Language Services Specialist​/Japanese Interpreter

Job Description

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.

• Deliver high‑quality Japanese‑English interpretation for Otsuka’s global initiatives, supporting staff at all levels including senior leadership, partner companies, consultants, and vendors.
• Provide high‑quality Japanese‑English translation for a variety of global initiatives, effectively leveraging technology when appropriate.
• Support cultural initiatives by providing Japanese culture training to Otsuka US and affiliates and offering guidance on Japanese language and culture for organizational activities.
• 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 and assist in scheduling linguists to ensure successful completion of each assignment.
• Manage user accounts for department‑subscribed systems and tools as an administrator, 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.

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 diverse stakeholders 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.
• Maintain complete discretion with confidential and sensitive information.
• Identify and solve problems effectively with creative or innovative solutions.
• Work independently and collaboratively while adhering to well‑defined departmental procedures and processes.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment, appropriately shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Up to 5% domestic travel may be required based on 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.

Minimum $89,622.00 - Maximum $, 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.

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.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive 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 by contacting Accommodation Request (E).