Associate Director RA

Location Tokyo
Discipline Life Science
Job type Permanent
Salary Negotiable
Reference 58582
Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager (Medical Devices)
Overview
  • We are seeking a senior regulatory professional to lead device-focused regulatory strategy and submission activities within a global organization

  • This role supports the development, approval, and commercialization of medical devices across the U.S. and international markets

  • The position requires deep expertise in U.S. regulatory frameworks and global device regulations, along with the ability to guide cross-functional teams and drive successful regulatory outcomes

Key Responsibilities
1. Regulatory Strategy
  • Develop and execute regulatory strategies across product development, approval, and lifecycle management

  • Ensure alignment with global regulatory requirements including U.S. and international frameworks

2. Regulatory Submissions
  • Lead preparation and management of regulatory submissions such as pre-market applications and approvals

  • Oversee submission processes from early-stage planning through to final approval

3. Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory standards and quality systems

  • Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready regulatory documentation

4. Regulatory Intelligence
  • Monitor changes in global regulatory requirements and assess their impact on business and product strategies

  • Provide insights to support proactive regulatory planning

5. Cross-functional Support
  • Provide regulatory guidance to internal teams including R&D, clinical, quality, and commercial functions

  • Ensure alignment across stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle

6. Health Authority Interaction
  • Serve as a primary contact for regulatory authorities, managing communications, submissions, and responses

  • Support inspections and regulatory inquiries as needed

7. Leadership & Process Improvement
  • Contribute to the development of best practices and continuous improvement of regulatory processes

  • Collaborate with global teams to maintain high operational standards

Candidate Requirements
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field

  • Advanced degree preferred

Core Skills & Expertise
  • Strong knowledge of medical device regulations and quality standards

  • Experience preparing regulatory documentation and managing submissions

  • Ability to assess regulatory risks and develop strategic plans

  • Strong project management and organizational skills

  • Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities

  • Relevant regulatory certifications are a plus

Preferred Knowledge
  • Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks across multiple regions

  • Knowledge of emerging technologies such as digital health, software, or AI-based devices

  • Experience with investigational or clinical-stage device programs

  • Business-level English proficiency

Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in regulatory affairs, including significant experience in medical devices

  • Proven track record of successful regulatory submissions and approvals

  • Experience working with higher-risk product categories preferred

  • Exposure to combination products or software-based medical technologies is a plus

  • Experience managing cross-functional projects in a global environment

Hiring Priorities
  • Candidates with strong regulatory leadership experience who can independently drive strategy and execution

  • Individuals with deep knowledge of global medical device regulations and a proven ability to navigate complex approval processes