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Regulatory Affairs, Senior Manager or Manager

Job-title: Regulatory Affairs, Senior Manager or Manager
Location: Tokyo
Specialisation: Pharmaceuticals
Salary: 10.0M ~ 15.0M
Reference: IJB2012970
Job-published: August 19, 2026 11:45

The Regulatory Affairs Senior Manager / Manager role offers the opportunity to play a key role in bringing innovative therapies to patients by leading regulatory strategy and submissions in Japan. This position is ideal for an experienced regulatory professional who enjoys working in a global environment, partnering cross-functionally, and driving successful regulatory outcomes across a diverse portfolio of biologics and small molecules.

Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy

  • Develop and implement regulatory strategies for portfolio assets, including biologics, small molecules, and lifecycle management activities, aligned with local and global business objectives.

  • Plan and execute regulatory interactions and expedited regulatory pathways in Japan in alignment with global strategies.

  • Ensure compliance with Japanese regulatory requirements, including PMDA and MHLW guidelines.

Regulatory Submissions and Approvals

  • Oversee the preparation, submission, and approval of regulatory dossiers in Japan, including CMC, clinical, and safety documentation.

  • Manage interactions and negotiations with PMDA to address regulatory queries and support timely approvals.

Global Collaboration

  • Act as the primary liaison between the local regulatory team and global regulatory affairs functions, ensuring alignment of strategies and processes.

  • Foster collaboration with global counterparts and cross-functional teams to achieve shared regulatory and business goals.

Regulatory Intelligence

  • Monitor and interpret changes in Japanese regulatory guidelines and communicate implications to relevant stakeholders.

  • Provide regulatory guidance and risk assessments to cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions.

Cultural Leadership

  • Promote teamwork and shared accountability to achieve regulatory and business objectives.

  • Demonstrate agility and adaptability in responding to regulatory challenges and evolving requirements.

  • Maintain a results-focused approach while ensuring compliance and high-quality regulatory standards.

  • Uphold integrity, transparency, and a psychologically safe environment for effective communication.

Requirements

Professional Competencies

  • In-depth knowledge of Japanese regulatory requirements and guidelines, including PMDA and MHLW regulations.

  • Familiarity with international regulatory frameworks, including ICH guidelines.

  • Proven experience as a regulatory strategy lead for projects in Japan.

  • Proven experience managing regulatory submissions and approvals in Japan.

  • Experience with biologics, small molecules, and regulatory CMC activities.

  • Preferably, leadership experience in building and developing high-performing teams.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey regulatory strategies to diverse stakeholders.

  • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.

Education

  • Preferably a licensed Pharmacist in Japan.

Experience

  • Minimum 8–10 years of experience in regulatory affairs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

  • Proven track record of managing regulatory submissions and approvals with PMDA and MHLW.

  • Preferably experienced in overseeing regulatory CMC activities and ensuring compliance with local and global standards.

  • Preferably 3–5 years of managerial experience, including leading teams of regulatory professionals.

  • Experience working within multinational organisations or alongside global regulatory teams.

  • Preferred: 3 years or more experience in Patient Safety or Product Quality.

  • Business-level English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive welfare coverage.

  • Comprehensive insurance coverage.

About the Company

A company in the pharmaceutical industry, this global organisation focuses on developing innovative treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders. With a long-standing commitment to advancing healthcare, the company works to improve patients’ lives through the development and delivery of pioneering therapies worldwide.