A globally established financial solutions organization is seeking a Sales Director, Index Solutions to lead business development, client management, and revenue growth across the Japanese market. This senior leadership role offers full ownership of sales strategy for market data, index solutions, and investment research products, serving some of Japan’s largest financial institutions.

You will work closely with asset managers, investment banks, exchanges, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms, helping clients leverage innovative data and analytics solutions to support investment decisions and portfolio growth. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced financial services sales professional to shape commercial strategy and drive long-term business expansion in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute strategic sales plans to expand market share and achieve annual revenue targets across Japan.
2. Drive licensing, index data sales, and commercial growth initiatives with institutional financial clients.
3. Build and maintain senior-level relationships with asset managers, investment banks, exchanges, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms.
4. Lead complex contract negotiations and establish commercial agreements in line with Japanese regulatory requirements.
5. Position innovative index, market data, and research solutions to address evolving client needs and investment objectives.
6. Monitor client engagement, conduct compliance reviews, and identify opportunities for account expansion and retention.
7. Mentor and develop junior team members while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
8. Identify and pursue new business opportunities across the Japanese financial services sector.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in market data sales, index solutions sales, investment products sales, institutional sales, or financial services business development.
• Proven track record of revenue generation and client relationship management within the Japanese financial services industry.
• Leadership experience with demonstrated success managing, coaching, and developing teams.
• Established network of relationships across Japanese asset managers, investment banks, exchanges, hedge funds, or other institutional investors.
• Experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing strategic client partnerships.

Soft Skills:

• Strong relationship-building skills with a deep understanding of Japanese business culture and stakeholder management.
• Strategic and consultative sales approach with the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Commercially driven with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands-on execution.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native level fluency.
• English: Business level proficiency.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or equivalent investment management qualification.
• Experience in intellectual property licensing and complex commercial contract negotiations.
• Knowledge of Japanese investment products including ETFs, mutual funds, and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs).
• Experience selling financial indices, benchmark solutions, market intelligence, or investment research products.