Managing Director / Representative Director – Japan

Why Quadient?

At Quadient, everyone’s work matters and our team is encouraged to take ownership of their jobs. People who join Quadient are driven and keen to solve problems with a team of like-minded individuals. You are not satisfied by just meeting a target; you strive to exceed it. We take time to celebrate our wins together because we succeed or fail as a team. Working together to achieve our goals is the way of our working life. We don’t claim to have all the answers, so all employees are empowered to challenge the status quo to best support the company vision.

If taking on these challenges and working with awesome people excites you, and you resonate with our EPIC values of empowerment, passion, inspiration, and community, then you will be a terrific fit for our R&D team!

Managing Director / Representative Director – Japan

Location: Tokyo

1. Assignment Overview

We are seeking a Managing Director (Representative Director / President) to lead and further develop our Japanese subsidiary.

The Managing Director will have full responsibility for business performance, profitability, and organizational leadership in Japan. This is a senior executive role with a strong expectation of hands-on commercial leadership, combined with solid governance, people leadership, and long-term market development.

Japan is a strategically important market, requiring a leader with deep local business understanding, credibility, and the ability to balance global alignment with local execution.

2. Role Purpose

The purpose of the role is to:

• Deliver sustainable and profitable growth in Japan
• Strengthen market position and key customer relationships
• Build a high-performing, stable local organization
• Ensure full compliance with Japanese corporate governance and Group standards

The role requires a leader who is visible in the market, trusted internally, and effective in both Japanese and international business environments.

3. Key Responsibilities

Business & Financial Leadership

• Full P&L responsibility for the Japanese subsidiary
• Ownership of budget, forecast, cash flow, and profitability
• Execution of local business strategy aligned with Group objectives

Commercial & Sales Leadership

• Personally own and develop strategic customer relationships
• Lead and support major negotiations and key deals at executive level
• Act as a role model for professional, value-based sales

Organizational & People Leadership

• Direct leadership responsibility for Sales Managers and Service Manager
• Develop leadership capability, accountability, and performance culture
• Ensure long-term organizational stability and succession readiness

Governance & Representation

• Act as Representative Director / President under Japanese corporate law
• Ensure compliance with local legal, regulatory, and governance requirements
• Serve as the primary interface with Group management and Board

4. Candidate Profile

Experience

• Senior leadership experience as Managing Director, Country Manager, or equivalent
• Proven track record of driving growth and profitability
• Strong experience with full P&L accountability

Japan Market Expertise

• Substantial experience doing business in Japan
• Deep understanding of Japanese business culture, decision-making, and relationship management
• Existing executive-level network in the Tokyo area is highly desirable

Leadership Style

• Commercially driven, yet relationship-oriented
• Comfortable combining strategic direction with operational involvement
• Credible, calm, and trusted leader in a Japanese context

Language Skills

• Fluent English required
• Japanese language capability (business level) strongly preferred or required, depending on candidate background

5. Key Success Factors (First 12–24 Months)

• Establish strong trust internally and externally
• Strengthen key customer relationships and commercial pipeline
• Deliver improved revenue quality and profitability
• Build a stable, engaged leadership team
• Ensure strong governance, reporting, and alignment with Group expectations

6. Cultural & Structural Considerations

• Title is critical: Representative Director / President is required for external credibility
• The role combines sales leadership and administration, with clear expectations on hands-on commercial involvement
• Long-term relationship building and reputation are prioritized over short-term wins