Regulatory Affairs Lead Role Purpose & Strategic Context Our client is a global consumer skincare company with an established, growing presence in Japan. This role will lead regulatory strategy, submissions, and lifecycle management for the company’s quasi-drug and cosmetics portfolio in Japan — a key position balancing regulatory compliance with business growth. Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end regulatory affairs activities for quasi-drug and cosmetics products in Japan, from new registrations and notifications through post-launch lifecycle management.
Ensure ongoing compliance with Japanese cosmetics and quasi-drug regulations, including labeling, advertising and claims review, ingredient compliance, and post-market obligations.
Act as the primary point of contact with Japanese regulatory authorities and relevant industry associations on quasi-drug and cosmetics matters.
Partner cross-functionally within a global matrix organization — including regional/global regulatory, marketing, and quality teams — to align regulatory strategy with commercial objectives.
Monitor regulatory developments, assess business impact, and provide timely, strategic regulatory guidance on product development, registration, market entry, and lifecycle planning.
Drive continuous improvement of regulatory processes and systems to strengthen compliance, efficiency, and organizational capability.
Translate complex regulatory topics into clear, practical guidance for stakeholders at all levels of regulatory expertise.
Requirements Education
Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or another relevant Life Sciences discipline.
Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 8 years of progressive Regulatory Affairs experience in the cosmetics and/or quasi-drug industry in Japan, including direct responsibility for product registrations and lifecycle management.
Experience working in an international matrix organization.
Knowledge of Japanese regulations and registration requirements governing cosmetics and quasi-drugs, including product notifications, licensing requirements, labeling, advertising and claims compliance, ingredient regulations, and post-market obligations.
Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end regulatory assessments, submissions, registrations, approvals, and lifecycle maintenance for cosmetics and/or quasi-drug products in Japan.
Experience interacting with Japanese regulatory authorities and industry associations on cosmetics and quasi-drug matters.
Language
Japanese: Fluent or native level.
Basic daily conversational skills in English are sufficient.
Skills
Understanding of the commercial dynamics of the cosmetics and quasi-drugs industry, and the ability to translate that into pragmatic regulatory guidance that supports business objectives while ensuring compliance.
Ability to analyze complex regulatory issues and identify practical, compliant solutions.
Ability to communicate clearly and build effective working relationships with regulators, industry associations, global/HQ functions, and internal teams.
Ability to manage multiple regulatory projects and priorities to deadline, including negotiating with external stakeholders where needed.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a matrix environment.
Ability to anticipate regulatory developments, assess their business impact ahead of time, and adjust regulatory strategy accordingly.
Experience identifying and implementing improvements to regulatory processes and ways of working.
Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with integrity and a commitment to compliance.
About the Organization A global consumer skincare company with an established, growing presence in Japan, offering skincare brands trusted by consumers and healthcare professionals alike. Location / Employment Type Tokyo, Japan (assumed) · Full-time (assumed)