Client Relationships Director, Japan

Our client is a market leader in the corporate intelligence sector, specialising in commercial risk, regulatory environments and executive teams. The firm’s human sourced intelligence helps c-suite, boards, legal and deal teams make the decisions that matter most to their organisations. Their clients include many of the largest companies, law firms, and sovereign wealth and private equity funds, on many of the world's most significant corporate actions, advising on M&A, regulatory and policy matters, and senior appointments.

They also provide investigations and dispute advice, helping clients investigate fraud, support legal strategies and recover assets, alongside cyber advice to help defend against the prevailing threat environment. established for over 25 years, they have a diverse and talented team across global office hubs, who are supported by senior advisers, including former heads of the US, UK, and Australian intelligence services, former chairs of global banks, and former managing partners of law firms.

The role:

Based in Tokyo and positioned within the business development team, the Client Relationships Director will lead and develop the firm’s relationships with private equity, corporate M&A and legal clients. This is a highly client-facing role. A thorough understanding of the corporate market within Japan is essential, along with a proven track record of success with developing new relationships, generating new business and growing repeat business.

Key requirements of the role:

New Business & Origination:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities with finance, legal and corporate M&A sectors in Japan
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and deal teams
• Proactively identify opportunities to introduce the firm’s services and develop new lines of work.
• Lead client outreach and business development initiatives from initial engagement through to opportunity development.

Client Management & Development:

• Take responsibility for managing and developing new client relationships.
• Maintain strong, long-term relationships beyond individual projects and identify opportunities for repeat business.
• Work closely with the firm’s execution teams to support client communication, manage expectations and ensure a high-quality client experience.
• Develop a strong understanding of clients’ businesses, priorities and evolving needs.

Skills & Experience required:

Applicants for this role should be commercially minded professionals with a strong client-facing backgrounds from management consultancy, investment banking, law, policy or intelligence, with a demonstrable track record of engaging with decision makers in Japan.

You will ideally bring:

• A strong network and proven established relationships at senior management level in Japan.
• A proven track record in business development, client coverage, origination or relationship management.
• The ability to engage credibly with senior decision-makers and build trusted, long-term relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A commercial and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and turn relationships into business.
• The ability to work proactively but collaboratively across global teams and contribute to the continued growth of the business.
• Fluency in English with working knowledge of Japanese.