COO

Chief Operating Officer (COO)Company OverviewOur client a dynamic, fast-growing, early-stage startup at the forefront of the generative AI and Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. With a growing presence in both Japan and the US, pioneering innovative solutions that bridge the physical and digital worlds.Position OverviewIt is a unique startup originating in the US that has steadily built a track record of successful deployments with major enterprise customers in the Japanese market. It is now entering the “second founding phase,” evolving into an organization that operates with greater independence from its U.S. headquarters while playing a central role in global operations.The Japan COO will oversee all operations in Japan. Acting as the bridge between the US HQ and the Japanese organization, the COO will play a critical role in leading decision-making and building trust between both sides.This role goes far beyond that of a traditional operations manager. We are seeking a leader who will proactively drive growth across the entire business, including sales, business development, and partnerships. ResponsibilitiesLead revenue and Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth in the Japanese market.Provide support and guidance to the sales organization.Oversee business model development, pricing, sales strategy, budget management, and resource allocation.Identify and resolve bottlenecks that hinder deal progression, including delays in decision-making, insufficient internal resources, and inadequate proposal quality.Work closely with the CEO and business development team to build trusted relationships with key customers and partners, establishing relationships at the executive level.Collaborate with the business development team to lead negotiations and contract execution for strategic partnerships, including sales agencies Design the legal and governance structure of the Japanese entity and oversee its decision-making processes.Lead the development of capital policies and stock option plans for the Japanese organization.Redesign the organizational structure, performance evaluation systems, and KPI frameworks.Japan–U.S. Liaison: Represent the Japanese organization in direct negotiations with U.S. headquarters and the board of directors. Bridge the gap between localizing global policies for Japan and implementing them effectively. QualificationsPractical, hands-on experience at a growth-stage startup in Japan, a major Japanese corporation, or a consulting firm is highly valued.Ability to lead cross-functional teams of 50 or more people toward business objectives. Must be able to establish clear, understandable direction, motivate team members, and guide the organization toward its goals.Management experience : Experience scaling an organization from the ground up at a startup or large corporation, or leading cross-functional projects within a matrix organization.Ability to collaborate with engineering teams: Ability to engage in constructive dialogue with business teams while understanding technical constraints and development processes. An engineering background is not required, but respect for technology and product development is essential. Experience in businesses that provide software solutions to enterprise customers. English communication skills: Ability to communicate directly with U.S. headquarters and the board of directors in English. This is not a mandatory requirement but would be a significant advantage.