Location
Osaka, Japan (with regular domestic and international travel)
Company Overview
Our client is a well-established global freight forwarding group with a strong international network and a long-term commitment to the Japanese market. The company is known for its entrepreneurial culture, relationship-driven approach, and focus on controlled, sustainable growth through its overseas network.
Role Overview
The Country Manager / General Manager will have full responsibility for the Japan business, with accountability for P&L performance, people leadership, and strategic development of overseas-controlled business through the global network.
In addition to country-level leadership, this role requires a hands-on, agile playing manager who is comfortable engaging directly in day-to-day business activities when needed. Rather than operating solely as an instruction-focused manager, the successful candidate will actively support operations, commercial initiatives, and problem-solving alongside the team, particularly in a lean organizational structure.
This role is ideally suited to a senior leader currently operating in a No.2 or Deputy Country Manager position within a global freight forwarder, ready to step into full country responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Business & P&L Leadership
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Full P&L ownership for the Japan entity, including revenue growth, cost control, and profitability
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Develop and execute a practical, execution-focused country strategy aligned with global objectives
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Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal governance, and group standards
Overseas Controlled Business Development
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Actively develop overseas-controlled business generated through the global network
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Serve as a visible and responsive counterpart to overseas offices and regional stakeholders
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Communicate Japans capabilities, constraints, and opportunities clearly and confidently to the network
Commercial & Operational Engagement
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Maintain a strong Ocean Freight focus while supporting cross-product collaboration
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Actively engage in key customer discussions, pricing decisions, carrier negotiations, and escalations
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Step into operational or commercial matters when required, particularly during peak periods or complex cases
People & Organization Management
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Lead, manage, and develop a team of approximately 9 staff across operations and commercial functions
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Operate as a playing manager, setting the tone through direct involvement as well as leadership
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Build a stable, reliable organization with clear accountability, trust, and open communication
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Encourage an open-minded culture that values initiative, continuous improvement, and new ideas
Communication & Stakeholder Management
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Act as the primary representative of the Japan organization internally and externally
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Communicate effectively and professionally in both Japanese and English, written and spoken
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Provide clear reporting, forecasting, and transparent updates to regional and global management
Top Skills & Attributes Required
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Proven Japan team management capability, with experience leading small to mid-sized teams
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Hands-on, agile playing manager mindset with willingness to engage directly in operations and commercial matters
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Full P&L ownership or strong exposure, with accountability for revenue, cost control, and profitability
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Strong communication skills in both Japanese and English, able to engage confidently with local teams and global networks
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Open-minded and adaptable approach, receptive to new ideas and continuous improvement
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Stable, reliable leadership style with a long-term, trust-based mindset
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Based in Osaka or strongly rooted in the Kansai market
Language & Communication
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Native-level Japanese
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Business-fluent English, capable of confident communication with global networks and senior stakeholders
Ideal Candidate Profile
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Japanese national currently working in a No.2 / Deputy / Senior Management role at a global forwarder
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Based in Osaka or strongly rooted in the Kansai market
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Experienced as a hands-on leader who leads by example rather than instruction alone
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Comfortable engaging directly in operations, sales, and network coordination as required
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Ready to step into full country leadership with autonomy, accountability, and visibility
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