Manufacturing Finance (Associate – Sr. Manager)

Overview

A global pharmaceutical company is seeking a high-potential finance professional to join its Manufacturing Finance team in Japan. This role offers a unique blend of financial planning and procurement responsibility, supporting a key production site while working closely with local leadership and global stakeholders. The position is suited for candidates who can think independently, operate in a structured and analytical way, and contribute beyond pure execution—acting as a business partner across finance, procurement, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies to optimize supplier performance and cost efficiency Manage supplier relationships, including contract negotiation and ongoing performance management Coordinate with internal stakeholders and global teams on sourcing initiatives and projects Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies and relevant regulations Support and collaborate with global procurement functions on Japan-related sourcing Financial Planning & Analysis Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes for the manufacturing site Analyze financial performance, including variance analysis and key cost drivers Provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making by site leadership Manage OPEX and capital expenditure tracking Contribute to financial reporting and system inputs (e.

g., ERP/SAP) Requirements Required Experience 5–15 years of experience in finance, accounting, or related fields (hands-on experience essential) Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently Experience working in cross-functional environments and managing projects Business-level English and native-level Japanese (critical for supplier interaction) Preferred Experience Exposure to procurement, sourcing, or supplier management Experience in multinational environments, consulting, or financial services Background in trading companies or complex, matrix organizations Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP MBA or accounting certification (CPA, etc.)

is a plus but not required Profile Able to think logically and operate with a high degree of independence Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills Comfortable balancing financial analysis with business and operational considerations Not limited to task execution; capable of driving insights and decisions Benefits Why This Role Broad exposure across both finance and procurement in a global organization High-visibility role supporting site leadership and global teams Opportunity to develop into a well-rounded business partner within a complex environment