Associate Business Development Director - Clinical Research, Japan

About the Organisation

Healthcare Professionals Group (HPG) is partnering with a high-performing, full-service Clinical Research CRO that has built a reputation as Asia-Pacific’s leading biotech specialist. With operations across the globe and a clear expansion mandate, this organisation delivers early-to-late phase clinical trials for biotech sponsors globally. Recognised for operational excellence and deep regional regulatory insight, the company continues to invest in senior talent to meet growing sponsor demand.

About the Opportunity

This is a pivotal role for a commercially focused CRO Business Development leader ready to step into strategic client ownership. As Associate Business Development Director, you will lead sponsor engagement across Japan, convert early-phase opportunities into global clinical partnerships, and support cross-functional proposal and delivery alignment. Reporting into the Regional Business Development Head, you will engage pharma and biotech sponsors throughout the deal lifecycle and represent the organisation at key industry forums. The role offers a chance to step into a highly visible leadership position with one of the fastest-growing CROs in the region.

Duties

• Lead business development strategy and execution across Japan
• Engage biotech clients to position the organisation’s global clinical capabilities, from pre-IND through pivotal studies
• Oversee proposal strategy, budget alignment, bid defence, and contract negotiation in collaboration with internal teams
• Build long-term client relationships with C-level stakeholders at regional and global biotech companies
• Represent the company at regional conferences and support brand positioning within the biotech ecosystem
• Contribute to market intelligence, forecasting, and continuous improvement of BD processes and tools

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in CRO business development; full-service CRO background essential
• Proven success managing biotech accounts, winning new business, and delivering multi-country clinical development solutions
• Strong understanding of Phase I–III trial models including regulatory pathways across Japan
• Native Japanese fluency essential; strong written and verbal English required for international sponsor and internal collaboration
• Confident communicator with exceptional negotiation, presentation, and proposal delivery skills
• Based in Tokyo, with regional travel as needed

Benefits

• Key leadership role in Japan with exposure to global biotech sponsor networks
• High-growth company with a strong reputation and robust operational backing
• Opportunity to work closely with regional and global leadership across BD and delivery
• Competitive base salary, incentives, and long-term growth pathway
• Flexible hybrid working with autonomy and regional influence

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