Event Sales Director (Japanese speaking)

WeAreAspire; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

WeAreAspire is seeking an Events Sales Director to spearhead Japan market entry from our Singapore hub. You will open doors with major Japanese corporates, shape partnerships, and build a high-performing sales team focused on revenue growth.

You will leverage deep understanding of Japanese business etiquette to consult C-suite clients and align global offerings with local market needs. This is a ground-floor leadership role requiring strategic vision and execution.

Qualifications

• Native or near-native Japanese language mastery.
• 8+ years of B2B sales experience in events, hospitality, MICE, or professional services.
• Hunter mindset with ability to build processes from scratch.
• Proven leadership in building and motivating small teams.
• Deep cultural intelligence and knowledge of Japanese business etiquette.
• Established network within the Japanese corporate sector (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Market entry strategy: design and execute a go-to-market plan for launching the B2B events portfolio in Japan.
• New business development: secure contracts with top-tier Japanese corporations, associations, and government-linked entities.
• Relationship building: rapidly develop and nurture strategic partnerships in the Japanese market.
• Team leadership: recruit, mentor, and manage a small sales team with clear KPIs.
• Global alignment: coordinate with global teams to align local offerings with regional needs.
• Revenue growth: own P&L for Japan and consistently meet revenue targets and bookings.
• Client consultancy: advise C-suite clients on how our events portfolio supports growth.

Job description

Our client are a leading global B2B events business with a diverse portfolio spanning major industry sectors. With a proven track record of delivering high-impact events worldwide, they are now embarking on an exciting strategic expansion into the Japanese market. They are seeking a visionary Events Sales Director to lead this charge from the Singapore hub, establishing their footprint in one of the world's most exciting economies.

The Opportunity

Our client are a leading global B2B events business with a diverse portfolio spanning major industry sectors. With a proven track record of delivering high-impact events worldwide, they are now embarking on an exciting strategic expansion into the Japanese market. They are seeking a visionary Events Sales Director to lead this charge from the Singapore hub, establishing their footprint in one of the world's most exciting economies.

The Opportunity

This is a ground-floor opportunity for a seasoned events sales leader who not only understands the intricacies of the Japanese corporate landscape but possesses the drive to build a business from the ground up. You will be responsible for opening new doors, securing landmark partnerships, and setting the foundation for long-term growth in the region. As the initial leader, you will also have the chance to shape culture and build a high-performing team as we scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Market Entry Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive go-to-market strategy to launch our B2B events portfolio in Japan. Conduct deep-dive market analysis to identify high-value verticals and key decision-makers.
• New Business Development (Hunter Focus): Drive new business acquisition by securing contracts with top-tier Japanese corporations, trade associations, and government-linked entities. You will be the primary face of the brand in the early stages.
• Relationship Building: Leverage existing networks or rapidly build new relationships within the Japanese business community to foster trust and long-term partnerships.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and manage a small initial sales team. Establish KPIs, sales processes, and a winning culture focused on excellence and cultural nuance.
• Global Alignment: Collaborate closely with global stakeholders to ensure local strategies align with the company's broader vision, adapting global offerings to fit Japanese market expectations and regulatory environments.
• Revenue Growth: Own the P&L for the Japan region, consistently meeting and exceeding revenue targets and booking figures.
• Client Consultancy: Act as a strategic advisor to C-suite clients, understanding their complex business goals and positioning our event portfolio as the solution for their growth.

Who You Are

• Japanese Language Mastery: Native or near-native fluency in Japanese (Business Level JLPT N1/N2 equivalent) is non-negotiable because the role will focus on the Japanese market only. You must be able to navigate high-stakes negotiations and build rapport effortlessly in both English and Japanese.
• Proven Track Record: 8+ years of experience in B2B sales, preferably within the events, hospitality, MICE, or professional services sectors.
• Startup Mindset: A "hunter" mentality with a demonstrated ability to sell in a blue-sky market where the brand may be unknown. You are comfortable creating processes from scratch.
• Leadership Experience: Proven success in building and motivating small teams to achieve targets.
• Cultural Intelligence: Deep understanding of Japanese business etiquette, negotiation styles, and the nuances of doing business in the region.
• Network: An established network of contacts within the Japanese corporate sector is highly desirable.