Manager, Sales Operations

Job description

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office Job Description The Japan Commercial Operations Manager is responsible for leading the regional Global Commercial Operations (GCO-R) team to ensure operational excellence, strong customer and stakeholder support, and effective execution of bookings, revenue, and cash-related activities.This position provides day-to-day leadership, drives team performance and employee development, and serves as a key business partner to Japan Sales, Service, Finance, and other cross-functional stakeholders. The manager is also responsible for identifying operational improvements, managing escalations, and aligning Japan's commercial processes with global GCO objectives. Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage daily Japan GCO-R operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality support for Sales, Service, and customers. Establish clear expectations, monitor performance, and drive achievement of KPIs related to quotations, order booking, invoicing, service contract renewals, tender support, and stakeholder responsiveness. Oversee commercial activities supporting bookings, revenue execution, and cash, proactively identifying risks and coordinating timely resolutions. Develop and motivate employees through coaching, performance management, training, and career development while fostering a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture. Partner closely with Japan Sales and Service leadership, Finance, Manufacturing, Logistics, and other stakeholders to align priorities, manage escalations, and support customer commitments. Ensure effective workload management, resource planning, process compliance, and business continuity. Provide timely operational reporting, KPI analysis, and business updates to regional and global leadership. Lead continuous improvement (PPI), process optimization, and automation initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and customer experience. Represent Japan GCO-R in global strategy discussions, operational reviews, and cross-regional initiatives to support standardized processes while addressing local business requirements. Ensure team activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, internal controls, and applicable regulatory requirements. Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Typically 10+ years of experience in commercial operations, sales operations, service operations, order management, or a related environment. Minimum 4 years of people management experience, with demonstrated success in employee development, performance management, and team leadership. Strong understanding of quote-to-cash, order management, customer support, and commercial business processes. Professional proficiency in Japanese and strong written and verbal English communication skills. Proven ability to manage operational performance, business-critical escalations, and cross-functional relationships. Strong leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and organizational skills, with demonstrated accountability and follow-through. Experience working effectively in a global, multicultural organization. Working knowledge of ERP and CRM systems, Microsoft Office applications, and KPI reporting.