Head of BD, Japan
We are looking for a Head of BD Japan / Senior Business Development Manager to own market expansion and revenue growth in Japan. This role combines full regional ownership with hands-on execution across sales, partnerships, and key account development.
You will build and scale the company’s presence in Japan — developing new business, establishing strategic relationships, and shaping the go-to-market approach in a highly competitive and complex market.
This role requires strong commercial judgment, deep understanding of the local ecosystem, and the ability to operate independently while aligning with global teams.
Role Responsibilities
Market Development and Sales Strategy
Define and execute the go-to-market strategy for Japan, aligned with global business objectives
Identify and prioritize high-impact opportunities for revenue growth and market expansion
Conduct market and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions and positioning
Own the regional sales pipeline, ensuring consistent progression from lead generation to deal closure
Business Development and Partnerships
Identify, engage, and close new business opportunities across key segments in the Japan market
Build and develop strategic partnerships to accelerate market penetration
Lead negotiations and structure commercial agreements aligned with long-term business goals
Key Account Management
Own relationships with key clients and ensure long-term value and retention
Identify and drive expansion opportunities within existing accounts
Act as a strategic partner to clients, aligning solutions with their business objectives
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Market Feedback
Collaborate with Product, Marketing, and Customer Success teams to ensure effective market entry and execution
Provide structured feedback on market needs, customer requirements, and competitive dynamics
Support localization and adaptation of product and messaging for the Japan market
Reporting and Performance Management
Track and report on regional sales performance, pipeline health, and key business metrics
Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for growth
Required Qualifications
5+ years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or strategic partnerships
Proven track record of driving revenue growth and closing complex commercial deals
Deep understanding of the Japan market and local business culture
Strong experience managing enterprise or strategically important clients
Experience building or scaling a market in an early-stage or growth-stage environment
Strong commercial judgment, negotiation skills, and ownership mindset
Ability to work independently and lead regional initiatives with high autonomy
Fluent Japanese and English
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in gaming, tech, SaaS, or digital commerce industries
Experience launching or scaling business operations in Japan
Familiarity with DTC, monetization, or platform-based products
Experience working in international or cross-functional teams
What We’re Looking For
High ownership and the ability to operate autonomously in a developing market
Strong relationship-building skills combined with a clear commercial focus
Strategic thinker who can translate market strategy into execution
Strong communicator across cultures, functions, and seniority levels
Proactive, structured, and results-oriented approach to growth
Success Metrics
Revenue growth in the Japan market
Number and quality of new partnerships and deals closed
Expansion and retention of key accounts
Pipeline growth and conversion rates
Market penetration and brand presence in Japan
Aghanim helps game developers achieve financial and creative independence by providing the solutions they need to launch, run, and grow their businesses.