Head of Operations, Japan

The Head of Operations - Japan, drives operational efficiency and strategic customer success by overseeing and managing the Japan Ad Operations and Account Management (AM) functions. 

This role requires a strategic thinker and problem-solver comfortable leading a team of digital advertising experts and navigating complex platforms.

This role reports to the Managing Director - Japan and is part of the Japanese leadership team.

What You'll Achieve

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Attract, retain, develop, and motivate a high-performing team. Provide mentorship, development guidance, and career planning for all team members.
• Serve as a "Player/Coach"-  managing a percentage of the region's most strategic campaigns to ensure a deep working knowledge of GumGum's processes and potential pain points.
• Monitor overall team health - including utilisation, satisfaction, output, and succession planning.
• Drive consistent process improvement - and set relevant policies for the team. Maintain a balance of efficiency and localisation by understanding market commonalities and differences.

Global Alignment & Local Strategy

• Develop and execute a local operations strategy tailored to the Japan market, partnering with the Managing Director, Sales team, and regional leaders.
• Drive the successful adoption and launch of new products and services.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Japan and GumGum HQ/regional offices (AM, Ad Ops).
• Localise global best practices and collaborate with HQ peers to share operational feedback, resolve issues, and ensure effective implementation in Japan.

Client Strategy & Growth

• Lead GumGum’s renewal business by ensuring clients receive an industry-leading end-to-end experience.
• Build strategic, long-lasting relationships with key GumGum clients.
• Support Sales by managing and executing strategic sales opportunities and discovering incremental growth opportunities across existing campaigns and accounts.
• Take ownership of the Quarterly Business Review (QBR) process for key strategic accounts.
• Maintain deep industry knowledge of ad trends to capitalise on revenue and growth opportunities.

Campaign Execution & Operational Oversight

• Oversee the Ad Operations and Account Management teams to ensure the proper implementation and management of sold campaigns.
• Responsible for optimising ad delivery to fulfil revenue goals, overseeing day-to-day tasks like pacing, forecasting, and revenue tracking.
• Lead internal pod meetings by setting the agenda and goals to ensure alignment on client success metrics across the operations department.
• Oversee the implementation of GumGum’s advertising products and technologies for both direct and programmatic campaigns.

Skills You'll Bring

• BS/BA Degree or relevant experience in digital advertising
• At least 6 years of experience in digital advertising, preferably combining experience in project management/operations and Account Management/Media Planning. Experience in trafficking, optimising, and pacing digital advertising campaigns. 
• 4+ years of direct management or mentorship of individual contributors
• Language: Business-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency.
• Industry Knowledge: Proficient with online advertising terms, concepts, and revenue models.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate skills in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage various internal and external stakeholders while delivering on client expectations.
• Drive: High energy level and enthusiasm for digital technology; Team player and Self-starter.
• Leadership: Confident and passionate about leading teams and mentoring team members.
• Adaptability: Flexible attitude; proven ability to accommodate evolving responsibilities.
• Resilience: Able to balance competing demands in a high-pressure environment to deliver on deadlines.
• Problem-Solving: Patience and the ability to find solutions in difficult scenarios while remaining calm.

What We Offer

Learn about our benefits & perks package at gumgum.com/benefits. If you'd like additional information, your recruiter can share more specifics during the hiring process!