Marketing Director, Dental Products 

Location: Japan
Reporting To: Managing Director, Japan

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Marketing will be responsible for developing and executing the annual marketing strategy for Japan, aligned with global guidelines and local business priorities. This role ensures strong product positioning, brand visibility, and competitive presence while optimizing cost, quality, and execution timelines.

The position plays a key role in identifying market trends, risks, and growth opportunities to strengthen the company’s market position.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the annual marketing strategy and marketing plan in alignment with global direction and local market insights.
• Contribute as a member of the Management Committee to define short-, medium-, and long-term business strategies.
• Identify market trends, risks, and opportunities to support business growth and decision-making.

Marketing Execution & Operations

• Lead and oversee all marketing activities including:
  • Digital marketing
  • Media planning
  • Promotional campaigns
  • Product launches
  • Market research
  • Events and communications
  • Translations and localization
• Ensure flawless execution of marketing initiatives aligned with departmental objectives.

Budget & Performance Management

• Develop and propose the annual marketing budget.
• Monitor and control spending to ensure targets are met.
• Implement corrective actions when deviations occur.

Product & Commercial Collaboration

• Partner with Sales to support new product development and launches.
• Analyze market opportunities to ensure a competitive and relevant product portfolio.
• Develop and execute promotional campaigns in collaboration with Sales leadership.

Market Intelligence

• Conduct ongoing market and competitive analysis.
• Maintain up-to-date insights on industry trends and competitor activities.
• Proactively identify risks and business opportunities.

Brand & Communication

• Ensure consistent brand positioning and messaging across all channels.
• Coordinate internal and external communications, including pricing updates, product changes, and launches.

Events & Trade Marketing

• Plan and manage participation in events, trade fairs, and congresses.
• Oversee logistics, materials, inventory, and promotional assets.
• Develop and execute trade marketing strategies with distributors, including:
  • Advertising and campaigns
  • Trainings and workshops
  • Social media and digital initiatives
• Track and analyze campaign effectiveness and ROI.

Media & Digital Strategy

• Develop and execute media plans across:
  • Advertising
  • Social media
  • Email marketing
  • Scientific publications
• Optimize performance while managing costs effectively.

People Leadership

• Lead, develop, and motivate the marketing team.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and engaging work environment.
• Ensure efficient workflows and effective use of resources.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to internal policies and personnel regulations.
• Act as a role model aligned with corporate values and leadership principles.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing or related field
• Minimum 10 years of marketing experience, ideally within a multinational company
• At least 5 years of leadership/management experience
• Experience managing budgets and resources

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Japanese (written and verbal)
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect market insights to business strategy
• Strong decision-making skills with accountability and ownership
• Highly organized with strong execution capabilities
• Collaborative and able to work across functions and cultures
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous improvement