Japan - Osaka, Japan · 8 months ago
Leads the end-to-end development of agentic, generative AI and predictive analytics capabilities for Japan across Commercial, Medical and Enabling functions, and builds and manages the AI engineering and data science team.
Job purpose As a leadership team member within Customer Experience & IT (CET), the Director – Advanced Analytics & AI is accountable for designing, building, and scaling modern AI capabilities — including agentic AI systems, generative AI applications, predictive analytics, and intelligent workflow automation — across Commercial, Medical, and Enabling functions. This role leads the end-to-end lifecycle of AI-driven capabilities, ensuring they are, Business-relevant, Technically robust, Governed and compliant, and Scalable beyond pilot. The role transforms AI from isolated experiments into enterprise-grade intelligent applications embedded in daily decision-making. Role and Responsibilities 1) AI & Intelligent Application Strategy Define Japan’s AI roadmap covering: Agentic AI systems Generative AI applications Decision intelligence Predictive and prescriptive analytics Identify high-impact use cases aligned with business priorities Ensure AI initiatives are outcome-driven, not technology-driven Align with global AI architecture and governance principles 2) Agentic AI & Modern AI Systems Design and deploy AI agents that: Perform multi-step reasoning Interact with enterprise systems (CRM, Data Lake, content repositories) Automate workflows with human-in-the-loop governance Define orchestration patterns for agent collaboration Establish guardrails for autonomy levels (Human-led / Co-led / AI-led) Ensure auditability, explainability, and logging standards This role typically leads early-stage and capability-defining initiatives, not incremental enhancements. 3) Generative AI & Knowledge Systems Develop RAG-based assistants for: Strategy drafting Insight extraction Field planning Content optimization Define vector architecture, retrieval standards, and prompt governance Ensure safe and compliant usage in regulated environments Drive reusable AI building blocks rather than isolated bots 4) Advanced Analytics & Predictive Modeling Lead development of models including: Segmentation & targeting Potential estimation Forecasting & scenario simulation Impact & KPI gap analysis Establish model lifecycle standards (validation, drift monitoring, retraining) Partner with Data & BI for production data pipelines 5) AI Governance & Risk Management Define evaluation protocols (offline & live) Monitor bias, drift, hallucination, and performance degradation Ensure compliance with regulatory, privacy, and MLR standards Maintain model and agent registry with full traceability 6) From PoC to Scalable AI Capability Collaborate with Strategy & Demand on business framing Run or co-run AI PoCs with clear value metrics Define Scale-ready artifacts (SLOs, monitoring, rollback strategy) Establish LLMOps / MLOps standards for sustainable deployment 7) AI Capability Building Build and lead AI engineers, data scientists, and AI product leads Promote AI literacy across business stakeholders Establish internal reusable AI components (agent templates, evaluation kits) Foster disciplined experimentation culture Requirements Education MS or PhD in Data Science, AI, Computer Science, or related field preferred Experience 12+ years in analytics, AI, or engineering leadership Hands-on experience deploying AI systems beyond experimentation Experience in regulated industry preferred Proven ability to drive business adoption of AI Technical Expertise Agent frameworks and orchestration Generative AI, RAG, vector databases MLOps / LLMOps API-first and event-driven architecture Predictive modeling and statistical learning Observability and monitoring frameworks Business Skills Strong commercial acumen Ability to translate AI into measurable impact Executive communication Portfolio prioritization Language Fluent Japanese; business-level English Career Level F Location Osaka or Tokyo Date Posted 06-3月-2026 Closing Date AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.
Posted Mar 5, 2026
