The Asia Group (TAG) is now accepting applications for a Deputy Director (VP) for Project Management to join our Japan Practice. This role will be based in Tokyo.

TAG is a leading strategic and capital advisory firm that positions clients – ranging from Fortune 100 multinationals to innovative startups – for success in established and emerging markets across the Indo-Pacific region. Our expertise is delivered through a network of offices in key cities including Washington D.C., Taipei, New Delhi, Mumbai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Hanoi, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. Our team is a diverse mix of partners, senior advisers and talent with extensive backgrounds in government, the private sector, and the military. 

We champion a corporate culture that values teamwork, collegiality, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Operating at a brisk pace, we maintain a demanding yet adaptable and enjoyable work environment. At TAG, we're committed not only to professional excellence but also to the growth of our firm. We dedicate ourselves to mentoring and leading our staff, recognizing the importance of nurturing talent as part of our journey to continued success.

The Vice President (Deputy Director) for Project Management will be an integral member of TAG's Japan Practice led by Managing Partner Kurt Tong and Managing Director Tokuko Shironitta and will play a key role in all aspects of the firm's client management, development, and strategy execution related to Japan. The Vice President will manage client servicing, projects, and executive visits under the guidance of Tokyo-based Managing Director and coordinate work priority and flow closely with the Senior Associates, Associates, and Operations Lead. The Vice President will also support the Managing Director and Senior Vice President in crafting and leading market access and expansion campaigns, enhancing political brand equity, and offering policy-driven solutions that enables TAG's clients to mitigate risks and seize new opportunities in Japan and across the Indo-Pacific region.

The ideal candidate will bring significant mid-level professional experience in business or government and must possess a strong grasp of Japan's political, regulatory, and macroeconomic landscapes, as well as the ability to convert these insights into actionable strategies and recommendations for commercial stakeholders across various industries. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated team management and client and project management experience, with native-level Japanese language proficiency. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Manage day-to-day client and project workstreams, including inter alia development and review of written deliverables, delivering substantive briefings for clients, and fielding and managing client requests as they come in, under the guidance of the Managing Director;
• Lead planning and implementation of client engagements and activities in Japan, including executive level visits;
• Create and support policy-driven engagement strategies that align with clients' business objectives in Japan; 
• Develop regular, nuanced assessments of relevant political, economic, and regulatory trends in Japan for broad client consumption;
• Cultivate and maintain a robust network of relevant stakeholder relationships in Japan and across the Indo-Pacific; and
• Contribute to thought leadership activities, representing TAG at conferences, think tank events and other industry-government gatherings. 

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (e.g. MA/MBA/MPP) and 12 plus years' relevant work experience;
• Experience in the public sector, government relations, consulting, or comparable experience, demonstrating the ability to integrate public policy with corporate strategy;
• Strong communicator, demonstrated by the ability to present in a polished and effective manner to senior business executives and other senior level interlocutors in multinational settings;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Japanese politics, policy, and regulatory environment as well as Japan's interests in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship to the United States;
• Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines and manage competing priorities;
• Experience in client servicing and project management;
• Team player with positive, proactive, and professional attitude; eager for professional development and open to learning; 
• Flexibility with respect to working and communication hours, particularly when coordinating with clients and team members in Washington D.C. as well as other TAG offices in the region; and
• Business-level English and native-level Japanese proficiency. 

We value professionals who are proactive in exploring new ways to work smarter. Ideal candidates will be comfortable using artificial intelligence tools — or excited to learn how — to increase efficiency, enhance analysis or deliverables, and generate innovative solutions. Familiarity with generative AI platforms or a growth mindset toward emerging technologies is a plus.

Candidates must be eligible to work in Japan. Employees will work in an in-person environment. Remuneration will depend upon the candidate's experience levels and in accordance with our internal salary structure. TAG provides competitive benefits, including health benefits, paid time off, as well as training opportunities for its employees. 

Due to the volume of applications received, responses from our recruiting team may be delayed. No phone calls or emails, please.