Japanese speaking Country Manager

JAC Recruitment; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JAC Recruitment is seeking a Country Manager to oversee and drive its European operations from the Netherlands. You will lead the European business, align with headquarters in Japan, and guide strategic planning plus hands-on management.

Ideal candidates balance strategic thinking with group leadership, bring multi-country experience in Europe, and excel in finance, governance, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above.
• Previous management experience in Europe.
• Experience in organisational and team management.
• Business-level English proficiency.
• Experience in business planning and execution.
• Knowledge of finance and business management.
• Eligibility to work in the Netherlands without restriction.
• Japanese language skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee European business operations and drive growth.
• Develop mid- to long-term business plans.
• Coordinate with headquarters in Japan on strategic matters.
• Lead talent development and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage budgets, compliance, and risk.
• Represent the company at industry events.

Skills

English proficiency

Japanese language skills

European management experience

Finance & business management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Company Overview

A Japanese-owned company based in the Netherlands is seeking a Country Manager to oversee and drive its European operations.

Company Overview

A Japanese-owned company based in the Netherlands is seeking a Country Manager to oversee and drive its European operations.

In this role, you will take responsibility for the overall management of the European business, working closely with the headquarters in Japan while supporting the organisation's sustainable growth and long-term development.

As part of a lean and agile organisation, this position offers the opportunity to contribute not only to strategic planning but also to hands-on operational management and organisational leadership.

Job Description

As the head of the European entity, you will be responsible for a broad range of activities covering business operations, organisational management, and collaboration with headquarters.

Leveraging both strategic leadership and practical management skills, you will lead the local team and play a key role in driving business growth and organisational development.

Key Responsibilities

Business Operations & Management

• Oversee and manage overall European business operations
• Develop and execute mid- to long-term business plans
• Drive initiatives to achieve business objectives
• Monitor business performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Lead profitability enhancement and operational improvement efforts

Organisational Leadership

• Lead and support business functions across the organisation
• Develop talent and strengthen team capabilities
• Promote effective cross-functional collaboration
• Foster a positive and productive corporate culture
• Enhance employee engagement and workplace effectiveness

Collaboration with Headquarters

• Coordinate and communicate with headquarters on business matters
• Share market developments and business insights from Europe
• Propose business initiatives and strategic recommendations
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders across regions
• Participate in and support global projects and initiatives

Finance & Governance

• Manage budgets and monitor financial performance
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies
• Oversee risk management activities
• Drive process improvement and operational efficiency
• Establish a sustainable and effective business management framework

External Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with customers and business partners
• Conduct negotiations with external stakeholders
• Represent the company at exhibitions, industry events, and meetings
• Travel within Europe and to Japan as required
• Act as a key representative of the organisation

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or above
• Previous management experience in Europe
• Experience in organisational and team management
• Business-level English proficiency
• Experience in business planning and execution
• Knowledge of finance and business management
• Eligibility to work in the Netherlands without restriction
• Japanese language skills

Preferred

• Experience as a business unit leader or senior executive
• Japanese language skills
• Experience working for a Japanese company
• Experience conducting business with Japanese organisations
• International management experience
• Experience within manufacturing or technical industries

Ideal Candidate

• Able to balance strategic thinking with a hands-on management approach
• Comfortable working within multicultural environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experienced in building consensus and managing diverse interests
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset
• Enjoys working in a lean, hands-on organisation
• Interested in or familiar with Japanese business culture and ways of working

Salary

Competitive Salary Package Offered Based On Experience And Qualifications.

Visa

Applicants must already possess unrestricted full-time working rights in the Netherlands.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to lead and influence European business operations
• Play a key role in connecting the European organisation with headquarters in Japan
• Gain exposure to both strategic decision-making and operational management
• Work within an international business environment
• Make a direct contribution to the company's future growth and success