Head of North Asia
Location: Tokyo
Salary: $0.00 - $0.00 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Date Posted: Tue Jul 7 01:41:15 2026
Description
The Head of NA Cluster is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the profitable operation and development of the Zoetis commercial business in North Asia and is accountable for leveraging Zoetis’s global capabilities, presence and scale to meet the different needs of the unique markets they serve; positioning Zoetis within the country and representing the country within Zoetis.
The Head of NA provides the framework for all strategic and operational aspects of the assigned Group so that it achieves its short- and long-term financial and operating objectives as set by the overall corporate business plan. The Head of NA creates a vision for success and a strategic direction and approves policies and procedures for the Group that supports the global business’ goals and objectives. The Head of NA is ultimately responsible for the customer proposition, encompassing provision of products, services, technical support and veterinary support. The Head of NA shapes the experience enjoyed by all Zoetis customers.
The Head of NA keeps constant focus on the people agenda within the Group and leads, guides, evaluates, and develops a team of senior leaders and managers to ensure that the Group achieves its business objectives and complies with all relevant regulations and laws.
The primary objectives of the role are:
- Strategy development and execution
- Achievement of revenue and gross margin targets
- Achievement of market growth targets
- Leadership, development and engagement of colleagues
The Head of NA is an integral member of the Zoetis APACA Region Leadership Team, linking the global business with the Group. The Head of NA nurtures crucial relationships within the global business and with key partners, external bodies and stakeholders. The Head of NA is a leader of leaders, a role model of outstanding leadership behaviors and Zoetis core beliefs.
Position Responsibilities
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Business Results Drive the achievement of annual revenue targets and set operating expenses within the allocated budget. Support the global and regional product/brand plans through robust implementation of operating plans well positioned against business opportunities. · Develop and deliver agreed operating plan and budget. Ensure sales revenue, margin, operating expenses and profit exceed targets · Successfully execute in-country customer strategies to optimize growth of brands in the local market · Make prudent budgetary decisions that allow for innovation and drive return on investment (ROI). Make investing decisions that advance the business and increase profit. Financials Lead the organization in managing the market financial resources to deliver business results and manage financial requirements in compliance with global policies, procedures, local and regulatory requirements. Partner with In-Country/Regional Finance Lead to ensure that all rules and regulations related to financial reporting are in compliance. · Manage and sign-off on in-country financial statements including the P&L, balance sheets, cash flow and tax returns in compliance with local laws and global guidelines · Effectively manage inventory and demand/supply forecasting · Ensure SOX compliance by establishing, and adhering to, internal controls · Execute site-specific, regional, and enterprise-wide communications for internal and external audiences either within the site, affiliate, or region. Strategy & Business Development Strategically assess mid- and long- term market and industry trends to identify, define and implement strategies which will enable Zoetis to proactively influence business outcomes. Effectively position Zoetis as a leader in defining industry needs for local markets. Proactively collaborate with local, regional and global resources to progress business development opportunities to realize Zoetis strategies. · Develop and approve NA strategies in alignment with region and global strategies to meet the needs of the global organization, investors, customers and employees. Enable creative and insightful contribution to the strategy from the Group Leadership Team. Shape an ever evolving customer proposition that offers a holistic package of products, services and consultancy opportunities. · Maintain a constant view of market conditions. Anticipate fluctuation. Make calculated judgements to harness the commercial potential from changing market conditions at group level · Work with the Group Leadership Team to translate strategic goals into tactical delivery for the countries and business units · Seek out innovative business development opportunities that deliver a competitive advantage to Zoetis – cutting edge services, brand opportunities, partnerships, acquisitions, business alliances, licensing opportunities, joint ventures and co-promotions Operations Continually ensure the appropriateness and effectiveness of ways of working, internal controls, standards, policies and procedures. Endorse their ongoing change and improvement with the group Leadership Team. · Work with Global Commercial Operations to achieve new product introductions and affect product allocation through Market Addition Requests (MAR) · Ensure the necessary framework for operational success exists, enabling all employees to do their job without unnecessary hindrance · Be ultimately responsible for adherence to the Pharmacovigilance Policy and Global Vet Policy. Ensure the expected standards of business conduct are observed and compliance of codes of practice and corporate policies Leading Legal Entities of the assigned Region Accountable for all legal, financial (statutory accounts), safety, compliance/regulatory and government issues to ensure that Zoetis complies with local, corporate, legal (entity), audit, regulatory, government and safety requirements. · Leading General Managers of all Legal Entities of the assigned region, ensuring accountabilities are met. Single point of accountability for the Legal Entity with direct responsibility (e.g. face to the government, jurisdiction, community). Ensure the Zoetis entity has obtained all the appropriate licenses and permits to conduct, operate and do business. · Ensure all required Stockholder(s) and Board of Directors meetings of the Zoetis entity are held as required and mandated by the entity’s governing documents and local corporation laws · Oversee completion and filing of local statutory filing requirements (i.e. annual fees and taxes) to ensure that the Zoetis entity remains in “Good Standing” with local commercial registries and is authorized to conduct business in the local markets Stakeholder Management & Reputation Maintain and enhance Zoetis’s reputation within market, industry networks and relationships, government/ public affairs, reputation management, media. Promote long-term customer satisfaction by developing and maintaining relationships with major customers, key opinion leaders and critical industry and government stakeholders, to ensure that Zoetis projects a positive image in the market. · Proactively manage government and regulatory relationships to successfully execute on Zoetis’s business strategies · Implement programs that drive high levels of satisfaction with customers and stakeholders to ensure continuous positive support of the Zoetis brand and product portfolio · Partner with Corporate Affairs and Regulatory and proactively manage ongoing internal and external communications. Balance colleague communications (engage, inspire, align, inform) with the need to guard sensitive information (sales, product milestones, business milestones, etc.) Regulatory & Compliance Accountable for ensuring all business transactions are conducted within the guidelines of corporate policies, process and local laws. · Lead and act with integrity at all times and conduct business in full compliance with local laws and Zoetis Corporate Policies and Procedures · Support all elements of the Zoetis Compliance Program, including thinking prospectively about risk by partnering with internal audit, legal and other colleagues to identify areas to minimize risk and continuously improve business operations · Accountable for ensuring regulatory processes are followed within the corporate guidelines, process and local laws. Collaborate with R&D Regulatory Affairs and Global Manufacturing and Supply (GMS) to build and maintain trust with regulators. Global Processes & Functions Assume responsibility for all colleagues in market regardless of reporting structure. Collaborate with Global Functions & Businesses to ensure that country needs are understood and reflected in the development of global processes, policies and systems · Drive alignment across in-country functions & businesses and create a culture of shared accountability for in-country resources, operating model and business strategies · Practice effective matrix management of global functions and businesses at the country level · Define a country’s operating model(s) in accordance with regional and headquarters management guidelines and understand and support the Supply Operating Model (SOM) Leadership & Talent Development Provide the Group Leadership Team with a specific and clear direction for the strategy, objectives, policies, practices and expectations within the NA group. Build a robust talent plan to ensure colleague development and a diverse talent pipeline to sustain a high-performing, inclusive and equitable organization. · Continuously assess organizational capabilities to adapt to changing market and workforce needs, assign accountabilities, establish priorities, monitor and evaluate results · Continuously strengthen and grow robust and diverse talent and succession pipelines and attract, grow and keep the best people across the group and ensure group-wide commitment to colleague development by making growth opportunities available to all colleagues · Creates and builds a high-performing team through a culture that maximizes the strengths, skills and abilities of their colleagues · Builds leadership capabilities that are aligned with the strategic direction of Zoetis and holds people managers accountable for managing their direct reports in line with Zoetis policies and processes · Lead the group through periods of change and innovation that will drive process enhancements and deliver improved results · Use coaching as a tool to grow your leaders in ability and achievement. Embed a coaching culture throughout the group · Partner with Human Resources (HR) partner to understand and comply with HR requirements Engagement & Culture Develop and energize highly competent and motivated workforce at all levels to deliver on business results. Promote a high-performing culture and an environment of engaged colleagues that enhance the Zoetis brand and delivers business results · Promote the value of effective relationships in the group. Focus on mutual benefit, trust, best practice sharing, creating partnerships and cross functional working · Understand and communicate the Zoetis Core Beliefs (Values) at all levels of the organization and holds the organization accountable for demonstrating a One-Zoetis mindset · Cultivate an environment that drives colleague engagement and brings out the best in everyone
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Managed Resources
- Leader: Manager of Managers
- Managing an organization of approx. 210 colleagues, with approx. 8 direct reports
- Managing a business of approx. 203 Million USD
- Member of APACA Region LT
- Frequent traveling in country and abroad
Education & Experience
- Level of Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of local market conditions particularly of the animal health industry is desirable
- Professional experience/capabilities :
- Extensive capabilities as commercial leader, ideally General Management of one or more countries, with at least one senior leadership position, - strong business acumen – with extensive sales, marketing, technical or organisational leadership capabilities gained in highly matrixed organisations.
- Significant financial management skills - P&L and operating budget management
- Experience working with, leading or managing cross-functional teams in developing and executing brand/business strategies, programs, systems, and/or tactics.
- proven track-record of leading organisations through transformation and having instilled a strong culture of performance and enthusiasm, even in difficult times.
- Demonstrated track-record of operational excellence with a sharp sense of vision that translates into an ability to identify new opportunities
- Experience in managing relations with a wide diversity of stakeholders including (but not limited to) customers, academics, regulators, trade associations, policy-makers and senior corporate executives
- People Management:
- Significant and successful experience in leading / managing Senior Leaders and organizations. Ability to assess and coach and motivate teams to exceed performance standards.
- Languages:
- Fluency in spoken and written English are a must, mastering additional local languages a plus.
- Other:
- Current passport
Skills & COre Behaviours
SKILLS & CAPABILTIES
- Strong individual leadership presence with exceptional capabilities – influences, motivates, grows talent, identifies potential, coaches, inspires and enables
- Proven to produce outstanding financial results as a leader of teams
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Ability to oversee complex, cross-regional projects that require input from internal and external stakeholders
- Strong knowledge and expertise in marketing disciplines; brand management; market research; communications strategy; customer insight
- Ability to interact with and influence senior business leaders with confidence and conviction
- Customer centricity with a strong service orientation, champions a customer focused environment
- An analytical thinker, methodical and insightful at problem solving and decision making
- Effective at managing complexity and scope
- Strong networking skills, builds successful and effective relationships
Please make any enquiries to either Stephanie Armstrong or Diana Cross.
Applications close 21 July 2026
About Zoetis
At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues’ careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.
Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.
