General Manager | Country Manager

Location Osaka, Japan (with regular domestic and international travel) Company Overview Our client is a well-established global freight forwarding group with a strong international network and a long-term commitment to the Japanese market. The company is known for its entrepreneurial culture, relationship-driven approach, and focus on controlled, sustainable growth through its overseas network. Role Overview The Country Manager / General Manager will have full responsibility for the Japan business, with accountability for P&L performance, people leadership, and strategic development of overseas-controlled business through the global network. In addition to country-level leadership, this role requires a hands-on, agile playing manager who is comfortable engaging directly in day-to-day business activities when needed. Rather than operating solely as an instruction-focused manager, the successful candidate will actively support operations, commercial initiatives, and problem-solving alongside the team, particularly in a lean organizational structure. This role is ideally suited to a senior leader currently operating in a No.2 or Deputy Country Manager position within a global freight forwarder, ready to step into full country responsibility. Key Responsibilities Business & P&L Leadership Full P&L ownership for the Japan entity, including revenue growth, cost control, and profitability Develop and execute a practical, execution-focused country strategy aligned with global objectives Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal governance, and group standards Overseas Controlled Business Development Actively develop overseas-controlled business generated through the global network Serve as a visible and responsive counterpart to overseas offices and regional stakeholders Communicate Japans capabilities, constraints, and opportunities clearly and confidently to the network Commercial & Operational Engagement Maintain a strong Ocean Freight focus while supporting cross-product collaboration Actively engage in key customer discussions, pricing decisions, carrier negotiations, and escalations Step into operational or commercial matters when required, particularly during peak periods or complex cases People & Organization Management Lead, manage, and develop a team of approximately 9 staff across operations and commercial functions Operate as a playing manager, setting the tone through direct involvement as well as leadership Build a stable, reliable organization with clear accountability, trust, and open communication Encourage an open-minded culture that values initiative, continuous improvement, and new ideas Communication & Stakeholder Management Act as the primary representative of the Japan organization internally and externally Communicate effectively and professionally in both Japanese and English, written and spoken Provide clear reporting, forecasting, and transparent updates to regional and global management Top Skills & Attributes Required Proven Japan team management capability, with experience leading small to mid-sized teams Hands-on, agile playing manager mindset with willingness to engage directly in operations and commercial matters Full P&L ownership or strong exposure, with accountability for revenue, cost control, and profitability Strong communication skills in both Japanese and English, able to engage confidently with local teams and global networks Open-minded and adaptable approach, receptive to new ideas and continuous improvement Stable, reliable leadership style with a long-term, trust-based mindset Based in Osaka or strongly rooted in the Kansai market Language & Communication Native-level Japanese Business-fluent English, capable of confident communication with global networks and senior stakeholders Ideal Candidate Profile Japanese national currently working in a No.2 / Deputy / Senior Management role at a global forwarder Based in Osaka or strongly rooted in the Kansai market Experienced as a hands-on leader who leads by example rather than instruction alone Comfortable engaging directly in operations, sales, and network coordination as required Ready to step into full country leadership with autonomy, accountability, and visibility