Job Description

Alcott Global is retained to search for a Managing Director, Japan for a Global Transportation Leader.

Role Overview

Our client, a leading global transportation and logistics company, is seeking an experienced Managing Director, Japan to lead its business operations, commercial strategy, and overall performance in the Japanese market.

The role carries full P&L accountability, with a strong emphasis on driving commercial growth, strengthening customer relationships, expanding market share, and ensuring operational excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing the country strategy in alignment with regional and global business objectives.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in sales and commercial leadership, combined with proven general management capabilities, financial acumen, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a competitive and evolving transportation market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall Japan business, with full accountability for P&L performance, revenue growth, profitability, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
• Develop and execute the country commercial strategy to drive sustainable business growth, increase market share, and strengthen the company's competitive position in Japan.
• Drive sales performance, business development, and key account management, ensuring strong customer acquisition, retention, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with major customers, strategic partners, industry stakeholders, and relevant regulatory authorities.
• Identify new business opportunities, market trends, and growth initiatives across the transportation and logistics sector.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership across commercial, operations, customer service, finance, and other key business functions to ensure alignment with country objectives.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management to achieve revenue, profitability, and operational targets.
• Lead, develop, and strengthen the Japan leadership team, fostering a high-performance, customer-focused, and commercially driven culture.
• Ensure operational excellence, service quality, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management across the country organization.
• Collaborate closely with regional and global leadership to align local business priorities with broader corporate strategies and initiatives.
• Represent the company in Japan, maintaining strong relationships with customers, industry associations, business partners, and other external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline. An MBA or equivalent qualification is an advantage.
• Extensive leadership experience within the shipping, transportation, logistics, or related industries, with a strong track record in sales, commercial management, and business development.
• Proven experience leading commercial teams, driving revenue growth, developing customer relationships, and expanding market presence.
• Demonstrated P&L management experience or significant financial and commercial accountability, with a strong understanding of profitability, budgeting, and business performance.
• Experience in a country leadership, general management, or senior commercial leadership role, with the capability to oversee cross-functional business operations.
• Strong knowledge of the Japanese transportation and logistics market, including customer dynamics, competitive landscape, and industry trends.
• Established relationships with key customers and industry stakeholders, with the ability to develop and maintain strategic business partnerships.
• Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to translate business opportunities into measurable financial results.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, influence stakeholders, and operate effectively within a regional and global matrix organization.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively across different organizational levels and cultures.