
International and multicultural working environment.
Exposure to innovative healthcare, biotechnology, and medical technology companies.
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and global market expansion projects.
Significant leadership responsibility and career development opportunities.
Direct involvement in supporting innovation and international collaboration.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Commercially minded healthcare industry leader with strong strategic thinking capabilities.
Experienced in helping organizations successfully enter and grow within the Japanese market.
Skilled at building teams, developing talent, and driving business performance.
Strong relationship builder with an extensive healthcare industry network.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, international, and entrepreneurial environment.
Passionate about innovation, healthcare advancement, and cross-border business development.