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Job Description

This is a leadership role based in Tokyo, Japan, responsible for driving strategic communications for Takeda in Japan, including corporate communications, pipeline and portfolio and employee engagement for the country.

Takeda is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to people worldwide. Our passion and pursuit of life-transforming treatments for patients are deeply rooted in over 240 years of heritage.

Reporting to the Global Head of Communications, the Head of Communications, Japan will be based at Takeda’s Global Headquarters in Japan and sit on the Japan Pharma Business Unit leadership team and will be responsible for leading a talented and diverse team of communications professionals responsible for Corporate Communications, R&D and Product communications, as well as employee engagement for Japan. This team develops and executes integrated communications strategies for Takeda in Japan, in alignment with the global communications mission and strategy, ensuring a consistent and differentiated positioning of Takeda as an innovation-driven and patient-centric company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop Japan-focused high-profile communications strategy and execution plan based on insights in alignment with Takeda’s global differentiation strategy and local business strategy. Accountable for local execution through team empowerment.

• Provide strategic communications counsel to the President of the Japan Pharma Business Unit and the relevant Business Unit Heads, as a member of the Country Committee; coordinate team to support the commercial and R&D organizations for each therapeutic area.

• Lead and coordinate Japan R&D and Product communications for key milestones, such as data readouts, regulatory approvals, launches, life cycle management and issues management.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external and internal stakeholders, including media and influencers, communication leaders and management.

• Develop and execute employee engagement strategies for Japan, transforming Japan based employees into ambassadors enhancing Takeda's reputation as an employer of choice.

• Responsible for local crisis-management communication planning, readiness and response.

• Demonstrate measurable improvement in not only reaching stakeholders but also influencing their preference for Takeda in Japan through targeted and impactful tactics.

• Manage and oversee the Japan communications budget, resources and agencies.

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of communications professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence.

• Establish clear roles and responsibilities, performance expectations and development plans for the team, ensuring alignment with the global communications vision and strategy.

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and learning, leveraging best practices, insights, and feedback to optimize communications effectiveness and impact.

• Act as a role model for Takeda's values and leadership behaviors, in particular promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Work closely with strategic partners, including colleagues from Corporate Affairs and Business Units to enable business objectives, lead and direct large, complex initiatives across the organization.

• Partner with global and regional communications teams to ensure alignment and consistency of global messages and best practices and be accountable of localization when necessary.

• Co-create Takeda’s enterprise-wide employee engagement strategy, in partnership with other global teams, to enable business objectives and improve employee understanding and connection to the company’s purpose, culture, value system and overall business strategy.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in communications, with demonstrated experience in a global headquarters environment and a diverse skillset with strong expertise in multiple areas of communications.

• Strong track record of leadership and of developing and executing strategic corporate and product communications plans.

• Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to anticipate and address opportunities and challenges in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Data-driven approach to problem solving, strategy development and decision making.

• Exceptional written and oral communications skills in Japanese and English, with the ability to craft and deliver compelling messages for various audiences and channels.

• Strong media relations skills, with established relationships with key Japan media outlets and influencers.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization and with external partners.

• Role models the use of new technologies, champions their adoption with colleagues and motivates for change.

• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop a diverse and global team.

• Exceptionally high degree of integrity, professionalism and ethical standards.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed.

Takeda is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to empowering our people to realize their potential and make a positive impact on society.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.

• Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year

• Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)

• Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.

• Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework

• Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

• It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.

• It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.

Locations

Tokyo, Japan

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time