Project Director, M&A, Search, Scouting

Are you passionate about identifying and securing innovation opportunities? Do you have a strong network with academia, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and biotech ventures? We are looking for a Project Director, M&A, Search, Scouting to join our team in Japan. Read more and apply today for a life-changing career.

Novo Nordisk has been globally recognized as the Best Place to Work, topping the ranks for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023. It is an exciting time to join Novo Nordisk and be part of a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, helping us achieve our aspirations to establish a global presence in the industry.

About the department
You will be part of the Business Development (BD) Division in Novo Nordisk Japan. Our team is focused on driving sustainable business growth and value creation through innovation. We work closely with global and International Operations (IO) BD functions and Novo Holdings A/S to identify and secure opportunities that align with our strategic objectives. The role will report directly to the CVP Head of BD Division and Senior Advisor.

The position
As a Project Director, M&A, Search, Scouting at Novo Nordisk, you will:

• Lead efforts to identify and secure innovation opportunities in Region Japan, driving sustainable business growth and value creation for future generations.
• Proactively develop and execute BD strategies, including M&A opportunities, through a strong network with academia, KOLs, and biotech ventures.
• Plan and manage Due Diligence (DD) processes to assess and evaluate companies, portfolios, devices, diagnostic methodologies, and data in collaboration with global/IO BD functions and Novo Holdings A/S.
• Foster relationships with Japanese authorities and academic associations, particularly in basic research fields, to align with strategic objectives.
• Assess and understand the strengths and weaknesses of external innovations and projects while consulting with global stakeholders and colleagues to ensure alignment and impact.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MD or PhD preferred) in a relevant field is ideal; a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any science-related field will also be considered and a minimum of 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in Cardiometabolic and Rare Disease fields, with a strong scientific background in Clinical, Medical, Regulatory (CMR), or Research & Development (R&D).
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and drive results in a collaborative environment.
• High-level communication, negotiation, and networking skills with academia, pharma, biotech, and regulatory authorities (PMDA, MHLW, AMED).
• Cheerful, open-minded, and action-oriented, with fluency in both English and Japanese, or at least a strong understanding of Japanese business culture.

Working at Novo Nordisk
We are a proud life-science company, and life is our reason to exist. We’re inspired by life in all its forms and shapes, ups and downs, opportunities, and challenges. For employees at Novo Nordisk, life means many things – from the building blocks of life that form the basis of ground-breaking scientific research, to our rich personal lives that motivate and energize us to perform our best at work. Ultimately, life is why we’re all here - to ensure that people can lead a life independent of chronic disease.
 
Contact
Upload your CV to our online career page (click on Apply and follow the instructions).
 
Deadline
Until the completion of recruitment.
Applications will be screened on an ongoing basis, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. 
 
At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.
 
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