Head of Operations, Japan

GumGum is The Mindset Company™ transforming advertising. We’re an advertising technology company delivering results by matching brands with people in the right mindset in the moments that matter. Our platform is powered by the Mindset Graph™, our AI-driven data engine that processes billions of real-time contextual, creative, environmental, and historical signals to match every ad with the most receptive audience. The result is advertising that drives meaningful outcomes for advertisers and publishers, and is more relevant for consumers.

We were founded in 2008 and are headquartered in Santa Monica, California, operating in over 19 markets across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Our principles guide our work every day and are as follows:

• Customer-Obsessed: We’re focused on advertising solutions that solve needs and drive success for clients and partners.
• Make it Happen: We have a bias for action and take ownership to deliver results.
• Always Innovate: We push boundaries with creativity and technology.
• Foster Belonging: We ensure colleagues feel included, supported, and empowered to thrive.

To be a part of The Mindset Company™ transforming advertising, please visit www.gumgum.com/careers.

The Head of Operations - Japan, drives operational efficiency and strategic customer success by overseeing and managing the Japan Ad Operations and Account Management (AM) functions. 

This role requires a strategic thinker and problem-solver comfortable leading a team of digital advertising experts and navigating complex platforms.

This role reports to the Managing Director - Japan and is part of the Japanese leadership team.

What You'll Achieve

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Attract, retain, develop, and motivate a high-performing team. Provide mentorship, development guidance, and career planning for all team members.
• Serve as a "Player/Coach"-  managing a percentage of the region's most strategic campaigns to ensure a deep working knowledge of GumGum's processes and potential pain points.
• Monitor overall team health - including utilisation, satisfaction, output, and succession planning.
• Drive consistent process improvement - and set relevant policies for the team. Maintain a balance of efficiency and localisation by understanding market commonalities and differences.

Global Alignment & Local Strategy

• Develop and execute a local operations strategy tailored to the Japan market, partnering with the Managing Director, Sales team, and regional leaders.
• Drive the successful adoption and launch of new products and services.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Japan and GumGum HQ/regional offices (AM, Ad Ops).
• Localise global best practices and collaborate with HQ peers to share operational feedback, resolve issues, and ensure effective implementation in Japan.

Client Strategy & Growth

• Lead GumGum’s renewal business by ensuring clients receive an industry-leading end-to-end experience.
• Build strategic, long-lasting relationships with key GumGum clients.
• Support Sales by managing and executing strategic sales opportunities and discovering incremental growth opportunities across existing campaigns and accounts.
• Take ownership of the Quarterly Business Review (QBR) process for key strategic accounts.
• Maintain deep industry knowledge of ad trends to capitalise on revenue and growth opportunities.

Campaign Execution & Operational Oversight

• Oversee the Ad Operations and Account Management teams to ensure the proper implementation and management of sold campaigns.
• Responsible for optimising ad delivery to fulfil revenue goals, overseeing day-to-day tasks like pacing, forecasting, and revenue tracking.
• Lead internal pod meetings by setting the agenda and goals to ensure alignment on client success metrics across the operations department.
• Oversee the implementation of GumGum’s advertising products and technologies for both direct and programmatic campaigns.

Skills You'll Bring

• BS/BA Degree or relevant experience in digital advertising
• At least 6 years of experience in digital advertising, preferably combining experience in project management/operations and Account Management/Media Planning. Experience in trafficking, optimising, and pacing digital advertising campaigns. 
• 4+ years of direct management or mentorship of individual contributors
• Language: Business-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency.
• Industry Knowledge: Proficient with online advertising terms, concepts, and revenue models.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate skills in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage various internal and external stakeholders while delivering on client expectations.
• Drive: High energy level and enthusiasm for digital technology; Team player and Self-starter.
• Leadership: Confident and passionate about leading teams and mentoring team members.
• Adaptability: Flexible attitude; proven ability to accommodate evolving responsibilities.
• Resilience: Able to balance competing demands in a high-pressure environment to deliver on deadlines.
• Problem-Solving: Patience and the ability to find solutions in difficult scenarios while remaining calm.

What We Offer

Learn about our benefits & perks package at gumgum.com/benefits. If you'd like additional information, your recruiter can share more specifics during the hiring process!

Awards

• 2025 & 2026 Digiday Media Awards Europe Best Contextual Targeting Offering
• 2025 AdExchanger Awards AI Innovators, Technology & Service Provider, Finalist
• 2025 MARKETECH APAC Marketing Technology Awards Silver Winner for Best Contextual Advertising Tech Platform
• 2025 Inc. B2B Power Partner
• 2025 ExchangeWire The Wires Global Best Client Services team winner (GumGum UK)
• 2025 and 2026 BuiltIn Best U.S. Midsize Companies to Work For

DEIB and EEO Statement

GumGum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to creating a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work. We believe different perspectives make us stronger and lead to better outcomes—for our teams, our partners, and our business. We strive to build an environment where individuals are treated fairly, opportunities are accessible, and everyone is held to a high standard of respect and accountability.

We're always learning and evolving as a company, and we continue to take thoughtful steps to support our people and strengthen our culture.

Follow Us on Social

• Instagram: @gumgum
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gumgum/
• YouTube: @GumGumInc
• TikTok: @itsgumgum