Japan Country CEO

freeC's Client

About the Role:

This position is responsible for growing an IT services business in Japan, from winning new clients and developing commercial opportunities to managing business performance. The role also involves coordinating with technical teams in Vietnam and leading the local organization to achieve long-term growth.

Responsibilities:

Market Expansion & Revenue Growth

• Identify target customers and turn potential business opportunities into long-term commercial partnerships.
• Expand the company's client base in Japan and find ways to increase revenue from existing accounts.
• Handle key client discussions, commercial proposals, pricing negotiations, and contract agreements.
• Establish a professional network that supports business development within the Japanese technology sector.

Connecting Sales with Project Execution

• Evaluate potential outsourcing opportunities and assess whether internal technical resources can meet customer needs.
• Partner with engineering and project delivery teams to shape solutions and prepare client proposals.
• Track project progress and business results, ensuring delivery commitments, service quality, customer expectations, and financial targets are met.
• Address delivery concerns early and coordinate corrective actions to protect client relationships.

Leading the Japan Business

• Take ownership of business direction and day-to-day operations in Japan.
• Set commercial goals, prepare operating plans, and translate long-term objectives into business activities.
• Recruit and develop local talent while building a results-driven, customer-focused team.
• Oversee resource planning, operational performance, and business profitability.
• Coordinate with the Vietnam-based organization to make effective use of technical capabilities and identify opportunities across both markets.

Requirements:

• Japanese language proficiency at JLPT N2 level or higher, with the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively in Japanese.
• A track record in IT outsourcing, software services, technology consulting, or a related business area.
• Experience spanning commercial development, sales, and project execution, with an understanding of how these functions work together.
• The ability to bring in new customers, convert leads into projects, and develop sustainable revenue streams.
• A background in commercial negotiations, account development, and client relationship management.
• Leadership experience involving team management, resource coordination, and collaboration across functions.
• Familiarity with the Japanese technology market and the expectations of local business customers.
• Sound judgment, strategic planning skills, and the ability to resolve business challenges independently.
• A strong sense of ownership over business performance and growth.

Nice to have:

• Worked for an IT outsourcing provider or a company delivering software and technology services.
• Built a network of business contacts among Japanese IT companies.
• Managed both client acquisition and project delivery activities.
• Held a senior leadership position, such as Country Manager, Business Unit Head, or another equivalent management role.

• Annual compensation of up to 14 months' salary, plus performance incentives linked to revenue.
• The opportunity to shape the business's direction and drive its expansion in Japan.
• Close working relationships with the Vietnam headquarters, supported by an established technical and project delivery team.
• A high level of independence in developing client accounts, pursuing new projects, and building the local business.
• A strategic leadership role focused on driving long-term business growth in the Japanese market.