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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.