Portfolio Management & LCM, Lead

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

This role leads portfolio management and lifecycle management (LCM) activities for Novartis products in Japan. Requirements typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or a related field; strong experience in pharmaceutical portfolio strategy, product planning, commercial development, or lifecycle management; and an understanding of the Japanese healthcare market. Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, financial and market analysis, cross-functional leadership, project management, and fluent Japanese and English communication. The successful candidate is expected to identify growth opportunities, guide product investment and prioritization decisions, manage risks, and align local portfolio plans with global business objectives.

About the employer

Novartis is a global medicines company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, focused on discovering and developing innovative treatments for major diseases. Its work spans areas such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic conditions, immunology, neuroscience, oncology, and rare diseases. The company combines pharmaceutical research, advanced data and technology, and global commercial expertise to bring new medicines to patients. Novartis operates in many countries, including Japan, where it works with healthcare professionals, hospitals, regulators, patient organizations, and public health stakeholders. The organization promotes an innovation-led, science-based culture and offers careers across research, clinical development, medical affairs, commercial strategy, manufacturing, technology, and corporate functions. Employees are generally expected to collaborate across international teams, act with integrity, focus on patient outcomes, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Working in Japan

Japan offers strong opportunities in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, finance, education, and international business, particularly in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Kobe. The culture values punctuality, respect, teamwork, careful preparation, and professional courtesy. Daily life is safe and convenient, with excellent public transport, high-quality healthcare, varied food, and a mix of modern cities and traditional communities. Housing and commuting costs can be high in major urban areas, while regional locations may provide a quieter and more affordable lifestyle. Foreign professionals usually need an employer-sponsored work visa; highly skilled workers may qualify for Japan’s points-based Highly Skilled Professional visa. Employers commonly support sponsorship, relocation, registration, and initial housing arrangements. New arrivals should prepare documents, secure a residence card, register locally, arrange health insurance, and understand tax obligations. Basic Japanese is valuable for workplace integration and everyday tasks, even when English is used professionally.