Language Services Specialist / Japanese Interpreter

• Deliver high-quality Japanese-English interpretation for Otsuka’s global initiatives, supporting staff at all levels, including senior leadership, as well as partner companies, consultants, and vendors. Independently prepare for assignments by reviewing materials, conducting background and terminology research, and seeking subject-matter clarifications to ensure clear and accurate communication across diverse business contexts.

• Provide high-quality Japanese-English translation for a variety of global initiatives, effectively leveraging technology when appropriate, and ensuring consistency, clarity, and accuracy in all deliverables.

• Support cultural initiatives by providing Japanese culture training to Otsuka US and affiliates, and offering guidance on Japanese language and culture for organizational activities as needed.

• Contribute to team operations by managing incoming language service requests, tracking service metrics, maintaining accurate records, and preparing monthly metrics reports. Coordinate with external language service vendors for outsourced assignments, and assist the scheduling of linguists and monitor progress to ensure successful completion of each assignment.

• Manage user accounts for department-subscribed systems and tools as an administrator by establishing user guides, planning and conducting user training, monitoring usage, and addressing issues when needed.

• Assist with various departmental projects and initiatives, including the search, evaluation, and adoption of new language technologies, implementation of process improvements, and support of broader operational enhancements under the guidance of senior staff.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum bachelor’s degree

• 2+ years of experience in the interpretation/translation industry

• Native-level fluency in Japanese and English with comprehensive understanding of Japanese and American norms, communication styles, and business practices

• Demonstrated mastery of multiple interpretation modes including simultaneous, consecutive, whispering, and sight translation; experience using AI-powered translation tools and post-editing machine translation output

• Ability to manage virtual, hybrid, and in-person interpretation, including experience with interpretation equipment and major conferencing platforms such as MS Teams

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to tailor communication style, strategy, and content to the diverse needs of stakeholders and partners at all levels

• Have initiative and proactively strive for superior customer services and outcomes

• Ability to build relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels

• Ability to maintain complete discretion with confidential and sensitive information

• Ability to identify and solve problems effectively with creative or innovative solutions

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while adhering to well-defined and well-established departmental procedures and processes

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and appropriately shift priorities while keeping attention to detail to achieve high-quality outputs

• Up to 25% domestic travel may be required based upon business needs

Preferred

• Master’s degree in interpretation

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical industry

• Experience with a global work environment

• Familiarity with interpretation technologies and platforms, or translation productivity tools

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $89,622.00 - Maximum $128,800.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings;.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting .

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