Custom Media is seeking a commercially driven, relationship-focused Business Development Manager to accelerate growth across its premium media platforms: GoConnect Japan, INTOUCH Magazine and Japan Luxury Lifestyle.
This role is ideal for a bilingual sales professional who understands the Japanese market, thrives in consultative business development and is excited by the future of media, AI-driven discovery and premium brand partnerships.
You will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, managing strategic client relationships and selling integrated marketing solutions to Japanese corporations, luxury brands, real estate developers, international schools, hospitality groups, healthcare providers and financial institutions.
The role includes selling premium media campaigns across editorial content, sponsored features, newsletters, digital advertising, social media, event sponsorships and branded partnerships, while also introducing next-generation GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI visibility solutions that help brands strengthen discoverability across platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity.
You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their business objectives and designing tailored partnership solutions that deliver measurable impact. Working closely with leadership, editorial and creative teams, you will help shape strategic campaigns while contributing to the company’s expansion at the intersection of media, technology and AI-powered search.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, polished and commercially minded professional with strong presentation and negotiation skills, native-level Japanese, business-level English and experience in media, advertising, luxury, digital marketing, partnerships or strategic sales.
This is an opportunity to work with premium international brands in a dynamic Tokyo-based media company that is actively evolving into the next generation of AI-driven media and strategic communications.
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Native-level Japanese and business-level English required.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in media sales, advertising, digital marketing, PR, luxury sales, strategic partnerships or business development.
- Experience working in multinational or international business environments is preferred.
- Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Understanding of Japanese corporate culture and relationship-driven business development.
- Interest in AI, digital transformation, media innovation and evolving search behavior.
- Strong attention to detail, organization and follow-through.
- Self-driven, adaptable and capable of managing multiple client relationships simultaneously.
- Enthusiastic collaborator with a positive and proactive mindset.
- An existing network within Japanese corporate, luxury, hospitality, education or agency sectors is a strong advantage.
- Lead client meetings and presentations in both Japanese and English, confidently representing the company’s premium media brands and strategic capabilities.
- Understand client’s business goals and recommend suitable media, content and GEO solutions based on their objectives and target audience.
- Act as the main communication bridge between clients and internal production teams, ensuring accurate understanding of client requests, timelines and expectations.
- Support clients with campaign planning, strategic positioning and long-term partnership development.
- Maintain strong professional relationships with key decision-makers, marketing managers, PR teams and senior executives.
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please do not call directly.
- 9:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday with 1 hour lunch break
- Attractive salary negotiable based on experience
- Performance-based incentives and growth opportunities
- Exposure to premium international brands and senior business leaders
- Opportunity to work at the intersection of media, AI and strategic communications
- Friendly and international working environment in central Tokyo
- Transport allowance
- Work from home allowance
- Social insurance and benefits
- Professional growth within an expanding media and GEO business
- Paid vacations