Manager, Medical and Safety Sciences

Manager, Medical and Safety Sciences

What we do

At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we’re the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON’S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.

Who We Are

Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated.  We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future–and yours. For more information, click here.

Role reports to:

Associate Director - R&D Essential Health APAC

Location:

Asia Pacific, Japan, Tokyo-To, Chiyoda

Work Location:

Fully Onsite

What you will do

Manager, Medical and Safety Sciences is responsible for leading research projects, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and managing laboratory teams to deliver high-quality scientific data and reports that support product development and business goals. You will drive project timelines, mentor staff, and provide scientific leadership across internal and external collaborations.

Dual reporting line:

Associate Director, R&D Essential Health APAC

Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs Japan

Key Responsibilities:

• Manager, Medical and Safety Sciences acts as a strategic bridge between Regional R&D teams and the Japan market. The role may cover other markets in the future after joining.
• Develop and execute the medical strategy in close collaboration with Professional Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and Government Affairs.
• Lead external scientific engagement by building strong partnerships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), health associations, and academic institutions.
• Drive healthcare professional (HCP) recommendation and establish scientific thought leadership for priority brands in Japan.
• Develop a deep understanding of Japan’s unique regulatory landscape and provide guidance on regulatory pathways, timelines, claims strategy, product positioning, and target audience for new product introductions and future pipelines.
• Partner closely with Marketing and Regulatory Affairs to ensure alignment with business needs, contributing to claims development, scientific demonstrations, and commercial innovations that support both base business growth and long‑term category expansion.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings as the primary technical contact for Japan, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver timely, clear, and accurate responses to technical inquiries.
• Act as the main Japan‑based liaison to Regional and Global R&D teams, ensuring effective communication and, when needed, translating technical or strategic content into English for broader organizational use.
• Maintain an in‑depth understanding of the local category landscape and competitive environment in Japan. Proactively gather and communicate relevant technical insights to regional and global partners.
• Deliver product science training to local marketing, commercial, and sales teams, strengthening internal capability and understanding of product benefits, technology, and claims.
• Establish guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure product quality and technical compliance, maintaining alignment with internal standards, local regulatory requirements, and global best practices.
• Define and implement processes and procedures to ensure high‑quality technical documentation, efficient data tracking, and robust record‑keeping to support audits, regulatory submissions, and internal governance.

What we are looking for

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Medical Sciences, Safety Engineering, or a relevant scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience managing complex medical and safety science projects within dynamic environments.
• Fundamental functional skills in medical and safety sciences or related fields.
• Experience in regulatory and investigative toxicology studies.
• Proven leadership experience managing research teams and cross-functional projects within a regulated industry.
• Strong communication in both Japanese and English

Desired Qualifications:

• Proven track record of leading innovative safety programs that have measurably improved organizational health outcomes.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize scientific data into actionable safety strategies and communicate them effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in navigating regulatory landscapes and integrating compliance requirements into operational frameworks.
• Strong leadership skills with a visionary approach to fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex scientific and business data to inform decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing senior leadership and collaborating across multiple organizational levels.
• Track record of successfully driving business growth, innovation, and operational excellence through scientific leadership.
• Ability to navigate and lead effectively in ambiguous, complex, and dynamic environments.
• Commitment to embodying and promoting the company’s leadership principles and ethical standards.
• Experience in budget preparation, resource allocation, and financial oversight related to research and development activities.

        

Kenvue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.