Japan Country Manager

Overview

Location: Based in Tokyo, Japan, this role offers a hybrid work model for bilingual (Japanese/English) professionals. Whether you are already living in Japan or are excited to relocate, we welcome your expertise.

Overview

The Japan Country Manager runs the business with an owner’s mindset accountable for profitable growth, strong client partnerships, and building a highly engaged team. You lead the Japan market end-to-end across sales, recruiting, delivery, and operations adapting Aquent’s global strategy to succeed in a relationship-driven, trust-based market. This role requires a leader who can translate global strategy into local success combining commercial discipline, cultural awareness, and strong people leadership to build a durable, growing business in Japan.

What You’ll Do

People & Culture 

• Create an environment where people feel safe to contribute ideas while respecting cultural norms around communication and group alignment.
• Invest deeply in developing talent through coaching, mentorship, and long-term career growth—not just near-term performance.
• Build a culture that blends Aquent’s principles with Japan’s emphasis on teamwork, respect, and collective success.
• Strengthen leadership capability within the local team, ensuring alignment with both global expectations and local practices. 

Market Leadership & Growth 

• Define and execute a Japan market strategy that reflects local buying behaviors, industry structure, and competitive dynamics.
• Focus on long-term client development
• Expand Aquent’s presence within existing clients by building multi-level relationships
• Identify growth opportunities in areas where Japan demand is evolving (e.g., digital, AI, global capability integration).

Sales & Account Leadership

• Lead a disciplined, relationship-first sales approach—prioritizing trust, reliability, and consistent delivery.
• Develop and build deep, peer-level relationships with senior leaders while also engaging broader stakeholder groups.
• Guide the team in navigating longer sales cycles and structured procurement processes.
• Balance global value proposition with localized messaging that resonates with Japan-based clients.

Recruiting & Talent Strategy

• Build a proactive talent strategy in a highly competitive and candidate-constrained market.
• Develop strong networks within key talent communities, recognizing the importance of relationships and reputation in attracting talent.
• Coach team on modern sourcing approaches while adapting to local candidate expectations and engagement styles.
• Elevate recruiter capability in consultative engagement, particularly in guiding both clients and candidates through decision-making.

Financial Management

• Own the Japan P&L with a focus on sustainable, long-term growth—not just short-term gains.
• Balance investment in growth with disciplined cost management in a market where scaling can be gradual.
• Use data to guide decisions while also applying market judgment in less transparent or relationship-driven situations.
• Ensure financial plans reflect realistic timelines for client development and revenue growth 

Operations & Execution

• Ensure operational excellence with a strong emphasis on quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Adapt global processes to fit local regulatory, cultural, and client expectations.
• Drive adoption of Aquent technologies while supporting the team through change in a structured and thoughtful way.
• Align with global brand and marketing strategy while localizing for credibility and relevance.

What Success Looks Like

• Strong, long-term client relationships with expanding scope and influence
• A stable, high-performing team with growing capability and engagement
• Consistent, profitable growth aligned with market realities
• A reputation in the market for quality, reliability, and trust
• Effective integration of Aquent’s global capabilities into the Japan market

What You Bring 

• 8+ years of leadership experience within professional services, consulting technology or related B2B industries
• Strong people leadership and coaching capabilities
• AI fluency and a mindset for technology-enabled ways of working
• Ability to lead teams through change and drive adoption of new ways of working
• Background working with multinational clients operating in Japan
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing P&L and making data-informed decisions
• Fluent Japanese (native or business-level proficiency required)
• Strong English proficiency (business-level or higher) to collaborate with global teams
• MBA or advanced degrees preferred