Managing Director / Representative Director – Japan
Location: Tokyo
1. Assignment Overview
We are seeking a Managing Director (Representative Director / President) to lead and further develop our Japanese subsidiary.
The Managing Director will have full responsibility for business performance, profitability, and organizational leadership in Japan. This is a senior executive role with a strong expectation of hands-on commercial leadership, combined with solid governance, people leadership, and long-term market development.
Japan is a strategically important market, requiring a leader with deep local business understanding, credibility, and the ability to balance global alignment with local execution.
2. Role Purpose
The purpose of the role is to:
- Deliver sustainable and profitable growth in Japan
- Strengthen market position and key customer relationships
- Build a high-performing, stable local organization
- Ensure full compliance with Japanese corporate governance and Group standards
The role requires a leader who is visible in the market, trusted internally, and effective in both Japanese and international business environments.
3. Key Responsibilities
Business & Financial Leadership
- Full P&L responsibility for the Japanese subsidiary
- Ownership of budget, forecast, cash flow, and profitability
- Execution of local business strategy aligned with Group objectives
Commercial & Sales Leadership
- Personally own and develop strategic customer relationships
- Lead and support major negotiations and key deals at executive level
- Act as a role model for professional, value-based sales
Organizational & People Leadership
- Direct leadership responsibility for Sales Managers and Service Manager
- Develop leadership capability, accountability, and performance culture
- Ensure long-term organizational stability and succession readiness
Governance & Representation
- Act as Representative Director / President under Japanese corporate law
- Ensure compliance with local legal, regulatory, and governance requirements
- Serve as the primary interface with Group management and Board
4. Candidate Profile
Experience
- Senior leadership experience as Managing Director, Country Manager, or equivalent
- Proven track record of driving growth and profitability
- Strong experience with full P&L accountability
Japan Market Expertise
- Substantial experience doing business in Japan
- Deep understanding of Japanese business culture, decision-making, and relationship management
- Existing executive-level network in the Tokyo area is highly desirable
Leadership Style
- Commercially driven, yet relationship-oriented
- Comfortable combining strategic direction with operational involvement
- Credible, calm, and trusted leader in a Japanese context
Language Skills
- Fluent English required
- Japanese language capability (business level) strongly preferred or required, depending on candidate background
5. Key Success Factors (First 12–24 Months)
- Establish strong trust internally and externally
- Strengthen key customer relationships and commercial pipeline
- Deliver improved revenue quality and profitability
- Build a stable, engaged leadership team
- Ensure strong governance, reporting, and alignment with Group expectations
6. Cultural & Structural Considerations
- Title is critical: Representative Director / President is required for external credibility
- The role combines sales leadership and administration, with clear expectations on hands-on commercial involvement
- Long-term relationship building and reputation are prioritized over short-term wins
