General Manager, Japan

The General Manager Japan role will lead transformation and growth in a dynamic market, being responsible for driving sales, market share, and profitability, while building a high-performing team and fostering strong relationships with customers, distributors, and stakeholders.

• Manage country strategic development, business plans and budgets in alignment with regional objectives and agreed  with the Region / Group / Area
• Lead business development initiatives and ensure operational execution of approved plans
• Develop and execute annual sales plans and commercial policies, fostering strong partnerships 
• Monitor and update budgets throughout the year, ensuring consistency between sales and financial targets
• Oversee the integration of Sales and Trade Marketing activities to maximize brand presence and profitability
• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to regional and area management
• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams, customers, distributors, and external partners
• Ensure the successful launch and marketing of brands in line with company guidelines and market needs, in order to maximise brand equity, penetration and affordable profitability
• Implement marketing and media strategies in collaboration with regional teams, adapting actions for the Japanese market
• In alignment with the Marketing team, assess market positioning and identify opportunities for growth and change
• Ensure a high-performing operational setup within the country, encompassing eficient management of supply chain operations and 3PL partners
• Oversee commercial quality priorities for the country, together with Quality team, and ensure coherence with Group standards and guidelines
• Address and manage quality issues and product recalls in accordance with company guidelines, together with respective functions and in line with Group guidelines
• Reinforce, expand and lead the Japan team, fostering a culture of motivation, development, and empowerment
• Recruit, coach, and develop team members, ensuring professional growth and alignment with company values

• University degree in business or related field
• Proven experience in the similar roles in general management, sales, or marketing leadership roles within FMCG or related industries
• Strong strategic thinking and business development skills. In-depth knowledge of the Japan market landscape is valued
• Leadership presence with the ability to influence across functions and levels, managing the business turnaround
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Resilience, self-motivation, and a proactive, dynamic leadership style with a growth mindset
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), Japanese is considered an advantage

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Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.