Manufacturing Finance (Associate – Sr. Manager)
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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