Associate Director, Japan

Introduction

We are seeking an Associate Director based in Tokyo to join a strategic intelligence practice. This senior role offers the opportunity to manage high-profile investigations, lead a team, and work closely with clients across the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on Japan. The position is ideal for candidates with a strong consulting or business intelligence background and experience in managing complex, cross-border projects.

About the Role

The Associate Director will be responsible for overseeing strategic intelligence and enhanced due diligence investigations, providing actionable insights for commercial, regulatory, and political decision-making. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines project management, client engagement, and office operations. The role is Tokyo-based, with initial training for three to six months at the firm’s headquarters.

Responsibilities

Strategic Intelligence & Investigations

• Independently manage due diligence and intelligence investigations across APAC, with a focus on Japan
• Structure lines of inquiry to assess commercial, regulatory, and political risks and opportunities
• Identify and engage relevant human sources, both internally and externally
• Develop investigative plans leveraging open-source research and human-source engagement
• Vet and cultivate a network of sources across Japan and major Asian markets

Office Leadership & Operations

• Line manage junior analysts, senior analysts, and managers
• Liaise with regional teams in other offices to ensure alignment and best practices
• Develop training plans and initiatives to improve operational efficiency
• Support the Head of Japan in operational and business development activities

Client Engagement & Deliverables

• Prepare verbal briefings and manage client interactions with private equity firms and multinational corporations
• Draft written reports synthesizing intelligence, analyzing risks and opportunities, and presenting findings clearly to commercial audiences
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and judgment in all client-facing activities

Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and verbal) and professional working proficiency in Japanese
• Deep cultural understanding of working in Japan and with Japanese clients
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in business intelligence or relevant consulting fields (strategy, regulatory, political risk, geopolitical)
• Strong knowledge of business, political, and regulatory trends in Asia, with a focus on Japan
• Key competencies:
• Commercial awareness and understanding of business models and risk exposure
• Team leadership and ability to cultivate a strong office culture
• Excellent communication, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills
• Self-starter mentality with minimal supervision
• Experience living and working in Japan is highly advantageous

Why Apply

• Take on a senior, high-impact role with significant autonomy and responsibility
• Opportunity to manage a team and shape the operations of a Tokyo office
• Engage with high-profile clients across private equity and multinational corporations
• Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, private medical and life insurance, and 25 days of annual leave
• Visa sponsorship and relocation support available for international candidates
• Join a diverse, inclusive, and globally connected team where professional growth is encouraged