Country Manager - Japan

Content Guru is a leading provider of cloud communications solutions. We help businesses across the globe to enhance their customer engagement and experience. From our omni-channel cloud contact center solution to our bespoke integration systems, we use cutting-edge technology to transform communications and make mass personalization a reality. This includes our development of AI and propensity modelling to create the seamless end-to-end customer journeys that inspire loyalty and power the success of organizations worldwide. What we are looking for. . . The Country Manager takes overall responsibility for the financial performance and operational leadership of the Japan region.

Working closely with global C-suite colleagues they strategically develop the business unit into a large, profitable and self-sustaining operational arm of the global organisation. They ensure the region meets its financial performance targets, and the individual teams meet and exceed in-country sales targets by expertly planning and implementing an in-country sales strategy. The ideal prospect for this position will be a seasoned sales leader with an ability to manage and motivate others. They will have previous experience representing the Japanese region within a global business and be able to take on a director type role within their local office.

Location. . . This role is based in our office in Tokyo, Japan. This is an office-based vacancy and as such we expect all applicants to be willing to commute to our offices a minimum of 3-4 days per week as per our hybrid working policy. Please note, to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in Japan. We are unable to offer sponsorship at this time. Key responsibilities. . . In-Country Sales Strategy and LeadershipAnalyse local market conditions and trends to propose in-country sales strategy, making sure it is aligned to global marketing strategies.

Develop sales propositions that will effectively engage customers and close sales deals. Execute the sales strategy to realise sales targets and expand our customer base in the assigned territory. Drive product enhancements/contribute to product strategy as required. Maximise product and demo effectiveness in region by driving localisation of products and demos. Operational ResponsibilitiesEnsure the smooth and legally compliant running of the in-country entity, including for any physical office locations. Oversee, monitor, coach and support other operational teams based in-country, whether direct reports or formally part of other teams.

Take a proactive role in the management of any escalations affecting in-country customers, equipment or colleagues. Team Leadership and DevelopmentWhere In-country Sales Colleagues Report Directly To YouMotivate, lead, coach, train and support the team to deliver consistent and improving sales performance. Make succession plans so that colleagues are proactively readied for their next career opportunities. Champion a culture of recognising and rewarding the right colleague behaviours. Proactively manage, monitor and report on performance of the team and individuals. Ensure feedback results are used in regular coaching and performance improvement plans.

Sales PerformanceMonitor and manage sales performance to ensure sales targets are met. Effectively manage team pipeline, progression of opportunities, and communication with the business on opportunities. Accurately forecast sales wins and renewals. Ensure documentation/tracking is accurate and up to date in our business systems. Ensure bids/tenders are fully managed, submitted to a high quality and in good time. Lead the team to close deals, stepping in personally where required. About You. . . Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, or significant alternative experience.

Strong experience in leading sales teams as a head of or director of sales, typically of at least five years. Strong leadership and people skills including coaching skills. Previous experience as an acting Country Manager or Director of Sales. Background in people management. Consistent track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets. Native speaker in Japanese and fluent English language. CCaaS or SaaS industry experience is preferred. About The Company. . . Content Guru is the largest privately owned provider of Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) in Europe.

We have grown to have offices in the UK, US, Netherlands, Germany and Japan, and our award-winning proprietary cloud services now power some of the largest organisations across the globe. Operating in sectors ranging from utilities and travel through to finance and government, our clients include UK Power Networks, Rakuten, Rightmove, Interflora, Sodexo, and the National Health Service (NHS). Our mission is to enhance the way the world communicates.

With our omni-channel cloud contact centre solution, storm®, we enable businesses, customers and colleagues to interact across social media, video, SMS, email, web, web chat, and emerging technologies, such as WebRTC. We connect to hundreds of external systems, including AI, information and logistics systems, to bring information and communications together and deliver the customer experience of tomorrow. We are an equal opportunities employer and consider all qualified and experienced applicants without regard to race, gender, religion, orientation, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are devoted to our people and pride ourselves on developing and upskilling our employees to give them the best opportunities for success.