Organization Overview:
Lilly is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that address significant health challenges. In Japan, we partner closely with government, industry, and healthcare stakeholders to influence policy environments that enable long-term patient and business success. Government Affairs stewards the external landscape and relationships that prepare health systems for Lilly’s innovative pipeline and launches. This role is the innovation readiness Asso. Director position within Government Affairs, orchestrating Innovation Readiness strategies that prepare health systems for Lilly’s innovative pipeline products.

Responsibilities:
The Innovation Readiness GA Asso. Director leads the development and execution of policy and advocacy strategies for product- and therapeutic area–specific issues. This role provides strategic direction, manages high-stakes stakeholder relationships, and influences regulatory, reimbursement, and infrastructure decisions to support long-term business success in close partnership with JDD&MA, PRA,
Marketing, Communications, and other functions for future key products launches.

• Lead the development and implementation of cross-functional innovation readiness strategies by identifying policy barriers and opportunities aligned with business needs.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government officials, regulators, payers, trade associations, and ecosystem partners to support policy and reimbursement objectives for Lilly’s innovative products.
• Drive advocacy activities, pilot initiatives, and partnership programs that help enable wider adoption of innovative solutions.
• Monitor and analyze regulatory, legislative, and environmental developments to identify risks and propose actionable recommendations.
• Provide expertise and counsel to senior leadership, framing options and guiding decisions for highly visible or risky projects with significant business impact.
• Prepare comprehensive strategic materials to support both external engagement initiatives and communications with internal senior leadership
• Support capability building within the GA team through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Represent Lilly in relevant working groups, committees, or external meetings as assigned.

*Innovation Readiness at Lilly is a strategic capability and mindset aimed at ensuring healthcare systems are prepared to integrate breakthrough treatments into real-world practice quickly. It’s more than a process and is a proactive approach to remove barriers before launch, enabling patients to access innovation without delays.

How It Works
• Starts Early: Initiates 3–5 years before launch, well ahead of brand activities.
• System-First Approach: Prioritizes disease state and healthcare system readiness rather than product promotion.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engages teams across Brand Team, Pricing, Reimbursement & Access, Corporate Affairs (Government Affairs and Communications), and Japan Drug Development & Medical Affairs. The Government Affairs team plays a critical role alongside these functions.