Senior Director, Corporate & Product Communications (Pharma)

Company Overview Leading Global Pharmaceutical Company Job Description Overview A global pharmaceutical organization is seeking a Senior Director, Corporate & Product Communications to lead business unit communications strategy across its Japan operations. This role sits within the Corporate Affairs function and plays a key role in shaping both product-level and broader organizational communications to support strategic business objectives. The position acts as both a strategic advisor and hands-on communications leader, responsible for driving alignment across internal and external stakeholders, strengthening product reputation, and ensuring consistent messaging across local and global teams. This is a senior leadership role reporting into regional/global communications leadership. Key Responsibilities Lead corporate and product communications strategy across the business unit portfolio in Japan, ensuring alignment with global communications priorities and local business objectives. Develop and execute integrated communication plans across product communications, disease awareness, and environmental shaping initiatives. Manage external communications including earned media, press releases, media relations, thought leadership, and engagement with external stakeholders such as healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and media. Oversee internal communications activities including leadership messaging, employee communications, internal campaigns, and cross-functional communications alignment. Serve as a communications advisor to senior business leaders, providing strategic counsel, messaging guidance, and support on key business priorities and reputational issues. Partner closely with global and regional communications teams to ensure consistency of messaging and execution across markets. Lead, coach, and develop a team of communications professionals, including performance management and capability building. Manage external agency relationships and oversee development of communication materials including press content, digital content, speeches, Q&As, and crisis communications materials. Support issues management and crisis communications readiness, ensuring proactive identification and response to potential reputational risks. Requirements Essential Criteria Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field. 10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, corporate affairs, or related roles within a global organization. Strong experience in both internal and external communications, ideally within a pharmaceutical or regulated industry. Proven experience leading communications strategy for business units, brands, or product portfolios. Experience managing and developing teams in a matrixed, global environment. Strong stakeholder management experience, including engagement with senior executives and cross-functional leadership teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Japanese. Experience working with media, agencies, and external partners. Ability to operate in a fast-paced, global environment with strong prioritization and judgment skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience in pharmaceutical or healthcare communications. Exposure to product lifecycle communications (launch, growth, maturity stages). Experience in crisis communications and issues management. Experience working in global matrix organizations with regional/global alignment. Strong understanding of healthcare ecosystem, patient advocacy, or disease awareness communications. Benefits Role Characteristics Senior leadership role within Corporate Affairs / Communications Hybrid responsibility across product communications + corporate reputation + internal communications High level of interaction with global headquarters and senior leadership Team leadership and capability development focus Strategic + operational (“player-coach”) role Perks & Benefits Competitive executive-level compensation package with performance-based bonus Comprehensive health, welfare, and insurance coverage Housing and commuting allowance (where applicable) Annual paid leave and flexible working arrangements Hybrid working model with flexibility to work from home Career development opportunities within a global organization Access to international projects and cross-regional collaboration Strong focus on learning, leadership development, and capability building Employee wellbeing and work-life balance support programs