Build sales channels and partnerships for the Hobonichi Techo and our other products across North America, and help bring a newly established U.S. company to life.
The Role
You will lead sales and business development for the Hobonichi Techo and our other products in North America, and help accelerate the brand's growth outside Japan. The U.S. company was established recently, and this role is about making it work: building the local operations and sales structure it needs to run at full scale.
Reports to: General Manager, North America. Until the General Manager is in place, this role reports to leadership at headquarters in Tokyo, and may also work with and report to HQ teams such as Brand and Product.
What You'll Do
- Make the U.S. company work: Help build the local operations and sales structure, and carry out the localization strategy.
- Develop new and existing channels: Negotiate partnerships with specialty distributors, agents and retailers, and strengthen relationships and terms with existing accounts.
- Open up the market: Research the market, plan the right sales strategies, and run the company's presence at trade shows, exhibitions and events.
- Connect e-commerce and marketing: Build sales strategies for e-commerce, including marketplaces such as Amazon and Shopify stores; share what the market needs with the product team in Tokyo; and work with the marketing team on local social media and brand communications.
- Travel as needed: Travel within North America for trade shows and partner meetings, with occasional trips to Tokyo.
Who You Are
- You resonate with the Hobonichi Techo and the way Hobonichi thinks, and want to lead its growth in North America
- You enjoy situations without precedent, move quickly, and bring a pioneering spirit
- You adapt well to change and deliver results together with your team
- You negotiate and propose with confidence, and communicate with respect for different cultures and values
- You have a strong interest in lifestyle, fashion and culture
Why Join
- Shape something from zero: Rather than selling what an established organization has already decided, you will bring a new company to life, with the scope and satisfaction that only a launch stage offers.
- A different kind of global expansion: The work is not about exporting things. It is about delivering good moments and small joys to people around the world, and building culture and community in a new place.
- Direct impact on the business: Through partner negotiations you will feel the real energy of the market. With results and trust, you can go beyond sales and help shape global brand strategy and product development.
Our Process
1. Introductory conversation (30 minutes)
2. Interview with the hiring team (60 minutes)
3. Final interview
We aim to reply to every applicant within five business days.
Requirements
Must-haves
- 5+ years of sales or business development for international or North American markets
- B2B experience with trading companies, manufacturers or wholesalers
- Negotiation skills in professional-level English, and Native-level Japanese
- Experience with market research and sales strategy
- Strong adaptability to working across cultures
- Authorization to work in the United States (visa sponsorship is not available for this role)
Nice-to-haves
- Experience launching an overseas office, or running or managing a local entity
- Knowledge of and hands-on experience in North American retail or e-commerce
- Sales experience at a specialty trading company
- Experience with stationery, gifts or lifestyle products
- Sales and operations experience with Amazon or Shopify
- Sales experience with department stores or select shops
Benefits
- Base salary: $75,000 - $120,000, depending on experience
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Hybrid work in Hermosa Beach, California
(Benefit plans are being finalized.)
