General Manager, Japan

Joby Aviation Joby Aviation · Robotics · Tokyo, 13 · Air Operations

Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the General Manager (GM) for Japan. This role will be responsible for establishing foundational relationships, designing a localized operating model, and executing a multi-year strategy to launch a safe, compliant, and scalable aerial ridesharing service in Japan, working closely with JV partners and Joby's senior leadership and US headquarters teams. The GM will drive government and municipal engagement, develop strategic partnerships, support deal execution, and lead operational execution, while also elevating brand awareness and providing critical performance updates.

What you'd actually do

  1. In partnership with Joby’s government affairs team and corporate development team, build on existing government relations and partnerships in Japan, and identify new partnership opportunities, whilst maintaining strong relationships with local government entities, municipalities, and strategic partners to build trust and credibility, thereby strengthening Joby’s position in Japan
  2. Implement a vision and multi-year business strategy that balances execution through joint ventures and core business functions across marketing, government relations, corporate development, business development, product, infrastructure, operations, finance, legal, and people teams.
  3. stay apprised of local trends, infrastructure opportunities, consumer mobility preferences, etc., within Japan, and build action plans to exploit opportunities for Joby
  4. Work cross-functionally with Joby’s US-based headquarters functions to support global strategic initiatives and to launch a successful, safe, and compliant service in Japan
  5. play an integral role in current and future joint ventures in Japan.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of experience in M&A, Corporate Development, Operations, Program Management, Business Development, Government Relations, and/or Strategy
  • 5+ years of demonstrated success in leading and managing large, high-performing teams within a fast-paced and dynamic entrepreneurial and/or operational environment.
  • Extensive professional network within Japan, and proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with experience navigating Japanese corporate culture and decision-making processes.
  • Fluent in both Japanese and English, in both written and verbal communication.
  • Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and structured problem-solving skills demonstrated through the delivery of large complex projects/programs.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels, inspire teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and represent the organization with external stakeholders.
  • An entrepreneurial mindset suited for launching and scaling a new entity.
  • Willing to be based full-time in Tokyo, Japan and able to travel up t

What the JD emphasized

  • launch a safe, compliant, and scalable aerial ridesharing service