Representative Director – Japan

Job description

The **Representative Director** will be responsible for leading and expanding our investment operations in Japan, driving business growth, managing client relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance within the Japanese market. **Required Qualifications** - **Japan market native-level fluency** (business Japanese). Comfortable negotiating, hiring, and building relationships in Japanese business culture. - **Strong English** (written + spoken) for HQ reporting, IC memos, and cross-border coordination. - **10–15+ years** in **asset management / investment banking / corporate development / strategy** with direct exposure to **Japan transactions**. - At least **5 years** in a senior leadership role with P&L responsibility, pipeline targets, and team management - Deep understanding of the **IT/Technology** sector - Proven ability to **originate deals** (not just execute): network with founders, corporates, banks, advisors, local funds. - Track record leading end-to-end **deal execution**: screening → valuation → due diligence → negotiation → closing. - Familiarity with **Japanese governance and decision-making dynamics** (ringi, consensus building, stakeholder mapping). - Strong understanding of **Japan legal/regulatory environment** relevant to investing (FIEA where applicable, GP/LP landscape, reporting norms, compliance culture). **Core responsibilities** - **Build and lead Japan office**: hiring, culture, operating cadence, local vendor ecosystem (legal, tax, accounting, DD providers). - **Investment strategy design**: translate global mandate into Japan’s reality (channels, valuation norms, governance, syndication). - **Sourcing engine**: systematic origination (banks, M&A boutiques, accountants, sector events, corporates, founders). - **Portfolio support**: board participation, KPI governance, follow-on financings, add-on M&A, exec hiring. - **Stakeholder management**: HQ investment committee, LPs / co-investors, regulators/compliance, major partners. - **Represent the firm** in Japan: public presence, brand building, relationship stewardship. **Skills & competencies** - **Strategic vision** with the ability to identify market opportunities and execute growth initiatives - **Strong network** within Japan's institutional investor community, financial and Tech sectors - **Leadership skills** to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams - **Client relationship** management and business development capabilities - **Cross-cultural communication** skills to liaise effectively between local operations and global leadership - **Risk management** and **compliance** orientation **Nice-to-have differentiators** - Prior experience opening/leading Japan expansion for a global fund or multinational. - Board seat experience in Japan and proven ability to influence without causing cultural friction. - Western (USA / Europe) higher education / MBA. - JSDA Class 1 Sales Representative, Internal Control Manager, or CMA certifications **Other requirements** - Resident of Japan, preferably a Japanese national - Based in **Tokyo**, with frequent domestic travel and periodic HQ travel.