Country Desk Business Development Executive/Manager (Japanese Speaker)

Job Overview

We are seeking a proactive, results-oriented, and commercially driven Country Desk Business Development Executive / Manager (Japanese Speaker) to lead and support business development initiatives targeting the Japanese market. This role will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing relationships with Japanese-speaking clients and partners, supporting market expansion initiatives, and coordinating closely with Sales, Marketing, and internal teams to drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the Japanese market.
• Conduct market research to identify potential clients, partners, industries, and growth opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective Japanese-speaking clients and business partners.
• Initiate contact with prospective clients through email, calls, networking, referrals, events, and other business development channels.
• Arrange and conduct client meetings, presentations, business discussions, and follow-ups.
• Understand client requirements and coordinate with internal teams to develop suitable solutions and proposals.
• Support the development and execution of strategies to expand the company's presence in Japan and among Japanese-speaking businesses.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and business developments relevant to the Japanese market.
• Explore strategic partnerships, collaborations, and channel opportunities to support business growth.

Client & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with Japanese-speaking clients, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Act as a key point of contact for Japanese clients and ensure timely and professional communication.
• Understand client needs, business objectives, and expectations, and communicate these effectively to internal teams.
• Manage client follow-ups, enquiries, proposals, negotiations, and onboarding activities.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, opportunities, and business development activities in the CRM system.
• Support client retention and identify opportunities for account expansion, cross-selling, and upselling.
• Ensure a high level of service and professionalism throughout the client engagement lifecycle.

Sales & Commercial Support

• Work closely with the Sales team to develop qualified leads and convert opportunities into business.
• Prepare company presentations, proposals, quotations, and other business development materials.
• Coordinate with Finance and relevant internal departments on quotations, contracts, pricing, invoicing, and commercial documentation.
• Track sales opportunities, pipeline progress, conversion activities, and business development targets.
• Prepare regular business development reports and provide updates on market activities, opportunities, and client engagement.
• Participate in trade shows, networking events, business forums, exhibitions, and other activities to generate leads and strengthen the company's market presence.

Japanese Market & Marketing Support

• Support the development of marketing and business development initiatives specifically targeted at Japanese-speaking audiences.
• Translate, proofread, and localize business development and marketing materials into Japanese where required.
• Provide insights into Japanese business culture, communication styles, customer expectations, and market practices.
• Work closely with the Marketing team to develop culturally relevant campaigns, content, and promotional initiatives for the Japanese market.
• Monitor Japanese-language digital platforms, social media, industry publications, and market channels to identify relevant trends and business opportunities.
• Support Japanese-language communications, campaigns, events, and promotional activities.

Country Desk Coordination

• Serve as a key liaison between the company and Japanese-speaking clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Coordinate internally across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Management to ensure smooth execution of business development activities.
• Support management with market intelligence, client feedback, pipeline updates, and business development reports.
• Assist in developing country-specific business plans, market entry strategies, and growth initiatives for the Japanese market.
• Represent the company professionally in meetings and business engagements involving Japanese clients and partners.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Business Development, Marketing, Communications, International Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, client relationship management.
• Fluency in Japanese (spoken and written) is required.
• Proficiency in English is required; Mandarin is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of Japanese business culture and professional communication etiquette.
• Proven ability to develop client relationships, generate leads, and identify business opportunities.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable communicating with Japanese-speaking clients and senior stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and basic sales and marketing tools.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to understand client needs and translate them into business opportunities.
• Highly organized, proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required for client meetings, business development activities, and events.