• Lead market entry and build a high-performing CRO operation from the ground up
• Own strategy, business development and operational delivery in Japan
• High profile Tokyo-based role | Competitive remuneration package

About the Organisation
Healthcare Professionals Group (HPG) is partnering with a fast-growing global CRO entering its next phase of APAC expansion.  With an accelerated track record of scaling across multiple regions and therapeutic areas, the organisation is establishing dedicated operations in Japan to better support sponsors locally and globally.

About the Opportunity
This newly created leadership role will suit a senior clinical operations executive who combines commercial drive with hands-on delivery experience.  Reporting to the Regional Director, you will set the strategy for Japan, win and grow sponsor relationships, and stand up the local operating model—initially focusing on hiring/onboarding CRAs and core functions while building long-term capability and governance.  Scope includes end-to-end clinical operations oversight, vendor/CRO management, inspection readiness, and KPI delivery typical of senior ops leadership in CRO environments.

Duties

• Establish Japan operations: organisational design, SOPs, systems, and governance
• Drive business development: engage sponsors, shape proposals, and secure new programs
• Build and lead the local team (initially CRAs, then broader clinical and enabling functions)
• Provide country-level clinical operations leadership across start-up to close-out, quality, timelines and budgets
• Oversee vendor performance, site strategy, and TMF/inspection readiness in line with global standards
• Represent the country in regional leadership forums; report performance, risks and mitigations

Skills and Experience

• Senior-level CRO background is essential; pharma experience welcomed if significant earlier CRO leadership is evident
• Proven Japan country/region clinical operations leadership with measurable KPI delivery and audit readiness ownership
• Strong business development track record with sponsor engagement at executive level
• Native Japanese language capability with fluent English
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on leader able to flex between strategy and execution in a build phase
• Tokyo-based; deep knowledge of the Japan clinical research ecosystem

Benefits

• Pivotal country leadership mandate with significant impact on APAC growth
• Opportunity to build a modern, scalable operating model and team
• Competitive remuneration, subject to experience and market alignment
• Backing from an experienced regional/global leadership group

How to Apply
To explore this opportunity in confidence, please contact:
Adrian McConchie, Director, HPG | amcconchie@hpgconnect.com | +61 488 807 351
Rohan Lallbeeharry, Senior Recruitment Consultant, HPG | rlallbeeharry@hpgconnect.com | +61 485 860 660