This is a senior leadership opportunity to drive open innovation and joint research initiatives within a global, technology-driven organization based in Tokyo. As Innovation Director, you will play a pivotal role in building and managing innovation ecosystems by collaborating with universities, startups, research institutions, and industry partners. The role offers high visibility across Japan and global teams, with direct influence on future-facing technologies and long-term business growth.
You will work closely with executive stakeholders and global counterparts, contributing to publicly funded and strategically important research initiatives that shape the company's innovation agenda.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute open innovation and ecosystem strategies aligned with internal R&D and technology roadmaps
- Identify, evaluate, and engage external partners including universities, startups, research institutes, and industry organizations
- Plan, promote, and manage joint research and publicly funded projects from concept development through execution
- Act as the primary point of contact for public institutions, funding bodies, and external organizations
- Represent the company in external committees, industry-academia-government initiatives, and working groups
- Report project progress, outcomes, and strategic insights to internal executives and global stakeholders
- Share best practices and external innovation insights internally to strengthen organizational capabilities
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- 6+ years of experience in research, innovation, or related functions
- Proven track record of creating and executing initiatives from concept to implementation
- Hands-on experience managing collaborations with external partners, institutions, or ecosystems
Soft Skills:
- Proactive and self-driven mindset with the ability to independently identify opportunities
- Strong communication skills to align diverse internal and external stakeholders
- Strategic thinking combining technical understanding with business perspective
- Flexibility and adaptability in cross-cultural and matrixed environments
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Business level or higher for domestic communication
- English: Business level or higher for global collaboration and reporting
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with public funding, grants, or government-supported projects
- Exposure to international or matrix organizations
- Participation in industry associations, committees, or standardization activities
About the Company
Our client is a globally recognized, technology-driven organization with a strong commitment to research and innovation. With a long-standing and stable presence in Japan, the company actively collaborates with external partners worldwide to develop future-oriented technologies and new business opportunities across multiple industries.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Competitive senior-level compensation aligned with responsibility and impact
- High-visibility role shaping future innovation through external collaboration
- International, English-speaking environment with global stakeholder exposure
- Engagement in cutting-edge, publicly visible projects with long-term industry impact
- Long-term career development within a stable organization committed to innovation
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
