General Manager, Japan

Mattermost is seeking a mission-driven, strategically-oriented General Manager of Japan to lead the operational launch and growth of our Mattermost KK. This role reports to CEO/co-founder and dual reports to VP of APAC/EMEA and work closely with global leadership across Sales, Marketing, and Operations. The Japan General Manager will be responsible for launching and scaling Mattermost’s presence in Japan. This role is pivotal in operationalizing our Japan KK, building a strong local presence, and driving significant revenue growth from starting 7-figure revenue base in critical infrastructure, cybersecurity and national security developed through partners and an Asia-Pacific Sales team outside of Japan.  

This is a high-impact, cross-functional leadership role requiring deep experience in enterprise software, strong local market knowledge, and the ability to operate independently while aligning with global strategy. 

This role includes variable compensation tied to Net Annual Recurring Revenue.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Operationalize Japan KK: Establish and manage the legal, financial, and operational framework for Mattermost’s Japan entity in partnership with US-based operations teams. 

• Develop Strategic and Operational Plan: Work with CEO, advisors and Mattermost leadership team to assess and prioritize market opportunities in 3-5 years and develop a phased 18-24 month plan with clear milestones and metrics for expanding on existing Japanese business, developing key partnerships, and bringing in new business. 

• Hiring, Developing and managing: In first 3-6 months, recruit, onboard and manage the first in-country technical resource (contract or full-time) to support local sales and operations. Lead a team of team of dotted-line remote technical and operational staff to support the Japan business and existing customers.  

• Partnership Development: Build and nurture strategic business relationships with key partners in Japan to drive growth and adoption. 

• Marketing Expansion: Collaborate with our marketing vendor to enhance Mattermost’s Japanese web presence and tailor value propositions for the local market. 

• Event Management: Assist with planning and managing Mattermost’s presence at events, including attending and exhibiting, with support from contract marketing and our in-house marketing team. 

• Revenue Growth: Expand the Japan business from an early 7-figures business, managing towards commission-based Net ARR targets. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with global teams, including marketing, sales, and customer success, to align strategies and ensure customer outcomes. 

Requirements 

• Industry Experience: Minimum 15 years in enterprise software, including experience at a large US or EU-headquartered software firm. 

• Leadership Experience: At least 3 years as a General Manager/Country Manager or Sales VP/Director, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth. 

• English Proficiency: Able to actively participate in internal meetings in English. 

• Strategic Expertise: Background in market analysis, strategic planning, consulting, business strategy, or general management. 

• Sector Knowledge: Minimum 2-3 years of experience in national security and/or critical infrastructure sectors, including defense contractors, cybersecurity enterprises, manufacturing, or armed forces.
  
  
• Travel: This role includes travel to meet Japanese customers and partners, as well as industry events in Japan and Asia to further the business, as well as travel to Mattermost annual company kick-off, typically in US, and potentially other international travel when needed.  

What We Offer:

• Report to the CEO/Co-founder 

• An opportunity to define and scale the Japan market for Mattermost 

• Building a mission-oriented business protecting the world’s most vital infrastructure and institutions.  

• Competitive compensation and benefits package. 

Join us at Mattermost and help us shape the early stages of an extraordinary business.