Japan Vaccine Communications Lead

Japan Vaccine Communications LeadTakeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Job Description

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSEAn experienced communicator, versed in external and internal communications, to support Takeda’s Vaccine Business Unit in Japan. This individual will oversee all aspects of our Vaccine Business Unit communications in Japan, working closely with other members of Global Vaccine Communications, Japan Vaccine Business Unit, Global Corporate Affairs and Japan Pharma Business Unit Communications. Importantly, this person will be responsible for all communications related to our COVID-19 vaccine programs in Japan while aligning with Japan Pharma Communications on any marketed product communications. It must be based in Japan.ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead strategic communication planning for our COVID-19 and pandemic influenza vaccine programs, including proactive media engagements and other stakeholder communications.
• Support the Vaccine Business Unit global narrative and Japan, ensuring continuity with the Japan Pharma Business Unit positioning.
• Support Japan-based spokespeople in media interview preparation.
• Manage day-to-day communications activities such as media outreach, internal communications, and press materials (press releases, Q&As, statements, etc.).
• A key member of the COVID-19 and Pandemic Global Program Teams.
• Oversee Japan Vaccine Business Unit internal communications in close collaboration with Japan Vaccine Governance and Operational Excellence team.
• Support vaccine partner and Government of Japan communications efforts.
• Support our Japan Pharma Business Unit and Global Corporate Affairs communications teams about our marketed vaccines in Japan.
• Support Vaccine Business Unit Communications in preparing materials for quarterly earnings calls.
• Occasional translation (more often verifying translations) of global materials to resonate with the Japanese audience when necessary.
• Join the Japan Vaccine Business Unit leadership team, and have a dotted line reporting to the Head of the Japan Vaccine Business Unit

CORE ELEMENTS RELATED TO THIS ROLE

• A skilled communications strategy mindset continuously focused on desired and measurable business outcomes
• Work with cross-functional teams to anticipate and effectively manage communication issues, as well as formulate strategic communication counsel
• Create and execute corresponding communication plans (including digital and social media, as well as traditional media) and materials addressing Takeda’s corporate strategy
• Global understanding, insight and knowledge of how to work in an international structure and varied cultures
• Ability to prioritize what matters the most in line with the Takeda VBU priorities and values
• Demonstrate quick analysis, good judgment and rapid response on corporate reputational topics and issues, with a sense of urgency

Requirements

Required Skills

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree – BS/BA in journalism, writing, communications or global health preferred
• Fluent speaker and writer in both Japanese and English
• Minimum ten years of progressive experience in corporate communications, preferably with an emphasis on public relations, global health and/or product communications
• Prior experience in the biopharmaceutical space is highly preferable, and global health and/or vaccine experience is ideal.
• Prior experience working in a global environment
• Keen understanding of Japanese media, with a preference for established relationships with critical media in Japan
• Strategic planner and results-oriented
• A relationship builder who can negotiate and form a consensus among various parties
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills accompanied by the ability to multi-task and problem-solve
• Strong execution while considering all perspectives, including legal and regulatory.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Team player and self-starter with a positive attitude
• A pragmatic and flexible approach to personal time management, considering the global/international nature of the role
• Able to manage and collaborate with the communications agency team
• Excellent PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Excel capabilities
• Frequent travel between Tokyo and Osaka
• Fluent Japanese skill and business-level English skills required

Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.Salary Increase: AnnuallyBonus Payment: Twice a yearWorking Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45Holidays: 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待遇Allowances: commuting expenses, rent subsidy, overtime allowance, etc.Salary increase: In principle, once a year　Bonus: Twice a year in principleWorking hours: Headquarters (Chuo-ku, Osaka/Chuo-ku, Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Factory (Hikari-shi, Yamaguchi/Yodogawa-ku, Osaka) 8:00-16:45, Laboratory (Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa) ) 9:00-17:45Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, May Day, year-end and New Year holidays (approximately 123 days per year)Work-style related systems: Introduction of flextime system and telecommuting system (eligible employees)Leave: Annual paid leave, special paid leave, sick leave, family support leave, maternity leave, child care leave, child care leave, nursing care leave

Job Location

• Tokyo – 23 Wards

Average Salary:￥Negotiable