[Japan] Digital Product Technical Lead

Company Description

A career at Santen is an opportunity to make a difference. Through our long-term vision outlined in Santen 2030, we are committed to be a Social Innovator - addressing the social and economic needs of people with visual impairments. We have team members around the world using their diverse talents to unlock new modalities and drive innovations for patient outcomes, education and treatment. At Santen, we believe in empowering all our team members with flexible ways of working and a highly inclusive work environment. 

The Santen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to building diverse teams and ensuring a safe and inclusive physical and virtual workplace for every one of our team members. All employment decisions are based on business needs, role requirements and individual qualifications regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/ expression, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Job Description

This role is critical for digital transformation (Dx) across Santen to maximize our impact on people’s happiness through digital. Global Digital Innovation in the Digital & IT Division was established to drive Dx across Santen. Our mission is to maximize Santen’s impact on people’s happiness through digital.

Global Digital Innovation consists of two teams: Digital Solutions, and Data Architecture & Analytics.

Digital Solution Team Responsibilities

1. Businesses to increase operational efficiency/unlock new sources of value.
2. Inject Dx excellence across Santen as Dx Center of Excellence.
3. Ensure agility in digital initiatives execution and expand agile way of working to the entire organization.
4. Manage digital initiative portfolio to achieve strategic alignment.
5. Drive Dx capability building programs across Santen.
6. Partner with the business side to drive new digital offering development as new sources of value deploying emerging technologies and agile approaches while also providing consultation.
7. Coordinate entire digital initiatives from a holistic view and enable cross-functional collaboration.
8. Implement Change Management by facilitating the transition of all individuals, teams, and departments to effectively use digital tools and methodologies.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Job’s mission
Under the supervision and guidance of the head of Global Digital Innovation and immediate supervisor of the Digital Solutions Team Manager in Digital and IT Division and strong collaboration with internal stakeholders who are responsible for digital strategy from Dx/digital perspectives. The Digital Product Technical Lead will play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and innovation within Santen. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing technical expertise and support to ensure the successful execution of digital initiatives, also comprehensive technical support in the development and maintenance of digital products, including but not limited to AI-based tools, Digital Health and Robotic Process Automation tool, such as UiPath and PowerAutomate. This role requires a deep understanding of digital product architecture, software development, and innovative technologies. The candidate will work closely with other team members of Global Digital Innovation cross region to deliver innovative digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and unlock new sources of value for global organization of Santen.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Technical Expertise and Support

• Lead the technical aspects of digital product development and lifecycle management, ensuring high-quality standards and minimized technical risks. Provide needed technical support and consultation to management on various digital projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of technical documentation and presentations that effectively communicate project plans and outcomes to team members and stakeholders. Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
• Ensure the technical feasibility and practical implementation of digital projects, leveraging expertise in technologies such as AI, machine learning, digital therapeutics, telehealth, IoT, automated triage/diagnosis, etc. Diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues promptly to minimize downtime and ensure the smooth operation of digital products.

Project Management & Dx Roadmap Execution

• Support the execution of the Digital Transformation Roadmap, monitoring progress and providing technical guidance to optimize project outcomes.
• Collaborate with the digital team , DIT business partners and beyond to support the technical workflow. Oversee the development, deployment, and maintenance of digital products. For instance: AI-based tools, Automation solutions, DTx.
• Vendor management such as reviewing technical files from external partners, monitor and control the quality of technical deliverables.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, ensuring effective communication and coordination among project teams and stakeholders.

Driving Dx Mindset and Implement Change Management

• Support the team on change management efforts in adopting and effectively using digital tools and methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum, Kanban Board. 
• Participate in initiatives to build digital capabilities across the organization, promoting a culture of digital proficiency and continuous learning.

MISSION DURATION, LOCALIZATION, BUDGET MANAGEMENT
This will be an unlimited contract based in Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd. This position may require business trips to any geographical locations where Santen and its business partners operates.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology.
• Proven experience in a technical role. Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing technical development and digital products.
• Proven track record of developing digital products and launching digital initiatives and projects successfully.
• International experience of working with teams spread across different countries and global stakeholders
• Work experience in Pharma Industry, understanding GxP and have certain knowledge of Computerized System Validation is a PLUS

Skills / Job related knowledge

• Excellent communication skill including English and Japanese is a must as a global role.
• Technical Skills: Coding skills, Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and C#. Super users of Microsoft work applications, cloud technologies.
• Preferrable to have experience with AI technologies, machine learning frameworks, and RPA tools such as Power Automate.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Passionate about digital innovation and a willingness to continuously learn and adopt new technologies.
• Strong awareness of working in diverse cultures.

Additional Information

You will be part of the Global Value Stream in DIT, impacting positively the way the company operates by having the opportunity to propose ideas and solutions and to be part of their implementation. You will report to the Global Business Solutions team, the manager who takes lead business solutions leveraging digital and IT mainly in global Research and Development. We are willing to simply make a difference for Santen with your enthusiasm, proposition capability and personality.