Sub-regional Marketing Lead, Japan

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Sub-regional Marketing Lead, Japan

🔹 Company: Illumina

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Japan

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Biotechnology Research

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing strategic marketing plans aligned with Japan's business goals
• Managing marketing strategies for product portfolios and new product introductions
• Driving demand and pipeline health through targeted customer engagement
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams in a complex, matrixed organizational structure
• Leveraging market insights, product portfolio knowledge, and competitive intelligence to inform marketing strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the Japanese genomics market and a proven track record in driving growth through effective marketing strategies.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Formulate marketing plans to support Illumina’s commercial goals in the sub-region, with clear milestones and action plans

✅ Ensure marketing plans are relevant to the specific market and customers while aligning with Illumina’s strategies, product positioning, and branding

✅ Develop a marketing tactics flight plan, coordinating activities with regional shared resource teams and ensuring alignment with internal strategies and metrics

✅ Assess customer pipeline Marketing KPIs in the sub-region and adjust customer engagement plans to meet targets

✅ Collaborate with various functions, including Global Product and Customer Segment Marketing, to serve as the sub-regional marketing point of contact

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to influence and build relationships across complex teams, and a data-driven, customer-first mindset.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Marketing, or related field required. Advanced degree (MS, PhD) preferred. MBA is a plus

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of marketing experience in life sciences, genomics, or healthcare sectors

Required Skills:

• Proven success in strategic marketing, product launches, and demand generation
• Experience working within highly matrixed, global organizations
• Familiarity with genetic technologies and their clinical or research applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong storytelling ability
• Strategic thinker with a data-driven, customer-first mindset
• Ability to influence and build relationships across complex teams and a variety of levels
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to set goals, develop plans, and lead initiatives independently to drive growth

Preferred Skills:

• Background in business strategy, product management, consulting, or commercial roles
• Proven track record of successfully driving the genomics market in Japan
• 1-3+ years of people management or team/project leadership

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong understanding of the Japanese genomics market and a proven track record in driving growth through effective marketing strategies will be highly competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on experience level and industry standards for marketing roles in Japan, the estimated salary range for this position is ¥15,000,000 - ¥20,000,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plan
• Generous time-off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee assistance program and wellness resources
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Illumina operates in the biotechnology research industry, focusing on applying innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function.

Company Size: Illumina is a large company with 5,001-10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and career growth.

Founded: Illumina was founded in 1998 and has since become a leader in the genomics industry, with a strong focus on personalized medicine and molecular tests in the clinic.

Company Description:

• Illumina's mission is to apply innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago.
• The company aims to make personalized medicine a reality by providing innovative, array-based solutions for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis.
• Illumina prioritizes collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and prioritizing the needs of its customers.

Company Specialties:

• Genomic sequencing and analysis
• Molecular diagnostics
• Biomarker discovery
• Population genomics

Company Website: http://www.illumina.com

ASSUMPTION: Illumina's focus on innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity creates an environment that fosters growth and success for employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Sub-regional Marketing Lead reports directly to the Head of Regional Field Marketing and works closely with various functions, including Global Product and Customer Segment Marketing.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with occasional travel required to meet with customers, partners, and other Illumina teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and influence as the company grows and enters new markets
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the advancement of personalized medicine
• Access to professional development resources and training programs to support career growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and innovative industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Illumina's Tokyo office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): Shiba 5-36-7, Mita Bellju Building 22F, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 108-0014

Geographic Context:

• Tokyo is a major global city with a vibrant business environment and a strong focus on innovation and technology
• The office is located in the Minato City district, which is home to many multinational corporations and startups
• Tokyo offers a high quality of life, with excellent dining, cultural, and recreational opportunities

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime required to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The Tokyo office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
• In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
• Case study or presentation to demonstrate problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
• Final interview with the Head of Regional Field Marketing to discuss career growth and expectations

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Customer-centric mindset and ability to develop targeted engagement plans
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and achievements in the life sciences or healthcare sectors
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Japanese genomics market and Illumina's mission in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your ability to develop and execute strategic marketing plans

ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Product Launches, Demand Generation, Matrixed Organizations, Genetic Technologies, Business Strategy, Product Management, Consulting, Commercial Roles, Communication, Storytelling, Project Management, Customer Engagement, Data-Driven Mindset, Relationship Building, Organizational Skills

ASSUMPTION: Illumina's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and cultural fit, with a strong focus on their ability to drive growth through effective marketing strategies.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The Sub-regional Marketing Lead will be expected to leverage various marketing and project management tools to develop and execute strategic marketing plans effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Quality
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Data-driven and customer-centric
• Collaborative and cross-functional
• Agile and adaptable
• Results-oriented and accountable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the Japanese genomics market?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you developed and executed a successful strategic marketing plan in a highly matrixed organization?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of marketing initiatives?

ASSUMPTION: Illumina values candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong commitment to quality and integrity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating a complex, matrixed organizational structure to drive cross-functional collaboration and alignment
• Balancing the need for strategic, long-term planning with the demands of tactical, day-to-day execution
• Adapting to a dynamic and evolving market, with shifting customer needs and competitive landscapes
• Managing a high workload and tight deadlines, with occasional overtime required

ASSUMPTION: The Sub-regional Marketing Lead must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities and market conditions.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on the Japanese sub-region and requires a deep understanding of the local genomics market
• Illumina's focus on innovation and collaboration sets it apart from other biotechnology research companies, providing unique opportunities for growth and development
• This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, global organization, with opportunities to take on increased responsibility and influence as the company grows

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their fit with Illumina's unique culture and the specific challenges and opportunities presented by this role within the broader context of the biotechnology research industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new product launch in the Japanese genomics market
• Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic marketing plans and customer engagement strategies
• Managing a team of marketing professionals to execute tactical marketing initiatives and drive pipeline health in the sub-region

ASSUMPTION: The Sub-regional Marketing Lead will have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that drive growth and advance the field of personalized medicine.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into Illumina's broader marketing strategy and organization?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Illumina support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the Japanese genomics market, and how can this role address them?
• How does Illumina foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within its marketing organization?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to assess the fit of the role and company culture with their personal and professional goals, as well as to gain insights into the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and achievements in the life sciences or healthcare sectors
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your ability to develop and execute strategic marketing plans
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.