Kyowa Kirin is a global specialty pharmaceutical company backed by more than 70 years of breakthrough life science innovation, dedicated to discovering and advancing treatments for diseases in which unmet need is greatest. Based in Japan with worldwide operations, we work across the continuum from drug discovery to commercialization, guided by our commitment to patients and their families.

Our research teams, located in California and around the world, are focused on developing the next generation of antibody, cell, and gene therapies, with particular emphasis on bone and mineral disorders, hemato-oncology, and rare diseases. We accelerate development through collaborations with industry, academia, patients, and healthcare providers, and since 2018 we have introduced four new therapies serving patients with progressive illnesses often in need of new therapeutic alternatives.

Summary of Job:

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will be responsible for driving the development, planning, and execution of strategic initiatives in North America. Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic Planning, this position will lead cross-functional teams in the successful implementation of these initiatives, monitor their progress, and evaluate their impact to ensure alignment with the company’s broader strategic goals.

Essential Functions:

Collaborate closely with strategy team and/or senior leadership to execute strategic initiatives related to North America strategy, including:

• Analyze long-range plans, forecasts, business performance, and external developments to identify strategic implications, risks, opportunities, capability needs, and potential investment or resource-allocation choices.
• Translate strategic planning outputs into clear, actionable recommendations for North America leadership.
• Lead or support business-critical strategic initiatives, including ongoing or emerging enterprise priorities identified by leadership.
• Develop executive-level views of business performance and strategic initiative progress, highlighting key risks, opportunities, trends, and decisions requiring leadership attention.
• Support North America’s strategic assessment of business development and portfolio opportunities, including strategic fit, organizational capabilities, potential synergies, potential integration considerations, and support ongoing portfolio prioritization.

Subordinates: Individual Contributor

Job Requirements:

Education

Bachelor’s Degree required. MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred

Experience

7+ years’ experience leading cross-functional teams with diverse experience. 7+ years of experience in marketing leadership, sales leadership or operations leadership roles within the pharma/biotech market. Rare Disease and Oncology experience preferred but not required. Knowledge of best practices, business processes, financial management, and commercial systems across the pharmaceutical industry. Insightful understanding of regulatory and legal requirements for pharmaceutical marketing. Proven track record of building, leading, and driving business process transformation in organizational effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to seek diverse input from multiple stakeholders to make highly complex decisions and drive innovative solutions. Project Management experience preferred.

Technical Skills

Proficient in MS Office Suite, leverages AI effectively, and Veeva/Salesforce CRM Systems.

Non-Technical Skills

Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, meet deadlines, make decisions, and change course of action quickly. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. A strong work ethic is required. Detail-oriented and excellent follow through. Has the ability to flex and deal with ambiguity in a dynamic, fast-paced, high-growth environment. Has a passion for personal learning and development to be able to grow with the company. Cultural sensitivity and ability to develop consensus within a multinational organization.

Physical Demands: Normal office environment with prolonged sitting and extensive computer work

Working conditions: Requires up to 10% domestic & international travel

Our culture is grounded in our values: Commitment to Life, Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork/Wa, and brought to life through the Kabegoe Principles, which define the behaviors and actions that guide how we work together to deliver meaningful impact for patients.

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and mindful of the countless individuals still waiting for their own breakthroughs. A commitment to making people smile unites our efforts. Learn more at www.kkna.kyowakirin.com.

The anticipated salary for this position will be $195,00 to $240,000. The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• 401K with company match
• Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Jobs)
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule which includes Summer and Winter Shut-Downs, Sick Days and, Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

Kyowa Kirin does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Kyowa Kirin Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Kyowa Kirin employees or any other company location; Kyowa Kirin is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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