Japan Country Manager

Job description

✨ Join Toon Boom – Where Creativity and Technology Meet! For over 30 years, Toon Boom has been the global leader in 2D animation software, trusted by top studios like Disney, Fox, and Netflix. With innovation at our core, we empower creatives worldwide to bring their stories to life. As the animation industry evolves, Toon Boom is at the forefront of innovation. We have recently introduced Ember , a new AI-powered feature set within Harmony, purpose-built for Japan’s frame-by-frame animation workflows. Unlike standalone AI tools, Ember integrates seamlessly into existing production pipelines, ensuring artists retain full creative control. With strong early adoption and enthusiastic feedback from leading Japanese studios, Toon Boom is entering a critical growth phase in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of 2D animation in the world’s most influential animation market—combining proven production tools with next-generation AI capabilities. 🌍 Work Location This is a 100% remote position based in Japan, hired under our Toon Boom Japan legal entity. While there is no physical office requirement for this role, you must be based in Tokyo to be eligible for this position. 🤩 What you'll do Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, the Japan Country Manager will lead Toon Boom’s business in Japan with full ownership of market strategy, revenue growth, and local operations. This role is both strategic and hands-on , requiring a leader who can build strategy, drive market expansion, build deep industry relationships, and position Toon Boom as the leading platform for modern animation production in Japan. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for managing and growing Toon Boom’s business in Japan , including with full P&L responsibility and accountability for revenue targets, pipeline development, and market share expansion. Define and execute a localized go-to-market strategy across direct sales, partnerships, and customer success. Build and expand relationships with leading animation studios , acting as executive sponsor on key accounts and leading complex enterprise negotiations. Drive adoption of Toon Boom’s Ember AI features , educating the market on AI-assisted workflows while respecting established production practices. Expand Toon Boom’s footprint within existing customers while securing new studio, broadcaster, and enterprise clients. Develop and manage a partner ecosystem , including resellers, strategic alliances, and educational institutions. Lead and scale the Japan-based team across sales, support, and marketing functions as the business grows. Act as the voice of the Japanese market internally , providing insights that influence product roadmap, localization, pricing, and global strategy. Collaborate closely with global teams (Montreal HQ across marketing, product, customer success, revenue operations, finance, and people) to align execution and accelerate growth. 🎯 What you'll need 15+ years of experience in the Japanese animation industry and/or animation software ecosystem. Deep network and credibility with Japanese animation studios, producers, and production leaders. Strong understanding of frame-by-frame animation workflows and production pipelines in Japan. Proven experience working with North American or European companies , ideally in a leadership or market-facing role. Demonstrated success in building and executing go-to-market strategies , and leading sales and/or cross-functional teams. Experience managing enterprise sales cycles and high-value negotiations. Strong strategic mindset with the ability to operate both at a high level and in a hands-on capacity. Fluency in Japanese and English , with a deep understanding of Japanese business culture and practices. Post-secondary education in business, computer science, or a related field is preferred. 🤩 Why Join Toon Boom You will lead expansion in one of the world's most important and influential animation markets. You will work with globally recognized studios and iconic IP. You will help define how AI is integrated into professional animation workflows , not replace them. You will operate with true ownership and influence as the leader of the Japan market. You will be part of a company combining industry legacy with cutting-edge innovation! 🤝 What to expect during the recruitment process At Toon Boom, we believe in a transparent and respectful experience. Here’s what to expect: HR Interview: If there’s alignment, we’ll schedule a video call to discuss your background and answer your questions. Meet the Team: Next, you’ll meet your manager and key team members to learn more about the team. Accessible and Inclusive: We are committed to a fair and accessible process. Let us know if you need any accommodations. 🩷 Embracing Diversity & Inclusion At Toon Boom, we embrace diversity in its fullest form. Our commitment is to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole self to work. We believe in the strength and innovation that come from diverse experiences and perspectives.