Director for Global Defense - Japan

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Japan defense growth strategy aligned to global defense objectives and Japan market dynamics.
• Identify priority missions, agencies, and modernization programs, while establishing value propositions that resonate with defense and national security stakeholders, emphasizing resilience, sovereignty, and security.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD), Self-Defense Forces, relevant government entities, and defense primes.
• Partner with solution architects and delivery leaders to design secure, compliant solutions (e.g., cloud, data platforms, AI/analytics, cyber).
• Ensure proposals and delivery plans align to customer mission needs, local data residency/sovereignty expectations, and accreditation pathways.
• Lead executive-level presentations and negotiations with the customer.
• Build strategic alliances with Japanese defense primes, systems integrators, and technology partners to enable compliant bids and delivery.
• Structure teaming and subcontracting approaches that meet procurement requirements and security constraints.
• Cook up and coordinate closely with legal, security, and compliance teams for bid decisions, due diligence, and contract terms.
• Influence cross-functional teams globally to prioritize Japan defense requirements and timelines.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in defense/national security government, business, or defense industry roles, with significant Japan market exposure.
• Working proficiency in Japanese.
• Deep understanding of Japan defense procurement processes, stakeholder landscape, and partner ecosystem.
• Executive presence with demonstrated ability to engage C-level leaders, flag officers/senior civil servants, and prime contractor leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and influencing matrixed organizations; strong commercial and contractual acumen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business, engineering, international relations, or related field.
• Experience with secure cloud, mission systems modernization, cyber, data/AI, or enterprise platforms in defense environments.
• Existing network across JMOD/SDF, defense primes, and key systems integrators.