Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager – Product Control Location: Tokyo, Japan Department: Quality Assurance (QA) Reports To: Head of Quality Assurance, Japan Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Company Overview (Anonymized): This role is with a global research-driven pharmaceutical organization governed by a non-profit foundation. With a strong commitment to advancing human health, the company is known for its dedication to therapeutic innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. The Japan affiliate plays a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality medicines to local patients while maintaining strict compliance with national regulatory standards. Position Summary: The QA Manager – Product Control is responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance of pharmaceutical products across the full lifecycle in the Japan market. The role focuses on release procedures, post-marketing quality oversight, and compliance with Japan’s pharmaceutical regulations (PMD Act, GQP, GMP). The position requires strong expertise in quality systems, cross-functional collaboration, and regulatory engagement. Key Responsibilities: Product Quality Oversight & Release
Oversee the release of pharmaceutical products in compliance with Japanese GQP/GMP and internal global procedures.
Review batch records, analytical results, and documentation to ensure product quality prior to market release.
Ensure product-specific QA procedures are established, approved, and adhered to.
Escalate any quality or manufacturing concerns promptly to relevant internal stakeholders.
Quality Systems Management
Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of quality systems related to product control.
Maintain and update SOPs relating to product quality, release, and QA activities.
Analyze quality data and performance trends to identify risks and drive improvements.
Manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to resolve and mitigate quality issues.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full adherence to Japanese regulations including the PMD Act, GQP, and GMP.
Act as QA contact for local health authorities such as the PMDA.
Prepare for and support audits and inspections, manage responses, and follow up on action items.
Establish and manage GQP agreements with overseas manufacturing and supply partners.
Quality Event Handling
Investigate and resolve quality issues including deviations, non-conformances, and complaints.
Work with cross-functional teams (e.g., Safety, Medical Affairs) to assess and address product-related concerns.
Support decision-making and execution of field actions such as recalls when necessary.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Medical, and Commercial teams to ensure quality continuity across the product lifecycle.
Provide guidance on GDP/GSP-compliant distribution, including temperature-controlled and cold chain processes.
Deliver training on QA processes and compliance topics to internal teams.
Supplier Quality Oversight (Product Control Scope)
Contribute to supplier qualification and monitoring programs.
Support the management of Quality Technical Agreements (QTAs) with key vendors and partners.
Qualifications: Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field (Master’s preferred).
5–7+ years of Quality Assurance experience in the pharmaceutical or medical device industry in Japan.
Strong background in product release and post-marketing quality control.
Hands-on knowledge of Japanese pharmaceutical regulations (PMD Act, GQP, GMP); familiarity with international standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 is a plus.
Experience interfacing with regulatory authorities (e.g., PMDA) is highly valued.
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical thinking and meticulous attention to detail.
Leadership experience in managing quality processes and teams.
Effective communicator in both Japanese (Native/Fluent) and English (Business Level).
Skilled in building collaborative relationships across functions and cultures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Able to travel occasionally for audits or global meetings.