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About the Role

As a key member of the Japan organization, the New Product Planning Manager will maximize the value of UCB’s portfolio in alignment with corporate strategy by leading commercial evaluation and strategic planning for pipeline, product life cycle management and licensing opportunities. This role bridges science and business, ensuring that development, regulatory, and commercial considerations are integrated to deliver optimal outcomes for both Japanese patients and UCB.

Responsibilities

Conducting robust commercial assessments of early/late-stage pipeline assets, product lifecycle management and licensing opportunities, including emerging modalities such as gene therapy.
Collaborating cross-functionally (Development, Medical, Commercial, Pricing, Regulatory Affairs, and Global teams) to establish Japan-specific commercial, development and submission strategies.
Providing strategic recommendations to Japan leadership and Global stakeholders to maximize asset value.
Influencing project teams by translating scientific insights into commercial impact and strengthening cross-functional capabilities.
Serve as the hub for all activities related to new product evaluation and planning.
Assess commercial value of pipeline and external opportunities, including epidemiology and disease burden, medical landscape and unmet needs, market environment and competitive dynamics, development strategy and timelines, pricing, reimbursement, and regulatory considerations, intellectual property and safety landscape.
Ensure alignment of portfolio decisions with UCB’s global strategy.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders across functions to align asset strategy.
Facilitate decision-making processes by integrating diverse perspectives into a unified recommendation.
Lead Key Opinion Leader (KOL) mapping and engagement strategy.
Generate actionable insights to support strategic positioning and maximize market potential.
Review and maintain Target Product Profiles (TPP) drafted by development team.
Build 5–10-year sales forecasts with robust assumptions.
Consolidate analyses into comprehensive business cases to support investment decisions.
Represent Japan’s unique clinical, regulatory, and market environment to Global teams.
Identify and communicate opportunities driven by ethnic, scientific, or market-specific differences.
Ensure timely and effective communication and escalation across stakeholders, including global alignment and approvals.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and quality excellence.
Ensure all activities comply with company standards, local regulations, and compliance requirements.
Guarantee accurate and timely reporting of adverse events, technical complaints, and compliance issues.
Complete all mandatory training requirements on time (100% compliance).

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in areas such as new product evaluation and planning, project management, business development/licensing, or brand or strategic marketing.
Strong combination of scientific and commercial expertise.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders without authority.
Experience in strategic analysis, forecasting, and business case development preferred.
Exposure to innovative modalities (e.g., gene therapy) is a plus.

Skills

Strategic Portfolio Evaluation & Planning
Cross-functional Leadership & Alignment
KOL Engagement & Insight Generation
Product Strategy & Business Case Development
Global Collaboration & Japan Advocacy
Quality & Compliance
Strategic analysis
Forecasting
Business case development
Scientific insights
Commercial impact
Stakeholder management
Influence skills
Ownership
Accountability
Strategic agility

Location

Japan

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Minimum 5 years of experience

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant discipline (e.g., Life Sciences, Medicine, Clinical Research, Marketing, Business Administration).
MBA or advanced degree is an advantage.

About the Company

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing on neurology and immunology.
Approximately 8,500 employees worldwide are inspired by patients and driven by science.
At UCB, we value creating value, not just doing tasks.
We aim to achieve results for patients by embracing challenges, collaborating, and pursuing innovation.
We foster a caring and supportive culture where everyone is respected, accepted, and can do their best.
We always aim for 'beyond' and deliver human-centered value for patients, employees, and the planet.
Working at UCB allows you to experience personal growth, build your career freely, and reach your full potential.

Equal Opportunity

UCB values equal opportunity.
All hiring decisions are made regardless of any legally protected attribute.
If you require special accommodation during the selection process to fully demonstrate your strengths and abilities, please contact EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com.
Please note that this contact point is only for consultation regarding special accommodations in the selection process and not for any other inquiries.