National Key Account Manager | Japan

We are hiring a National Key Account Manager to a Top Global Freight Forwarder in Japan. You will take full ownership of major client relationships in a defined vertical, delivering customized solutions, driving revenue growth, and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven logistics professional to step into a customer-facing role with high visibility, international exposure, and strong support from one of the industry's most reputable brands.

About the Role

You will manage a portfolio of key accounts, acting as a trusted logistics advisor while coordinating with internal business units and regional stakeholders. Your main focus will be to protect, develop, and grow these relationships by providing strategic guidance and tailored service offerings.

Key Responsibilities

Account Ownership : Manage strategic customer relationships within a defined vertical (e.g., industrial, retail, automotive).

Strategic Account Planning : Create and maintain formal account plans aligned with internal standards, reviewed and approved by sales leadership.

Pricing & Negotiation : Lead rate negotiations and tender responses in coordination with product and pricing teams.

Performance Management : Monitor monthly performance versus targets; initiate corrective actions to stay on track.

CRM & Compliance : Ensure all activity is accurately captured in CRM and complies with company sales processes.

Customer Onboarding : Oversee the smooth handover of new business to operations, ensuring service commitments are met.

Business Reviews : Conduct structured review meetings with clients to align on strategy, performance, innovation, and service improvements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

5+ years in freight forwarding, with a strong background in key account or sales management (air / ocean).

Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing high-value clients.

Fluent in Japanese (native level); business English proficiency for internal communications.

Strong organizational skills, customer focus, and commercial drive.

Able to work cross-functionally and navigate global matrix environments.

Why Join Us?

Global Scale & Reputation : Join one of the worlds top freight forwarders with strong infrastructure and support in Japan.

Customer-Centric Approach : Provide real value through tailored solutions and deep customer engagementnot just rate-based selling.

Career Mobility : Clear development paths across APAC and global networks.

Strong Internal Support : Focus on growing your accounts while pricing, operations, and service teams handle execution.

Attractive Compensation : Base salary of ¥8M-¥9M + up ¥3M performance-based SIP, aligned with clear targets.

If you're ready to grow strategic relationships and play a key role in shaping the future of freight forwarding in Japan, this is the opportunity for you.