We are supporting a strategic search for a Country Manager to lead the Japan commercial operations for a premier global manufacturer of industrial consumables and metal-cutting solutions. This is a high-visibility, "mission-critical" leadership role tasked with driving the top and bottom-line growth. Reporting directly to the VP of Asia, the successful candidate will serve as the primary architect of the firm's commercial success in one of the world's most sophisticated manufacturing markets.

About the Role

In this role, you will hold full P&L accountability for the Japan territory, managing the entire sales lifecycle and leading a high-performing team of specialists. Your primary objective is to transform the regional commercial strategy into tangible market share gains, balancing direct sales excellence with robust indirect channel management. You will work in a highly collaborative, multinational matrix, maintaining regular touchpoints with the Asia-Pacific leadership team to ensure local operations align with global KPIs.

The "vibe" of this position is one of disciplined entrepreneurship. You are expected to act as a strategic advisor to your clients and a decisive leader to your team, moving beyond traditional sales management to drive true organizational transformation. Whether you are identifying high-value "machine building" prospects or optimizing resource allocation via SAP and CRM platforms, you will be the face of the brand in Japan, fostering a culture of winning and a growth-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sales Leadership & Market Growth

• Drive profitable sales growth across Japan, taking full accountability for an $11M USD portfolio and implementing strategies to increase both top-line revenue and bottom-line margins year-over-year.
• Develop comprehensive sales plans, budgets, and KPIs, ensuring optimal resource utilization and alignment with the firm's regional business goals.
• Research and penetrate targeted industrial markets, pursuing high-value leads and managing the full sales cycle from initial cold calling to successful long-term agreement.

Operational Excellence & Stakeholder Management

• Manage all aspects of sales operations, including talent management, performance reviews, and the day-to-day activities of the Japan-based sales personnel.
• Partner with cross-functional teams both in and out of Japan to streamline commercial operations, ensure on-time accounts payable collection, and maintain superior data integrity within SAP/CRM systems.
• Monitor and report on competitor activities and market trends, providing the Asia-Pacific management team with actionable intelligence to refine regional strategies.

Relationship & Talent Management

• Cultivate and expand relationships with key existing accounts while aggressively identifying new prospects through strategic networking and disciplined lead generation.
• Lead and mentor the local team, communicating clear objectives and fostering a high-performance culture rooted in work ethic, perseverance, and practical problem-solving.

Requirements

• Experience: 12–15 years of professional experience in Sales & Marketing, with at least 7 years in a leadership/management role within a multinational organization.
• Industry Background: Proven track record in the Metal Cutting, Industrial Consumables, or Machine Building sectors is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Degree or Diploma in a technical/engineering discipline; high competency in leveraging IT platforms (SAP, CRM) and communicating complex technical product information.
• Language Skills: Strong verbal and written English proficiency is essential for regular reporting into the APAC region; Native/Fluent Japanese is required for domestic stakeholder management.
• Soft Skills: High business acumen, disciplined problem-solving skills, and a "hunter" mentality focused on growth and negotiation.

Why Apply

• Total P&L Ownership: Take the helm of a significant $11M business unit with the autonomy to shape the commercial future of the Japan market.
• Executive Visibility: Work directly under the VP of Asia, offering high exposure to regional leadership and global strategic initiatives.
• Prestige & Brand Power: Lead a business segment for a global leader known for technical excellence in the metal-cutting and industrial engineering space.
• Strategic Impact: Opportunity to transition from traditional sales into a comprehensive country leadership role, managing a diverse portfolio of direct and indirect business.
• Growth Mindset Culture: Join an organization that values "Winning Attitudes" and offers a structured yet agile environment for seasoned industrial leaders.