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.