The Senior Manager, Policy plays a pivotal role in advancing Pfizer's policy strategy and initiatives in Japan, aligning with the company's purpose of delivering breakthroughs that change patients' lives and its business priorities in Japan. This strategic, externally oriented position requires strong commercial acumen and broad stakeholder engagement, serving as a key liaison between Pfizer and external stakeholders, including policymakers, industry associations, and other thought leaders, to drive impactful policy programs.
As part of the International Policy and Communications (IPC), the role collaborates closely with the other IPC functions, Communications and Community Engagement, as well as with other internal partners and external stakeholders, both in Japan and globally, to enhance policy impact and operational efficiency.
Role Responsibilities
- Develop and implement external stakeholder engagement strategies, fostering trusted relationships with policymakers (including Diet members, central and local government officials) as well as key influencers such as academics and think tanks.
- Provide strategic policy support to advance business objectives, driving internal and external initiatives aligned with relevant therapeutic areas and policy domains.
- Monitor and analyze political, legislative, and healthcare policy developments, providing timely strategic advice to senior leaders and proactively addressing risks and opportunities affecting Pfizer's business, reputation, and market access in Japan.
- Develop and implement strategic projects, ensuring clear and effective communication of the company's priorities and policy positions.
- Collaborate across all business units to design and articulate impactful policy frameworks, delivering strategic initiatives that address key policy priorities in Japan.
- Influence policy-making by raising public awareness and partnering with third-party organizations, in coordination with the Communications and Community Engagement teams.
- Develop clear, evidence-based policy positions, briefing materials, and other external-facing content to support policy development and advocacy.
- Represent the company's interests and perspectives in industry association policy activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Professional-level fluency in Japanese and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages. The role requires the ability to engage external stakeholders in Japanese and work effectively with global colleagues in English.
- Highly motivated, able to work collaboratively and creatively to solve problems.
- Strong self-management skills; able to work autonomously and proactively.
- Typically, 8 or more years of relevant experience.
- In-depth understanding of the policymaking process, including legislative procedures and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong grasp of the interplay between government, politics, and business, enabling effective navigation of complex stakeholder dynamics.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry representatives, and other influential stakeholders. An established relevant network is highly desirable.
- Ability to coordinate and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders on important, high-impact issues.
- Good understanding of Japan's healthcare policy environment, including the National Health Insurance system, drug pricing and reimbursement, health technology assessment, medicines regulation, and market access policy.
- Established trust with key stakeholders.
- Effective collaboration skills with third-party organizations such as patient groups and non-governmental organizations.
- Strong project management skills, including planning and prioritization for cross-departmental initiatives.
Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.
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Public Affairs & Communication
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience
- Professional-level fluency in Japanese and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages
- Typically 8 or more years of relevant experience
- In-depth understanding of policymaking processes, legislative procedures, and regulatory frameworks
- Strong understanding of the relationship between government, politics, and business
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry representatives, and influential stakeholders
- Ability to coordinate and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders on high-impact issues
- Understanding of Japan’s healthcare policy environment, including National Health Insurance, drug pricing and reimbursement, health technology assessment, medicines regulation, and market access policy
- Effective collaboration skills with patient groups, nongovernmental organizations, and other third-party organizations
- Strong project management skills for cross-departmental initiatives
- Established relevant stakeholder network
- Established trust with key stakeholders
Pfizer Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, and robust mental‑health benefits, with eligible Pfizer medications available at no cost in U.S. plans. Family‑building support and transgender‑inclusive care are explicitly included, alongside wellbeing resources such as a reimbursement wallet and telehealth options.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs feature a 401(k) with company matching plus an additional Retirement Savings Contribution, complemented by company‑subsidized life, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability insurance. Materials also reference subsidized retiree medical coverage for eligible groups.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, and paid parental and caregiver leave are consistently highlighted in current U.S. summaries and job postings. Options like buying extra vacation days and transition‑back support strengthen the time‑off offering.
Pfizer Insights
What We Do
Our purpose ensures that patients remain at the center of all we do. We live our purpose by sourcing the best science in the world; partnering with others in the healthcare system to improve access to our medicines; using digital technologies to enhance our drug discovery and development, as well as patient outcomes; and leading the conversation to advocate for pro-innovation/pro-patient policies.
Why Work With Us
We are the inventors, the problem solvers, the big thinkers — those who surmount any hurdle to deliver breakthrough medicines to the people who are counting on them the most.
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