We are currently supporting a strategic search for a high-impact leadership professional to join a premier global integrated marketing and communications agency.

This is a pivotal, commercial leadership position designed for a strategic architect who thrives on building rather than maintaining. As a key member of the Japan Leadership Team, you will be responsible for driving agency growth, fostering deep client integration, and evolving the firm’s service model within the Japanese market.

About the Role

The Client Leadership Director serves as the primary commercial and strategic lead for the agency's creative portfolio. Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, you will oversee the account leadership function, managing a team of professionals dedicated to high-level client health and business transformation. Your mission is to move beyond traditional account management, positioning the agency as a modern, growth-driven partner that bridges the gap between local cultural relevance and global excellence.

In this role, you will balance high-level strategic advisory with hands-on commercial execution. You are expected to act as a "trusted advisor" to senior stakeholders, ensuring that integrated solutions across creative, media, and PR are seamlessly delivered. The "vibe" of this position is entrepreneurial and lean; it requires a leader who is comfortable navigating a fast-moving environment while maintaining the gravitas to influence both local Japanese clients and international regional hubs.

Responsibilities

Strategic Client Leadership

• Lead senior relationships across key accounts, acting as a strategic partner to elevate conversations from delivery-focused tasks to brand transformation.
• Partner cross-functionally with Media, PR, and Health divisions to architect and deliver integrated, high-impact business solutions.
• Manage overall client health, focusing on long-term satisfaction, retention, and commercial performance.

Growth & Business Development

• Drive the new business pipeline by identifying, nurturing, and converting high-value opportunities.
• Lead senior-level pitching, crafting compelling narratives that differentiate the agency in a competitive landscape.
• Unlock organic growth within the existing portfolio through proactive, insight-led strategic thinking.

Operational & Team Excellence

• Evolve the client leadership team into a high-performing function, coaching members to transition from "servicing" to proactive "commercial leadership."
• Foster a culture of ownership and ambition, ensuring clarity in roles and accountability across the department.
• Champion an integrated agency model, contributing to the firm’s broader strategy, structure, and regional growth plans.

Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record in senior client or business leadership roles within a global agency environment.
• Market Expertise: Extensive experience operating within the Japanese client landscape combined with an international, cross-border mindset.
• Language Skills: Business fluency in both Japanese and English is essential for navigating local client needs and global network collaboration.
• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated success in growing accounts, managing revenue/profitability, and leading successful senior-level pitches.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional influence and negotiation skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to lead through periods of organizational change.

Why Apply

• High Visibility: Join a core leadership team where you will directly shape the strategy and future of a growing agency.
• Organizational Impact: Transition from maintaining the status quo to building a modern, integrated agency model from the ground up.
• Global Connectivity: Act as a vital connector between the Japan market and a prestigious global network, exporting local innovation to international offices.
• Culture of Ambition: Work in a "creative crew" environment that values cultural relevance, purpose-driven work, and the power of ideas.
• Professional Growth: This role offers a unique intersection of local market depth and global reach, providing a platform for significant career advancement.