Country Manager

We are supporting a strategic search for a General Manager to lead the Japan operations for a premier global innovator in specialty chemicals, advanced adhesives, and vibration control technologies. This is a high-visibility, full P&L leadership mandate designed for a visionary executive who can bridge world-class R&D with a robust local manufacturing footprint. The successful candidate will take complete command of a profitable organization, steering it through a pivotal transition toward high-growth sectors such as Electric Vehicles (EV) and Aerospace.

Reporting directly to the Regional General Manager, APAC, you will oversee a lean and efficient team of approximately 60 professionals across multiple manufacturing and R&D sites. You will have direct management over the Plant, Supply Chain, ESH, and Sales functions, with dotted-line oversight of Finance, HR, and Technology. Your mission is to provide firm budget management and operational excellence while simultaneously acting as a strategic entrepreneur to modernize the business model.

The "vibe" of this role is one of high-energy change leadership. Traditionally focused on the automotive sector, the firm is now looking for a leader to diversify and penetrate new market segments. You will be expected to act as a trusted advisor to global leadership and a coach to the local management team, expanding their capabilities and building management depth while fostering an inclusive,

collaborative, and results-oriented culture.

Strategic Leadership & Market Expansion

• Drive the development and execution of the Japan strategic plan, identifying unique market opportunities that align with global technology and product competencies.
• Transform the business portfolio by diversifying beyond traditional automotive sectors into high-growth areas like EV and Aerospace.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and commercialization of new business platforms, applying new business models and tools to ensure sustained growth.

Operational Excellence & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee the full P&L for Japan, developing annual budgets and providing rigorous management to optimize costs and maximize profitability.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, personally championing global initiatives in ESH (Environment, Safety, and Health).
• Optimize resource utilization across existing plants and warehouses to achieve corporate goals and ensure seamless customer engagement.

People & Change Management

• Motivate and guide the senior management team, serving as a mentor to direct reports and fostering a culture of high employee engagement.
• Lead through ambiguity and organizational change, effectively utilizing communication and influencing skills to align local staff with the regional and global strategic direction.

• Experience: 15+ years of senior leadership experience (General Manager, Country Manager, or Senior Sales/Operations Lead) within the chemical or related industrial sectors.
• Global Matrix Mastery: 10+ years of leadership experience within a global Multi-National Corporation (MNC), with a proven ability to navigate complex matrix reporting lines.
• Commercial Track Record: Demonstrated success in identifying and commercializing new business opportunities with industrial customers and managing full P&L.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree with a technical or business focus, combined with the ability to discuss both technology and business topics comfortably.
• Language: Native-level Japanese for internal and customer leadership, and fluent English for regional and global collaboration.
• Personal Attributes: High energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to handle ambiguity while maintaining a highly structured and analytical approach.

• Full P&L Command: Take the "CEO-seat" for a localized enterprise, holding total strategic and operational accountability for the Japan territory.
• Strategic Transformation: Lead a critical shift in the organization’s history, moving the needle from traditional manufacturing to cutting-edge EV and aerospace technologies.
• High-Impact Visibility: Report directly to the Head of Asia Pacific, ensuring your results and leadership are recognized at the global corporate level.
• Stable yet Dynamic Environment: Benefit from a profitable, long-standing local footprint (approx. 60 people) backed by the R&D power of a multi-billion dollar global leader.
• Mentorship & Legacy: Shape the future of the local leadership team, building a high-performing organization and a lasting professional legacy in the Japanese industrial market.