Japan's regulatory environment is complex and fast-evolving, and this role provides the senior regulatory and quality leadership needed to navigate it. It is responsible for developing and executing regulatory strategy in Japan, overseeing the quality and vigilance (safety) systems, and partnering cross-functionally to support the business's growth. As a member of the Japan leadership team, the role fulfills the legally mandated Marketing Authorization Holder General Manager ("Sokatsu") responsibility, while providing both strategic direction and hands-on leadership across the Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Vigilance functions.
Lead the development and execution of regulatory strategy in Japan, ensuring compliance, sound risk management, and successful product registrations
Fulfill the responsibilities of the Marketing Authorization Holder General Manager ("Sokatsu") in accordance with applicable local regulations
Lead regulatory submissions, including new registrations and change applications, and manage interactions and inquiries with health authorities
Ensure ongoing compliance of marketed products through lifecycle management, including change control, license maintenance, and labeling updates
Proactively identify regulatory risks and challenges, working cross-functionally to resolve them
Review and approve promotional and non-promotional materials, including product labeling, for regulatory compliance
Maintain regulatory documentation, records, and databases (e.g., RIMS)
Develop and maintain local SOPs and work instructions that bridge global policy with local regulatory requirements
Monitor regulatory, legislative, and industry developments and incorporate them into strategy
Support new product introductions and launches in partnership with cross-functional teams
Build and maintain relationships with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, consultants, and distributors
Support regulatory inspections and audits conducted by health authorities and certification bodies
Compliance
Lead the company's compliance program, promoting adherence to global guidelines and local laws and regulations
Foster a culture of integrity, ethics, and compliance across the organization
Monitor compliance with internal standards and regulations governing interactions with healthcare professionals
Vigilance
Oversee the operation of the local vigilance (safety) system in line with global SOPs, third-party agreements, and local regulatory requirements
Review and approve local vigilance-related SOPs and documentation
Act as Deputy Local Safety Officer, supporting 24/7 vigilance coverage
Ensure readiness for vigilance-related audits and inspections
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop the Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Vigilance team
Build strong, collaborative relationships across functions
Represent the company in relevant industry associations or professional committees as needed
Requirements Education
Bachelor's degree or above in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field
A valid pharmacist license in Japan is a plus
Experience (required)
10+ years of Regulatory Affairs experience within the medical device and/or pharmaceutical industries
Hands-on experience developing regulatory strategy, managing product registrations, and leading lifecycle management activities, particularly within medical devices
Experience working within a global or matrix organization
Solid knowledge of Japan's regulatory requirements and approval processes for medical devices and pharmaceuticals
Experience leading a product registration from submission through to approval
Experience engaging directly with regulatory authorities such as MHLW, PMDA, and/or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and related quality/safety requirements, with experience partnering across functions
Experience managing or leading a small team
Nice to have
Experience within the cosmetics sector
Experience within aesthetics, dermatology, or a related healthcare sector
Language
Japanese: business-level proficiency or above (reading, writing, and speaking)
Basic daily conversational skills in English are sufficient
Key Skills & Attributes
Commercial understanding of the healthcare industry, particularly consumer health, and the ability to advise with that context in mind
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment on prioritization
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to balance business needs with compliance requirements
Able to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and lead by example
Adaptable and proactive in a fast-changing environment
About the Organization
Our client is a global healthcare company specializing in skin health, with an established consumer healthcare and aesthetic-medicine presence in Japan. Operating across international markets, the company brings a science-led, premium brand portfolio to both everyday skincare and clinic-administered aesthetic treatments. The Japan business has entered a growth phase in recent years, marked by renewed leadership and an expanding product portfolio across both areas. Location / Employment Type