Head of Japan

A global consumer goods company is looking for a Head of Japan. The successful candidate will oversee full P&L ownership, commercial strategy, sales and marketing, manufacturing and supply chain operations, and organisational leadership to deliver profitable growth.

Responsibilities:

• Own the Japan food business P&L and deliver annual Net Sales, operating profit, and margin targets
• Set the mid-to-long-term strategy and 3-year roadmap, including new growth drivers and selective M&A or JV options
• Lead the Annual Operating Plan and monthly performance review cycle
• Optimise SG&A, COGS, and working capital while securing financial transparency and internal control
• Design the multi-channel route-to-market strategy and lead its execution
• Lead wholesaler and distributor strategy, governance, and coverage expansion
• Own key account negotiations and trade terms with major Japanese retailers
• Lead portfolio and pricing strategy and expand the consumer base from ethnic demand into mainstream channels
• Implement disciplined forecasting, sell-out execution, and trade marketing ROI
• Oversee the Japan plant across safety, quality, productivity, yield, and unit cost
• Lead S&OP linking demand planning with production, inventory, and service levels
• Own capacity and CAPEX planning, including OEM partner cost, quality, and delivery
• Lead the cross-functional management team across sales, marketing, and operations
• Develop global talent, build the succession pipeline, and establish a KPI-based performance culture
• Represent the entity with partners, authorities, and HQ while managing food safety and regulatory risk

Requirements:

• More than 15 years of experience in FMCG or consumer goods, with F&B experience
• Large P&L ownership experience with JPY 10bn or more in net sales at country level
• Proven track record of developing new markets and delivering profitable growth
• Strong commercial acumen in route-to-market design, channel management, and key account negotiation
• Strong operational leadership across plant productivity, quality, S&OP, and inventory management
• Strong financial discipline across large-scale P&L management, COGS, pricing, investment, and trade spend decisions
• Ability to engage local channels in Japanese and HQ in English without interpretation
• Experience in global talent development and cross-cultural stakeholder management with HQ and partners
• Fluent level Japanese; business-fluent level English

Preferred requirements:

• Understanding of Japan’s wholesaler-based distribution model and retail channel structure
• Sales or marketing experience in brand management or trade marketing
• In-house production management experience, including plant CAPEX or capacity expansion and OEM partner management
• M&A, JV, or new business development experience
• Familiarity with Japanese food safety and labelling regulations

About the Company:

A global food and biotechnology company offering a diverse range of food products, ingredients and bio-based solutions. With an international presence, the company develops products and technologies serving consumers and businesses across various markets.

Keywords:

食品 業界, 消費財, 事業 経営, P&L 管理, 営業 戦略, マーケティング 戦略, サプライ チェーン, 生産 管理, 食品 安全, 事業 開発, 求人, 外資系

Job Ref: MABANB