Head of DBT West Japan
Job Summary
This role leads the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team in Western Japan to drive commercial growth and investment. You will develop strategies for priority sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and AI/tech while managing key stakeholder relationships. The position involves supporting the Consul General in Osaka to advance UK-Japan trade partnerships and economic objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead DBT operations and commercial growth in Western Japan
- Identify and develop trade and investment opportunities
- Manage relationships with key Japanese and UK businesses
- Support the Consul General on strategic growth activities
- Line manage staff and oversee regional team performance
Required Skills
- Expertise in Japanese private sector engagement
- Fluency in English and Japanese (C2/B2 levels)
- Strategic planning and target delivery
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Ability to work at pace in a dynamic environment
Job Details
Main Purpose of Job: Lead the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Japan team’s work to develop opportunities in the West of Japan. This role is responsible for DBT’s presence in Western Japan, leading the team to support both Japanese and British companies across a range of high-profile industry sectors, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and AI/tech. You will work with the Deputy Consul General in Osaka and sector specialist teams in Tokyo to identify and develop opportunities, strategically deploying seniors to advance commercial wins.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify and shape key commercial opportunities and lead the team to deliver UK growth objectives.
- Set and deliver against clear targets, building an evidence base for growth-focused presence in priority sectors.
- Establish strong relationships with industry stakeholders, Japanese corporates, and UK companies to maximize economic growth potential.
- Implement effective account management approaches and develop innovative marketing strategies, including GREAT campaign delivery.
- Support the utilization of the UK-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and efforts to reduce market access barriers.
- Drive team performance using data and analysis, and work closely with DBT Headquarters and other UK departments.
- Support the Consul General Osaka on all growth-focused activities, engagements, events, and briefings.
- Oversee operational, people plans, business functions, and team leadership, including line management of staff.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Experience working with or for the Japanese private sector and engaging senior Japanese business leaders.
- Capability to quickly develop expertise in focus sectors.
- Strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong drive, determination, and organizational skills to deliver at pace.
- Flexibility to pivot to new and urgent priorities.
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in both English and Japanese (Fluency C2 in one, Business level B2 in the other).