Job: Japan Business Development Manager (Premium Toys)

Company Description

Our client for this Japan Business Development Manager job opportunity is a distinguished creator of original and innovative premium toys. They are renowned for their fabrics with quirky and cute designs, marketing their products online and through retailers globally, including in the US, Europe, and beyond. As they expand their international presence, a significant focus is placed on the Asian and Japanese market, necessitating a strategic and dynamic Business Development Manager based in Toykyo, Japan.

Objective of the Role

The organization is experiencing rapid international growth, with a particular focus on expanding its presence in Japan. As such, a pivotal opportunity has emerged for a strategic Business Development Manager based in Tokyo, Japan. This role involves working closely with a long-term distributor in Japan to cultivate robust partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, and their sales teams. The primary goal is to devise and implement go-to-market strategies that maximize growth potential and regional expansion for the brand.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in brand building and market expansion, particularly in the Japanese luxury and premium sectors. Fluency in both Japanese and English is essential. The candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role, demonstrating an ability to drive growth and brand presence in the Japanese market.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with the Head of ROW Sales to develop and execute a comprehensive 5-year growth strategy.
• Regularly presenting strategy progress and meeting annual regional budgets in alignment with company goals.
• Identifying new business opportunities and expanding market presence through strategic initiatives.
• Serving as the brand ambassador, ensuring brand consistency and growth in the market.
• Conducting market visits across Japan to identify and capitalize on distribution opportunities.
• Crafting and implementing local marketing plans in alignment with the wider APAC strategy.
• Forecasting product demand and collaborating closely with merchandising and logistics teams to ensure efficient order fulfillment.
• Maintaining strong communication and operational relationships with the distributor partner.
• Liaising with various internal teams such as credit control and logistics for smooth operational flow.

Requirements

• Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English.
• At least 5 years of experience in strategic planning, growth driving, and brand building within the Japanese market.
• Familiarity with offline channels including distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.
• Demonstrated success in establishing market growth via luxury brand positioning.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Excel & PowerPoint.
• Ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships at all levels.
• Strategic decision-making skills, with the acumen to seek approval when necessary.
• A positive mindset and approach, with a focus on maximizing sales while respecting brand guidelines and business limitations.
• Understanding and adherence to the brand’s tone and communication style.
• Knowledge of additional APAC languages is a plus.
• This role requires limited travel to the European Head Office and extensive local travel within Japan. The candidate must be open to travel as needed.