Country Manager – Japan

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Japan.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the comprehensive business strategy, revenue performance, and go-to-market execution for Japan regarding AVITI systems and consumables.

• Identify, assess, develop, and nurture partnerships with distribution partners in Japan.

• Engage with strategic key accounts, KOLs, and end users to promote adoption and expand Element's presence.

• Support distribution sales teams in driving growth for instrument and consumable products.

• Create and implement territory business plans, revenue forecasts, and operational strategies; report Japan's performance and outlook to executive management.

• Coordinate sales and marketing initiatives, including trade shows, seminars, and KOL programs for the Japanese market.

• Develop and provide technical training for distribution partners and direct customers to meet pre- and post-sales requirements.

• Act as Element's primary representative in Japan, advocating for partners, end users, and market needs.

• Address complex commercial and technical escalations by connecting internal resources with external partners and clients.

• Maintain effective pipeline management and deliver timely, reliable reporting.

• Design and implement strategies to enhance market share and strengthen Element's competitive position in Japan.

• Oversee daily communications with distributors and key accounts, including the escalation of issues and opportunities.

• Monitor the competitive landscape and market trends in Japan, recommending opportunities for expansion.

• Represent Japan's business priorities in APJ and global planning discussions with the Director of Sales – APJ.

⛳️ Requirements

• A degree in life sciences or biomedical engineering is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

• Substantial sales management experience is essential, with a strong preference for NGS Capital Sales.

• Demonstrated experience in owning complete territory or P&L-level business responsibilities, rather than solely managing channels or distributors.

• Proven success in managing distributor relationships as well as direct strategic account engagement.

• Exceptional communication skills, comfortable interacting with distributor partners, direct customers, and KOLs alike.

• A highly motivated self-starter capable of strategic thinking, independent operation, and achieving results with minimal oversight.

• Proven organizational and time management abilities.

• Strong relationship-building and networking skills; adept at leading through influence across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Commercially savvy with strong negotiation skills.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting market analysis and identifying new business opportunities.

• High level of business acumen, particularly within the Life Science tools market.

• Fluency in both Japanese and English is required.

• Familiarity with Salesforce.com is a plus.

• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally.

• Frequently able to lift boxes weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Flexibility in working hours is necessary, as this role may require customer support during non-standard business hours.

• Domestic and international travel may be required up to 50% of the time.

🏝️ Benefits

• Stock options.

• Sales commission.

• Other competitive factors within the overall total rewards package.