Senior Manager Operations Japan

GumGum is the contextual-first technology leader transforming digital advertising with AI-powered, non-invasive data and media solutions. We champion effective advertising that uplifts and respects consumers. Our proprietary Contextual, Attention, and Creative solutions create the perfect match between a brand and a consumer in the right moment and mindset. Founded in 2008, GumGum is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and operates in 19+ markets.

To be a part of this next phase of digital advertising that prioritizes data privacy, please visit www.gumgum.com/careers

The Senior Manager, 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

• Shortlisted for Marketing Technology Company of the Year for the 2023 Mumbrella Awards
• 2024 Winner of 7 BuiltIn Awards on a national, regional, and remote scale - including Remote Best Places to Work at #25 and Best Midsize Places to Work in Los Angeles, CA at #9
• Ad Exchanger Programmatic Power Player 2022 and 2021
• CTO  Hero Award of OTT.X 2023
• Digiday Media Awards Europe finalist 2022 and 2021
• Finalist for the 2023 AdExchanger Awards Best Video Technology For Media Suppliers
• Gold Award at the IAB Mixx Awards in Belgium in the “Best Use of Advertising Technology” category
• The Drum Award Digital Advertising: Game-changing Technology for Domino's case study

GumGum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At GumGum, we believe in cultivating an environment where our team members can bring their authentic, whole selves to work. Encouraging identity and belonging is one of the many aspects of our culture that makes us stronger as an organization and drives innovation. We are committed to building and delivering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce that is representative of the world around us, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity - and to act swiftly if this value is ever threatened. We are constantly striving to be better, and we continue to take strategic steps to advance representation. 

Learn more about our DEIB programming at gumgum.com/deib

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