Sales Manager – Japan

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 We are looking for a seasoned Sales Manager to lead market growth and strategic partnerships for Toon Boom in Japan. This role combines deep commercial ownership with long-term relationship stewardship — working across animation studios, broadcasters, educational institutions, and strategic partners to expand Toon Boom's presence in one of the world's most important creative markets. The Sales Manager will serve as Toon Boom's primary representative in Japan, working closely with global Sales, Customer Success, Marketing, Product, and Support teams to deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and sustainable growth for the business. Revenue Growth & Market Development Execute a territory growth strategy aligned with Toon Boom's global objectives Identify and pursue new market opportunities, expanding Toon Boom's presence through thoughtful customer engagement and ecosystem development Drive new client acquisition and expansion across studios, broadcasters, educational institutions, and strategic partners Develop localized go-to-market approaches tailored to the needs and norms of the Japanese market Build and manage a healthy sales pipeline, owning the full cycle from initial outreach through negotiation and close Provide market intelligence and customer insight to inform product positioning and strategic planning Customer Relationships & Partnerships Build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with customers, partners, and key industry stakeholders Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and adoption, working closely with Customer Success and Support Develop relationships with animation schools, universities, and vocational institutions as a distinct and growing revenue segment Represent Toon Boom as a market leader and ambassador at industry events, conferences, and trade shows across Japan Operations & Commercial Compliance Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and CRM discipline within Salesforce Lead commercial negotiations to ensure mutually beneficial agreements, in full compliance with local regulations and Toon Boom's operational standards 🎯 What you'll need 5 years of experience in SaaS, Media & Entertainment, Technology, or related fields, with a consistent record of achieving or exceeding revenue targets Strong understanding of the Japanese business environment and relationship-driven sales culture Experience managing strategic accounts and navigating complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills — equally effective in Japanese and English Operational discipline and comfort with CRM tools, particularly Salesforce Experience working cross-functionally within global organizations Native or fluent Japanese; strong professional English 🤩 Why Join Toon Boom Work with globally recognized studios and iconic intellectual property Play a meaningful role in how AI is integrated into professional animation — in a way that supports artists, not replaces them Operate with real ownership and influence as the leader of the Japanese market Be part of a company with 30+ years of industry legacy and a clear innovation roadmap 🤝 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 — A video conversation to discuss your background, your interest in the role, and your questions for us. Meet the Team — You will meet your future manager and key colleagues to get a real sense of the team and how we work. Final Conversation — A closing discussion with senior leadership to confirm alignment and answer any remaining questions on both sides. We aim to complete the full process within 3–4 weeks. Accommodations are available at any stage — please let us know what you need. 🩷 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.