Regional Director – Business Development (Japan)

WatersEdge Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,193,000 - 1,791,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a Regional Director to lead business development efforts in the Japanese market. The role requires a CA or CFA with front-office experience in investment management and fluency in Japanese. You will drive new business in tax recovery and manage the sales cycle, engaging institutional investors. The position offers market-aligned compensation, performance incentives, and the opportunity to work independently with high visibility within the organization.

Benefits

Market-aligned compensation

Performance incentives

Direct access to senior decision-makers

Opportunity for international exposure

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ post-articles experience in investment management.
• Strong relationships or knowledge of Japan’s investment fund industry.
• Prior experience selling to institutional investors.

Responsibilities

• Identify new opportunities and develop sales strategies.
• Prospect and engage institutional investors.
• Run full-cycle sales processes from initial contact to contract execution.
• Prepare high-quality sales documentation and presentations.
• Manage commercial analysis for strong deal value.

Skills

Fluency in Japanese (verbal and written)

Strong commercial acumen

Excellent presentation skills

Negotiation skills

Ability to influence across all levels

Education

CA or CFA designation

Job description

Location : Japan (Remote with Travel)

Employment Type : Full-Time

Industry : Financial Services | Tax Recovery | Institutional Sales

WatersEdge Solutions is seeking a commercially sharp and highly networked Regional Director to lead business development efforts across Japan. This is a strategic, high-autonomy role for a CA or CFA with proven front-office experience in the investment management industry—ideally with exposure to institutional investors and a passion for relationship-led growth.

About the Role

You’ll be responsible for driving new business in the withholding tax recovery space, managing the full sales cycle from lead generation to contract close. This is an individual contributor role where you'll identify market opportunities, build a targeted pipeline, and engage institutional prospects with compelling commercial proposals. You’ll also represent the business in market—through events, thought leadership, and client-facing materials.

Key Responsibilities

Identify new opportunities and develop sales strategies within the Japanese market

Prospect and engage institutional investors via direct outreach, events, and relationship networks

Run full-cycle sales processes from initial contact to final contract execution

Prepare high-quality sales documentation including RFPs and board-level presentations

Manage commercial analysis to ensure strong deal value and strategic fit

Leverage MEDDICC or other pipeline frameworks to enhance sales effectiveness

Represent the business at industry events and support brand-building initiatives

Meet and exceed annual sales targets

Stay up to date with industry trends through self-driven learning and professional engagement

What You’ll Bring

CA or CFA designation with a minimum of 2 years’ post-articles experience

Fluency in Japanese (verbal and written)

Front-office exposure in the investment management space

Strong relationships or knowledge of Japan’s investment fund industry

Prior experience selling to institutional investors, asset managers, or financial institutions

Ability to influence across all levels of client organisations—from admin to C-level

Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking

Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills

High energy, proactive mindset, and the ability to thrive independently

Willingness to travel for meetings and market development

Nice to Have

Formal sales training (e.g., MEDDICC methodology)

Experience building a book of business in a tax, financial services, or regulatory environment

Comfort working in a fast-paced, results-driven global business

What’s On Offer

Market-aligned compensation with performance incentives

A high-visibility, high-impact role with international exposure

Direct access to senior decision-makers and executive mentorship

Opportunity to scale a high-value offering in a high-potential market

Travel, autonomy, and the ability to drive your own strategy

Company Culture

At WatersEdge Solutions, we align exceptional talent with purpose-driven, high-growth organisations. This is a role for someone who leads with initiative, thrives in a commercial environment, and is energised by building long-term client relationships in a global, cross-border setting.

If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.