Apply by
31 October 12:00 (UTC)

Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors. 

Are you interested in market development, sustainability sector and certification services? We are seeking a Country Manager who will become our first employee in Japan! Come and help us to map the market and build up a strong brand. 

You will be responsible for representing Preferred by Nature in Japan, including providing leadership and vision by developing and implementing market development and sales strategy for Preferred by Nature services. This covers the Sustainable Biomass Programme, Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSCTM), timber legality, RSPO SCC, Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) and other tailored services and solutions. 

What you will do

As a Country Manager, your main tasks will involve market development, marketing and communication, client management, certification management and auditing. Other duties will include:

  • Manage market development for Preferred by Nature in Japan
  • Be the first point of contact for new prospects for all Preferred by Natures divisions and potential clients
  • Work closely with the Market Development Regional Director and other divisions' service teams to agree on sales targets
  • Track and analyses regional market trends, statistics, competitors, pricing, client retention and other strategic inputs for Preferred by Nature’s current and future services 
  • Ensure sales costs are within the allocated budget and priorities activities according to the national market development plan
  • Coordinate development of sales proposals with other departments and Project staff
  • Create marketing plans
  • Manage the whole sales process in Salesforce
  • Identify and participate in networking opportunities in Japan
  • Act as a Key Account Manager for current and potential clients
  • Planning and executing audits according to accredited certification schemes
  • Conduct certification services, including assessments and annual audits for clients, including on-site visits to client operation sites and facilities in Japan
  • Contribute to the development of new projects (technical and fundraising)

Who you are 

  • Have a university degree in environment, energy, agriculture, forestry, or economy
  • Approximately 5-7 years of working experience in forestry, agriculture or energy sector
  • Have international organisation working experiences, knowledge and experiences in corporate sustainability and business development preferred
  • Working experiences with certification bodies and successful completion of an in-depth ISO 9001 lead auditor course or ISO 22000/ISO 14001 course 
  • Proficient in Japanese and English 
  • Comfortable travelling nationwide (and internationally) as part of your job role
  • You are a service-minded, open and friendly person, who likes – and is good at – communicating with people on all levels. 
  • You are well organised and able to maintain structure in your work.
  • You have good planning and time management skills and an analytical approach.
  • Comfortable making independent decisions, as the nature of the job requires you to work independently, often remotely from your colleagues
  • Believe in Preferred by Nature’s mission and want to contribute to it

If you have the qualities listed above, we are delighted to discuss your potential further.

What we offer you

  • 20 days of annual paid leave 
  • An in-depth onboarding and professional training to equip you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role
  • An exciting and challenging position within a dynamic and innovative global organisation with a mission-driven work atmosphere
  • Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development 
  • Potential future international travel opportunities
  • Employee wellness programme
  • A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
  • Work time: 40 hours/week 
  • Working location: home office anywhere in Japan
  • Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Additional information:

  • The position is located in Japan 
  • The position holder reports to the Regional Director for East Asia, based in China
  • Expected starting date: as soon as possible

How to apply
If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your Letter of Application and CV (in English), including salary expectations by 31 October 2022 via the application form below.
Please note: Only applicants legally eligible to work in Japan will be considered. Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.

Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

For questions, please contact: 
Tereza Ditrich – Senior HR Manager
tditrich@preferredbynature.org
 

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.