At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to develop high performing products to study genomics with unprecedented flexibility and quality that enable researchers to better understand biology for the improvement of global health. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
We are seeking an experienced Country Manager - Japan who will take full ownership of Element's business in Japan, driving overall revenue, market growth, and customer engagement for the AVITI system and consumables portfolio – not solely through channel/distributor management, but through direct ownership of the territory's commercial strategy. We are looking for candidates with a strong track record of direct territory ownership and strategic account development within the life sciences tools market, while effectively leveraging distributors and dealers as the transactional channel. The successful candidate will be expected to take direct ownership of the Japan territory, including customer engagement, pipeline development, account strategy, and business growth, while working closely with channel partners to execute commercial transactions and deliver local support. Experience in NGS capital equipment sales and multiomic genomics is a must. This role will report to the Director of Sales – APJ and will be a remote position based in Japan.
If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Own the overall business strategy, revenue performance, and go-to-market execution for the Japan territory across Element's AVITI system and consumables product lines
- Identify, evaluate, develop, and maintain strong relationships with distribution partners in Japan
- Directly engage strategic key accounts, KOLs, and end users to drive adoption and expand Element's footprint beyond channel-led sales alone
- Assist distribution sales teams to drive growth of instrument and consumable product lines
- Build and execute territory business plans, revenue forecasts, and operational plans; present regularly to executive management on Japan performance and outlook
- Coordinate innovative sales and marketing campaigns – including trade shows, seminars, and KOL programs – tailored to the Japan market to ensure rapid, sustained growth
- Develop and deliver technical training programs for distribution partners and, where applicable, direct customers, covering both pre- and post-sales needs
- Serve as the primary voice of Element in Japan – advocating for distributor partners, end users, and market needs across the organization
- Own resolution of complex commercial and technical escalations, connecting the right internal resources with external partners and clients
- Maintain accurate pipeline management and ensure punctual, reliable reporting to strengthen regional and global visibility
- Design and execute strategic plans to grow market share and strengthen Element's competitive position within Japan
- Own day-to-day communication with distributors and key accounts, including escalation of issues and opportunities
- Monitor the competitive landscape and market trends in Japan, providing insight and recommendations on expansion opportunities
- Represent Japan's business priorities in APJ and global planning discussions, partnering closely with the Director of Sales – APJ on strategy, resourcing, and prioritization
Education and Experience:
- Degree in life science or biomedical engineering – advanced degree preferred
- Significant sales management experience, with a strong preference for NGS Capital Sales
- Demonstrated experience owning full territory or P&L-level business responsibility – not solely channel or distributor management
- Proven track record managing distributor relationships as well as direct, strategic account engagement
- Excellent communicator, equally comfortable engaging distributor partners, direct customers, and KOLs
- Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to think strategically, operate independently, and drive outcomes with minimal oversight
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
- Strong relationship and networking skills; able to lead through influence across a broad set of internal and external stakeholders
- Commercially astute with strong negotiating skills
- Proven experience conducting market analysis and identifying new opportunities
- High level of business acumen, particular to the Life Science tools market
- Fluency in Japanese and English required, given full ownership of the Japan territory
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- The drive and commitment to achieve personal and company goals
- Knowledge of Salesforce.com is desirable
- The ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds
- Must be flexible in working hours as this position may require customer support during non-regular business hours
Location:
Travel:
- Domestic and International travel up to 50%
Job Type:
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, sales commission and other competitive factors in the overall total rewards package.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
