Senior Commercial Lead / Sales Director – Japan

We are partnering with an international digital advertising technology business looking to hire a senior commercial leader in Japan.

This is a key market-facing role for someone who can build trusted relationships across agencies and advertisers, drive revenue growth, and act as the local commercial lead within Japan. The business already has a global footprint and established capabilities across digital advertising, and is looking for someone who can help strengthen and grow its position in the Japanese market.

This role would suit a commercially strong, relationship-led individual with a deep understanding of the local media and advertising landscape, a strong network, and the ability to operate effectively across both Japanese and international teams.

The Opportunity

You will take ownership of commercial growth in Japan, working closely with agencies, advertisers, and internal stakeholders across sales, client services, operations, and leadership.

The role requires someone who can open doors, build long-term partnerships, grow existing business, and represent the company credibly at a senior level in-market. At the same time, you will need to work comfortably in an international environment, collaborating with regional and global colleagues in English.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth across the Japan market through a mix of new business development and expansion of existing partnerships
• Build and manage senior relationships with media agencies, trading teams, advertisers, and other key stakeholders
• Develop and execute a clear commercial strategy for Japan aligned with wider regional objectives
• Identify market opportunities, sales priorities, and key areas for growth
• Lead commercial conversations from initial engagement through to negotiation and closure
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure strong delivery, service, and long-term client success
• Represent the business externally in the market and act as a trusted local face of the company
• Provide market feedback and commercial insight to regional and global leadership
• Support the development of the business’s reputation, positioning, and partnerships within Japan

What They’re Looking For

• Strong experience in digital advertising, media, adtech, or closely related commercial environments
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth in the Japanese market
• Existing relationships across agencies, trading teams, advertisers, and relevant market stakeholders in Japan
• Strong understanding of the local digital advertising landscape and how buying decisions are made in-market
• Native or fluent Japanese language skills, with strong business-level English
• Ability to build credibility quickly with both local clients and international internal stakeholders
• Strong commercial judgement and confidence operating in a consultative sales environment
• Able to work strategically while remaining hands-on in day-to-day commercial activity
• Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable working in a matrixed, international organisation

Preferred Background

• Experience selling digital media, advertising technology, programmatic, video, data, or platform-led solutions
• Experience working in an international business with regional or global reporting lines
• Familiarity with complex sales cycles and relationship-led enterprise selling
• Experience navigating multi-stakeholder client organisations and long-term commercial partnerships

Why This Role

• Opportunity to play a leading role in an important international market
• High visibility internally and externally
• Strong scope to influence local growth strategy and commercial direction
• Backed by an established global business with cross-functional support
• Chance to combine local market expertise with international exposure

Location

Tokyo, with a hybrid working model.

Language Requirements

Native or fluent Japanese required. Strong business-level English also required.

Apply

This is a confidential search. For more information, please apply or get in touch directly for a private conversation.