Johannesburg: Regional Director – Business Development (Japan) posted by WatersEdge Solutions

Location: Japan (Remote with Travel)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Financial Services | Tax Recovery | Institutional Sales

WatersEdge Solutions is seeking a commercially sharp and highly networked Regional Director to lead business development efforts across Japan. This is a strategic, high-autonomy role for a CA or CFA with proven front-office experience in the investment management industryideally with exposure to institutional investors and a passion for relationship-led growth.

About the Role
Youll be responsible for driving new business in the withholding tax recovery space, managing the full sales cycle from lead generation to contract close. This is an individual contributor role where you’ll identify market opportunities, build a targeted pipeline, and engage institutional prospects with compelling commercial proposals. Youll also represent the business in marketthrough events, thought leadership, and client-facing materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify new opportunities and develop sales strategies within the Japanese market

• Prospect and engage institutional investors via direct outreach, events, and relationship networks

• Run full-cycle sales processes from initial contact to final contract execution

• Prepare high-quality sales documentation including RFPs and board-level presentations

• Manage commercial analysis to ensure strong deal value and strategic fit

• Leverage MEDDICC or other pipeline frameworks to enhance sales effectiveness

• Represent the business at industry events and support brand-building initiatives

• Meet and exceed annual sales targets

• Stay up to date with industry trends through self-driven learning and professional engagement

What Youll Bring

• CA or CFA designation with a minimum of 2 years post-articles experience

• Fluency in Japanese (verbal and written)

• Front-office exposure in the investment management space

• Strong relationships or knowledge of Japans investment fund industry

• Prior experience selling to institutional investors, asset managers, or financial institutions

• Ability to influence across all levels of client organisationsfrom admin to C-level

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking

• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills

• High energy, proactive mindset, and the ability to thrive independently

• Willingness to travel for meetings and market development

Nice to Have

• Formal sales training (e.g., MEDDICC methodology)

• Experience building a book of business in a tax, financial services, or regulatory environment

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, results-driven global business

Whats On Offer

• Market-aligned compensation with performance incentives

• A high-visibility, high-impact role with international exposure

• Direct access to senior decision-makers and executive mentorship

• Opportunity to scale a high-value offering in a high-potential market

• Travel, autonomy, and the ability to drive your own strategy

Company Culture

At WatersEdge Solutions, we align exceptional talent with purpose-driven, high-growth organisations. This is a role for someone who leads with initiative, thrives in a commercial environment, and is energised by building long-term client relationships in a global, cross-border setting.

If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.