To support our International Distributor Biscoff team, we are currently recruiting a Key Account Manager Japan, based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Manager South East Asia (based in Hong Kong). You will be the driving force behind building the Lotus Biscoff brand and business in Japan. You will be responsible for achieving country-specific KPIs and growth targets. Your mission is to localize and implement the global Lotus Biscoff Growth Model strategy by mapping business opportunities and through Joint Business Plans with our commercial partner.

1. Operational & Commercial Support

• Act as the primary commercial contact for our local partners in the Japanese market.
• Lead the day-to-day execution of the approved country strategy.
• Provide hands-on support to our local partners in branding, assortment, distribution build up, pricing, activations, Away-from-Home projects, retail discussions & negotiations etc.  
• Develop tools and supportive sales & trade organizers for the sales & key account teams of our partners.
• Participate in trade meetings & negotiations.
• Meet sales & merchandising teams across the country to train and facilitate business, share learnings & best practices, listen to their needs and questions, energize and inspire them to keep Biscoff top of mind.
• You spend as much as possible time with our distributors and partners. You’ll be based in our Hong Kong office, but will frequently travel to Japan to build our business there – in close collaboration with our local partners.
• Collaborate daily and closely with the Customer Service (Hong Kong) team regarding order planning, S&OP inputs, and payment follow-ups.

2. Strategic Development & Market Insights

• Map the entire eco-system for Japan and develop in-depth knowledge of the Japanese retail and Away-From-Home landscape; including e-commerce, modern trade, CVS and traditional trade.
• Define market opportunities by channel, geographical area, (retail) banners, AfH players etc. Define potential, set priorities, and define specific route-to-market.
• Define optimal range architecture and price/volume mix per channel, in collaboration with the Revenue Growth & Marketing team (Belgium).
• Co-create Joint Business Plans with the local partners, setting clear KPIs and growth levers.
• Inspire parties and share best practices across markets and identify new business opportunities.
• Analyze market data (e.g. in-market sales, scan sales, …) to monitor brand performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Monitor distributor performance and advice when action needed.
• Contribute to the annual Area Action Plan and provide strategic input to the General Manager International Distributors Biscoff (Belgium).
• Prepare and participate in data-driven business reviews at country and area level.

• You are an ambitious person with extensive knowledge of the Japanese retail and distribution landscape.Willing to travel frequently to Japan and occasionally within the region.
• Master’s degree in Economics, Sales, Marketing, or related field.
• 10 - 15 years of experience in FMCG, and working with retailers and distributors in Japan.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building international brands.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; experience with Nielsen, IRI, or Kantar is a plus.
• Results-driven, with a proactive approach to planning and execution.
• Excellent communicator, able to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• High intercultural intelligence and empathy for diverse cultures and lifestyles.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel & PowerPoint); SAP knowledge is an asset.
• Experience in e-commerce and digital media is a plus.
• Fluent in English and Japanese; additional regional languages are a strong advantage.