Director, Strategic Accounts (JAPAN)

Job Title: Director, Strategic Accounts

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Position Summary:

Join Apkudo and bring your unique skills to a team where innovation and impact go hand in hand! Apkudo is launching its business in Japan with a marquee anchor customer that processes devices from the largest mobile trade-in program in the country. We have our near-term sights set on expanding further in Japan, with a long-term goal of making Asia Pacific a key revenue driver of our business.

In this role, you'll be the backbone of our expansion in Japan as a Director of Strategic Accounts, driving customer relationships, revenue retention and growth, successful implementations, and ongoing operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Chief Revenue Officer, you'll take charge of strategic account management for a major Japanese client and others as Apkudo continues its expansion in the region. This role goes beyond account management—it's about collaborating with our engineering team to resolve issues, developing a strategic roadmap for success, and shaping the vision for our growth in the Japanese and APAC markets. With our sights set on expansion, this position offers significant potential for professional advancement.

What you’ll do:

Revenue Expansion / Financial Management:

• Achieve annual financial targets, driving revenue growth and meeting upsell goals.
• Identify and pursue new sales opportunities to expand our footprint within client organizations.

Customer Success:

• Managing the account to ensure operational teams successfully implement the program
• Develop and execute customized strategic account plans, outlining clear goals, necessary resources, and actionable steps.
• Partner closely with the Implementation team to ensure customer success from the ground up.
• Deliver service level agreements (SLAs), consistently working to enhance Net Promoter Scores (NPS) across clients.
• Lead comprehensive monthly client reviews and strategic quarterly business reviews.
• Regularly assess and optimize account management strategies based on outcomes and client feedback to boost future performance.
• Driving our Apkudo team toward resolving any concerns related to the testing and grading process, achieving and maintaining device grading accuracy, and fulfilling customer analytics and insight requirements.

Relationship Building:

• Through a clear relationship plan, foster strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders within client organizations.

• Elevate client communication with regular updates and proactive issue resolution, ensuring clients feel valued and supported.
• Conduct regular, in-depth assessments to understand evolving client needs, pain points, and business objectives.
• Ensure client retention through enhanced communication and systematic issue resolution.
• Organize strategic client workshops to help clients maximize the use of our services and products.

Growth Initiatives:

• Collaborate with product, sales, and marketing teams to drive innovation and develop solutions that address specific client requirements.
• Achieve sales and growth targets, contributing to the overall expansion strategy.

• Drive business development and sales associated with consumer and enterprise trade-in programs, SaaS analytics and insights, and additional automation solutions that may be relevant.
• Collaborate with Corporate Development on partnership opportunities (channel partnerships, JVs) and other inorganic growth strategies.

What you’ll need:

Language Proficiency:

• Fluent in Japanese and English is essential; proficiency in Korean is a plus.

Experience:

• Proven track record of at least 10 years in strategic account management, preferably within the mobile telecom, software and technology, and/or supply chain industries.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred. Relevant experience will suffice in lieu of a degree.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success in meeting financial targets.
• Exceptional operational management skills with a focus on implementation and customer success.
• Excellent relationship-building abilities, emphasizing trust and client satisfaction.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to collaborate across departments to drive product and service enhancements.
• Leadership qualities with a vision for growth, both personally and for the company.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, and leadership teams.
• Experience working in a global organization and navigating cultural nuances in business relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support client relationships and business growth.

Our Core Values:

• Hooked on customers. Our passion for innovation propels our customers forward. We thrive on solving our customers’ problems, big and small.
• We communicate confidently and with generosity. We not only spread ideas, but we also spread understanding to help every team succeed.
• Champion the use of data. We use data to build solutions to problems, promote collaboration, and inform decisions for us and our customers.
• Proudly accountable. We follow through because the alternative is not an option. Every word, every action, and every result reflect the improvements we seek to make.
• Be you. We bring our whole selves to our work, our teams, and our customers. The collective ‘we’ will shine bright for all to see.
• I have your back. Trust and respect each other to do the right thing when someone needs an extra hand. We go farther together than we do alone.
• It matters how we show up. Sometimes bold, sometimes brave, always curious. We expect more of ourselves to be our best for the team.

What you can expect from us:

• Annual leave - 20 days of paid annual leave per year
• Holidays - Generous paid holidays, including a day off for your birthday.
• Flexible Working Arrangements - Apkudo supports a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and remote or hybrid work setups. Please note that the availability of flexible working arrangements may vary based on the specific role and business requirements.
• Tuition reimbursement - Up to ¥745,950 JPY per year (equivalent to $5,250 USD)for financial assistance for continuing education, certification courses, or degree programs related to your role.
• Wellness Stipend - Monthly stipend to support health and wellness activities, such as gym memberships, yoga classes, or wellness apps.
• Tech Stipend - Monthly stipend to assist with purchasing or upgrading technology equipment for optimal productivity.
• Benefits - Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Please note that benefit offerings may vary based on your location

*Please note that fringe benefits provided may be subject to local tax regulations.*

About Apkudo:

Apkudo is an AI-driven robotics and software company revolutionizing the connected device supply chain. We work with the largest mobile OEMs, operators, and ecosystem players in the world to ensure devices that are traded in and enter the reverse logistics flow find their highest and best use. We combine world-class robotics with digital workflow automation and analytics to drive efficiency, trust, and sustainable outcomes in the industry.

Our Mission:

Apkudo provides a unified platform that enables companies to seamlessly manage connected devices throughout their entire lifecycle. We optimize supply chains, reduce waste, and ensure devices are deployed, reused, and recycled in the most efficient and sustainable manner.

Our Vision

Devices connect the world. We help ensure there will still be a world to connect.

Those who do good, do well.

The Fine Print:

We are a dynamic organization, and the responsibilities and scope of this role (like all roles at Apkudo) may evolve as we continue to adapt and grow.