Introduction:

A leading global asset management firm is seeking an experienced Head of Japan Desk to serve as a key bridge between its global fixed-income investment team based in the U.S. and Japanese clients and stakeholders.

This is a senior, highly visible role combining client engagement, fixed-income expertise, business development, and cross-border coordination. The successful candidate will help strengthen the firm's presence among Japanese investors while ensuring that the needs and expectations of Japanese clients are effectively communicated to the global investment team.

About the Role:

Based within the firm's global fixed-income organization, the Head of Japan Desk will act as the primary liaison between the U.S.-based investment team and the Tokyo office, supporting Japanese clients both in Japan and in the U.S.

The role requires a strong understanding of fixed-income markets and investment products, together with the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of Japanese institutional and retail investors.

The successful candidate will work closely with portfolio managers, investment professionals, sales teams, and the Tokyo office to facilitate client communication, identify new business opportunities, and ensure that global investment capabilities are effectively presented to the Japanese market.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key liaison between the global fixed-income investment team and the Tokyo office, ensuring smooth and timely communication.
• Develop a deep understanding of Japanese clients' investment needs and communicate their requirements to global investment professionals.
• Deliver investment views, market insights, and strategic messages from the global team accurately and effectively to Japanese clients.
• Identify potential business opportunities and areas where the firm's global investment capabilities can address emerging client needs.
• Support Japanese clients based in the U.S. and facilitate effective communication with the global investment team.
• Coordinate responses to client inquiries and support the preparation of client reporting and investment materials.
• Review and quality-control investment publications and materials translated into Japanese.
• Coordinate client visits and prepare global investment teams for meetings with Japanese clients, including agendas and key discussion points.
• Provide on-site support during client meetings, including interpretation, meeting coordination, and preparation of meeting summaries.
• Coordinate training and educational programs for Japanese clients in collaboration with the global investment team.
• Contribute to strengthening relationships across Japan's key investor segments, including retail, pension funds, and financial institutions.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of professional experience within a buy-side or sell-side financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of a broad range of fixed-income markets, asset classes, and investment products.
• Meaningful experience as a fixed-income product specialist or portfolio manager, ideally including direct client-facing responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of the Japanese investment market and investor landscape across retail, pension, and financial institution channels.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with overseas investment professionals.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Flexible, diligent, and versatile approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a global organization.
• Collaborative mindset and strong team orientation.
• University degree or above.
• CMA or CFA qualification is preferred.

Why Apply:

• Senior strategic position: Play a central role connecting a global fixed-income investment platform with the Japanese market.
• High level of visibility: Work directly with senior investment professionals and sophisticated Japanese institutional clients.
• Global exposure: Collaborate closely with colleagues and investment teams based in the U.S. and across international markets.
• Broad scope: Combine investment expertise, client engagement, business development, and cross-border coordination rather than focusing on a single functional area.
• Market impact: Help shape how global fixed-income investment capabilities are positioned and developed in Japan.
• Relationship-driven role: Leverage your existing network and understanding of Japanese investors while developing relationships with a wide range of clients.
• Career opportunity: An excellent opportunity for an experienced fixed-income professional seeking a senior role with significant influence across both the investment organization and Japanese business.