【Scope】
The Associate Director, Product Quality & Quality Information (PQQI) sets the strategy and leads the PQQI function for Lilly Japan, with direct accountability for both the Product Quality and Quality Information teams and their respective staff, including the QI Team Leader.

The role ensures compliant, effective, and efficient operations across the full product lifecycle — spanning pre-market through post-launch phases — with particular emphasis on GQP-governed activities, product launches, and quality information management processes. The Associate Director is accountable for maintaining robust GQP operations, driving operational excellence, and fostering cross-functional alignment in a dynamic and rapidly evolving business environment.

【Specific functions, duties or tasks】
Leadership & Team Management
・Determine the strategic direction and execution plan of the PQQI team aligned with the overall Japan QA strategy set by the Japan affiliate quality leader to ensure success of ELJ 2030 and Accelerate Reach and Scale at the affiliate.   
・Partnering with the Japan affiliate quality leader (Hinseki), determine, execute, and continuously improve PQQI strategy for today and future business needs
・Lead the PQQI team, directly managing both the PQ function and the QI Leader (M1), who reports directly to this role. Serve as the single accountable leader for all GQP-related operations across both teams.
・Drive organizational effectiveness by integrating PQ and QI functions, exploiting synergies to improve quality outcomes, speed, and operational efficiency.
・Lead the team through a high period of growth and a rapidly changing business environment, model adaptability, clear prioritization, and resilience.
・Manage all people-related responsibilities including performance management, talent development, resource allocation, diversity and inclusion, and recognition for direct reports and the extended PQQI team.
・Ensure team members are appropriately qualified and trained; maintain and continuously improve training curriculum maps covering GQP, QMS, GMP, and Japan regulatory requirements.
・Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance; support Q-unit members in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

GQP Compliance & Quality Management
・Accountable for all GQP and QI operations within the PQQI team, both pre- and post-product launch, including product release, complaint quality management, quality information reporting, and sourcing site oversight.
・Ensure the operational execution of PAI and GMP inspection readiness and support processes at all manufacturing, packaging, and supplying sites for Japan marketed products.
・Work with the P4 Inspection Readiness/Support Process Owner and GQP SME to ensure effective and efficient PAI and GMP inspection processes.
・Establish, implement, and maintain GQP/QMS and GDP standards and SOPs in accordance with the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMD Act) and applicable corporate standards (LQS, GQS, CQP).
・Manage Marketing Affiliate quality activities per GQS181 and applicable GSOPs; oversee and maintain agreements with sourcing sites; liaise with ELJ QA and sourcing site QA to uphold importing product quality standards.
・Create and maintain robust systems for final product release to market; review and approve proposed changes and deviations in accordance with GQP requirements.
・Serve as Product Quality Representative (PQR) per JQA00-01, “Quality Manual.” Lead JCS and JSC activities.

Process Excellence & Operational Efficiency
・Drive the design and implementation of clear, simplified, and efficient processes across the PQQI team, with well-defined roles and responsibilities and strong cross-functional alignment.
・Continuously improve QI complaint handling processes and PQQI quality systems; establish, monitor, and act on team metrics and corrective actions to ensure delivery against commitments.
・Monitor ELJ quality and regulatory activities; maintain and improve communication between Japan and sourcing sites; influence business partner processes to improve compliance and efficiency.

Product Quality & Quality Information
・Ensure the PQQI team is launch-ready for new products, line extensions, and process or product changes; provide timely quality feedback to project teams to support pre-launch quality preparedness.
・Oversee the provision of accurate, timely, and trustworthy quality reports to customers through APRC and QI, support call center with technical and quality information.
・Periodically review and communicate quality and performance metrics and trends; propose product, process, and service improvements to appropriate functions.
・Build and sustain strong working relationships with ELJ QA, call center, manufacturing and packaging site quality teams, ELJ regulatory, and other internal and external partners.
・Maintain awareness of and ensure alignment to the latest corporate policies, procedures, and local regulations; propagate “Japan Quality” standards to overseas sourcing sites.