Reporting into the Commercial Director, Asia Pacific, the Planning and Account Director, Japan, will be responsible for producing commercial content for clients and encouraging advertising sales teams to generate revenues both in print and digital advertising in Japan. This role will contribute to  country specific, as well as global team, targets quarterly and annually.


The role will support the Combined Commercial Team (CCT) in Tokyo and act as the product knowledge centre with frequent liaison with key contacts around the world. The role will also act as the Project Manager for advertising booked as content based advertising (formerly known as ‘Advertorials’) which Financial Times Japan helps clients produce commercial content as part of their advertising campaigns. In addition to supporting CCT, the role will actively identify prospects (key accounts) for the newly launched FT Marketing Services (FTMS) which will include face-to-face sales meetings with clients/agencies.


Key Tasks

    Identify opportunities for growth and new business within Japanese market.
        Trend Analysis: Identify potential Japanese clients who may have interest in overseas advertising and/or FTMS with an analysis of suitable matching FT products
        Japan Special Reports: Work closely with CCT to publish Japan related special reports and help attract sufficient commercial support from Japanese companies. Liaise with London head office from establishment to close of such reports.
         Other Special Reports: Combine trend analysis of Japanese companies and expertise in Special Reports’ coverage. Identify target companies for appropriate special reports.
    Act as Consultant for content based advertising
        From sales, planning to execution/reporting, project manage content based advertising.
        This includes consultation of content with clients, appointing and hiring of necessary suppliers such as writers and photographers, coordination and advise the design of such advertisements, arrangement of reprints and so on.
    Prepare relevant sales proposals and presentations including case studies
    Proactively showcase media syndication research results and develop bespoke research opportunities working closely with the Customer Insight team in London.
    Act as FT product knowledge centre and work closely with account managers in Japan to ensure FT is included in all possible advertising proposals where applicable
        Enlighten and educate account managers with FT products, existing and new.
    Work closely with the FTMS Team in London office when necessary.
    Work closely with the Advertising Coordinator, North Asia to ensure quality and placement of print advertising


Key Skills / Experience

    Strategic mind set; demonstrating understanding of Japanese business trends
    Ability to understand FT journalism
    Ability to identify problems and propose solutions / improvements
    Produce creative solutions for key accounts


Personal Qualities

    A highly organised individual able to manage complex projects and tight deadlines; Confident making difficult decisions and seeking alternative solutions.
    A self-starter, entrepreneurial individual, able to demonstrate past success in creating innovative projects that meet client needs and generate strong profit for FT
    Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently
    Team player: contribute to bi-weekly CCT meeting as well as weekly regional advertising team meeting
    Excellent command of English; business level Japanese and experience working in corporate Japan


Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Thank you for applying.

 

The Financial Times is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Personal data collected will be kept confidential and used for recruitment purpose only.