Japan Regulatory Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (RC & MLRO)

Stripe is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Regulatory Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (RC & MLRO) to lead our regulatory compliance and financial crimes program in Japan. This role sits within the Affiliates pillar of the Financial Crime, Compliance & Risk Oversight (FinCRO) organization, and you will be reporting to the APAC Affiliates Lead. 

You will be the named RC & MLRO of Stripe Japan and will lead/assist in the registration of Stripe Japan as a Funds Transfer Business Operator (FTBO) with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (KBF), under the oversight of the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA). In your role as the RC & MLRO, you will be the principal decision-maker and strategic lead on regulatory compliance and  financial crime risk management decisions, serving a critical role in ensuring Stripe’s continued safe growth and success in Japan.  You will also be the public face of FinCRO in Japan. The ideal candidate must have deep subject matter expertise and a proven track record building and evolving tech-forward regulatory compliance and financial crime programs (collectively, compliance programs). 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a robust and effective compliance strategy for Japan, aligning with global FinCRO objectives and business goals, leveraging AI, data science and automation wherever possible. Provide regular reporting and updates to the Stripe Japan’s Board of Directors  regarding the health and effectiveness of the compliance programs.
• Regulatory Compliance and Financial Crimes Programs Oversight: Act as the RC & MLRO, owning and enhancing Stripe Japan's compliance programs, in particular, ensuring the financial crime program is designed to efficiently and effectively prevent, detect, and report money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
• Regulatory Management: Proactively engage with local regulators to shape the future of fintech oversight, advocating for tech-enabled compliance solutions. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulators and an ambassador for Stripe in Japan. 
• External influence: Act as a thought leader in the payments industry, representing Stripe in external forums and groups to help modernize regulatory expectations for the fintech era. 
• Partner and Relationship Management: Build and maintain trust and strong, collaborative relationships with key financial partners, including banks, payment networks, and other third-party providers. Educate partners on Stripe’s compliance programs and controls, and serve as the senior point of contact for escalations.
• Advisory and Consultation: Exercise oversight to ensure Stripe’s program and controls are fit for purpose. Provide expert advice to key stakeholders on product development to foster compliance by design.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in financial crime, with a significant focus on financial services, fintech, or payments, and deep contacts - and influence - across the industry 
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep and current knowledge of financial crimes and other relevant financial services laws and regulations across Japan.
• Communication: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex regulatory concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to think strategically and translate complex regulatory requirements into creative and practical solutions.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision making
• Resilience: Define and iterate on Stripe Japan’s risk appetite, ensuring a defensible stance as Stripe explores new, high-growth verticals and opportunities
• Data proficiency: High data literacy, ability to work closely with data teams to identify emerging financial crime patterns and validate the effectiveness of detection models

• Certifications: CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or other relevant professional certifications are a plus.

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a global, matrixed organization.
• Deep competence navigating the regulatory guardrails amidst a high-growth environment 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead innovative compliance programs in Japan.

See yourself at Twilio

Join the team as Twilio’s next Principal Presales Engineer.

About the job

The Twilio Solutions Engineer is both highly technical and a skilled executive relationship builder. They are comfortable showing an engaging communications experience to a CEO or sketching out a flow on a whiteboard with technical decision makers.
This position is needed to deliver the technical win and product fit to our customers across APJ and in particular focusing on Mandarin speaking customers across the region. A Twilio Communications Solutions Engineer is an experienced pre-sales engineer who builds customer trust in Twilio’s Customer Engagement Platform, resulting in customer success at our largest, most strategic accounts. The Solutions Engineer leads the technical pre-sales relationship, proposes technical architectures, demonstrates the product, anticipates concerns, and provides creative solutions to our customers' most complex communications and customer engagement challenges and needs.

Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll:

• • Work alongside Twilio Strategic and New business Account Executives, other Twilio Solutions Engineers, Professional Services and Twilio Partners as needed through the pre-sales process, to strategise and plan for deal success. 
  • Take part alongside Account Executives in qualification, discovery, demonstrations, Proof-of-Concept, RFP response, design documentation, technical presentations and enablement sessions during the sales cycle.
  • Develop subject matter expertise on the customer needs and requirements, and Twilio’s best in class communications technology. 
  • Lead technical discovery sessions with our customers to uncover their needs and challenges to articulate Twilio’s ability to enable their success and solve their challenges. 
  • Build and present powerful and complex presentations and product demos to help showcase the capabilities of Twilio Communications Products 
  • Support Key strategic Pilot and Proof-of-Concept implementations in our largest, most strategic Enterprise accounts across the APJ region

Qualifications 

Twilio values diverse experiences from all kinds of industries, and we encourage everyone who meets the required qualifications to apply. If your career is just starting or hasn't followed a traditional path, don't let that stop you from considering Twilio. We are always looking for people who will bring something new to the table!

*Required:

• Native and business fluency in English & Japanese (speaking and writing) is desired to work with the English & Japanese speaking customers. 
• At least 3 years in a technical pre-sales role in CPaaS, SaaS or Telecom space
• Solid understanding and experience of the sales cycle and the role of a pre-sales engineer 
• Solid understanding of voice protocols (VoIP), SIP implementations or messaging APIs
• Creativity: you’ll need to be a problem solver, able to collaborate with others to drive success. 
• An engaging storyteller: you can gain audience confidence and communicate complex topics to multiple levels of technical and non-technical audience. 
• Ability to ask the right questions to build a deep understanding of a customer's needs and guide them to a technical solution using Twilio Communications products  
• Knowledge of public cloud platforms (Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure) and cloud application architectures
• Experience writing code in one or more of the following areas, multiple areas of experience would be advantageous:
  • Backend (Java, C#, Node.js, Python or PHP)
  • Web (JS, React)
  • Experience with designing and consuming REST APIs

Desired:

• Hands on experience with with backend development (Java, C#, Node.js, Python, PHP, etc)
• Familiarity with Mobile development, especially for iOS and Android.
• Previous experience in Telecommunications, SIP, WebRTC, or Contact Centre in a technical role
• Experience with automation, cloud-native development and skills with a major cloud platform. 
• Experience with sales methodologies

Location

This role will be remote, and based in Japan.

Travel 

We prioritise connection and opportunities to build relationships with our customers and each other. For this role, approximately 35% travel is anticipated to help you connect in-person in a meaningful way.

What We Offer

Working at Twilio offers many benefits, including competitive pay, generous time off, ample parental and wellness leave, healthcare, a retirement savings program, and much more. Offerings vary by location.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

We are seeking exceptional early-career leaders to serve as Heads of Strategic Growth. Reporting directly to the CEO with intensive mentorship during your first year, you will leverage your government relationships and policy expertise to structure and close transformational deals that establish Rhombus as the predictive intelligence partner of choice for defense and national security organizations in your assigned territory.

This is a rare opportunity for rising stars in the defense policy community with congressional, parliamentary, or senior government experience and deep networks across defense, intelligence, and foreign policy establishments—to transition into a high-impact commercial role. You will combine your understanding of how governments make decisions with the business acumen to negotiate complex deals, acting as both strategic advisor and deal maker - from open, to construction, and close for some of the most consequential technology partnerships in national security.

If you're a former congressional staffer, defense policy professional, or government strategist who has spent the last few years building industry experience and are ready to own revenue outcomes while shaping how allied nations deploy AI for national security, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Own Sales and Revenue Growth in Assigned Territory: Structure, negotiate, and close high-value deals ($5M-$50M+) with defense ministries, intelligence agencies, and national security organizations across your geographic area of responsibility (United States, Europe, or Asia-Pacific).
• Leverage Government Networks and Relationships: Activate your existing relationships with senior officials, congressional/parliamentary leaders, defense committees, and national security stakeholders to open doors, facilitate introductions, and position Rhombus for strategic opportunities.
• Structure Strategic Partnerships and Agreements: Design deal structures, partnership frameworks, and contractual arrangements that align Rhombus capabilities with government priorities, including multi-year programs, pilot-to-production pathways, and allied nation collaborations.
• Serve as Trusted Advisor to Senior Government Officials: Engage at the highest levels of government—Ministers, Assistant Secretaries, Committee Staff Directors, Intelligence Directors, and SES officials—articulating how Rhombus predictive intelligence capabilities address strategic national security challenges.
• Develop Market Entry and Expansion Strategies: Assess political landscapes, defense priorities, threat perceptions, and budget environments in your territory to identify high-potential opportunities and craft go-to-market strategies that resonate with government buyers.
• Collaborate with CEO on Strategic Vision: Work for the CEO as both protégé and strategic partner, contributing to company strategy, shaping product-market fit for government customers, and representing Rhombus in high-stakes negotiations and policy discussions.
• Coordinate Cross-Functionally on Deal Execution: Partner with Product, Engineering, Customer Success, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure deal structures are technically feasible, legally sound, and operationally deliverable, managing handoffs from signed contract to successful implementation.
• Mentor Under CEO for First Year: Participate in intensive one-year mentorship program under the CEO and his core leadership team, learning business strategy, deal structuring, technology positioning, and commercial skills while contributing strategic value from day one through your government expertise and relationships.
• Report on Pipeline and Deal Progression: Deliver regular updates on pipeline development, deal status, relationship-building progress, and market dynamics, with clear visibility into revenue forecasts and strategic opportunities in your territory.
• Represent Rhombus at Government and Industry Forums: Serve as company representative at defense conferences, bilateral meetings, congressional hearings (as appropriate), parliamentary inquiries, security dialogues, and industry events relevant to your geographic market.

Qualifications

• Government Policy and Legislative Experience: Background as congressional staffer (ideally with Armed Services Committee, Intelligence Committee, or Foreign Relations Committee), parliamentary advisor, senior defense ministry official, or equivalent government role with direct exposure to national security policy and decision-making at the highest levels.
• Established Government Network: Deep, active relationships across defense and national security establishments in your territory, including senior officials in defense ministries, intelligence agencies, military services, legislative bodies, and national security councils. You should be able to name 20+ senior contacts you could call today.
• Industry Transition Experience (minimum 3 years): Post-government experience in defense technology, consulting, or related industry roles where you've begun applying your policy expertise to commercial outcomes.
• Deep Understanding of Defense Procurement and Authorization: Expert knowledge of how governments buy technology, allocate budgets, and authorize programs, including familiarity with authorization processes (e.g., NDAA in U.S., defense white papers internationally), appropriations cycles, and procurement frameworks.
• Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess geopolitical dynamics, defense priorities, threat landscapes, and political environments to identify opportunities and craft strategies. Background in political science, international relations, security studies, or related fields.
• Exceptional Communication and Executive Presence: Ability to engage credibly with Ministers, Generals, Assistant Secretaries, Committee Staff Directors, and CEOs. Skilled at articulating complex technology capabilities in policy-relevant terms and writing policy papers, briefing memos, and strategic documents.
• Elite Educational Background: Degree from top-tier institution in political science, international relations, security studies, or related field. Advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Geographic and Cultural Expertise: Deep knowledge of regional defense ecosystems, political dynamics, and cultural norms in your assigned territory. Native or near-native language capability as relevant.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset and Ownership Mentality: Comfort operating with significant autonomy, building strategies from scratch, and owning revenue outcomes. Willingness to learn commercial skills rapidly while applying government expertise.
• Security Clearance Eligibility: Citizenship or permanent residency in the country of assignment with ability to obtain necessary security clearances as applicable.
• Willingness to Travel Extensively: Flexibility to travel 50%+ for customer meetings, government engagements, conferences, and headquarters visits. Regular travel to Palo Alto, CA headquarters is expected.

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, aggressive commission structure tied to closed revenue, equity participation, and benefits. Compensation package designed to reward top performers who exceed ambitious revenue targets.

Seneca Federal Solutions is part of the Seneca Nation Group (SNG) portfolio of companies. SNG is Seneca Holdings’ federal government contracting business that meets mission-critical needs of federal civilian, defense, and intelligence community customers. Our portfolio comprises multiple subsidiaries that participate in the Small Business Administration 8(a) program. To learn more about SNG, visit the website and follow us on LinkedIn.

Our team of talented individuals is what makes us successful. To support our team, we provide a balanced mix of benefits and programs. Your total rewards package includes competitive pay, benefits, and perks, flexible work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and performance and recognition programs. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability, voluntary benefit programs (critical illness, hospital, and accident), health savings and flexible spending accounts, and retirement 401K plan. One of our fundamental principles is to offer competitive health and welfare benefits to our team members, providing coverage and care for you and your family. Full-time employees working at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefits and paid leave programs.  We pride ourselves on our collaborative work environment and culture, which embraces our mission of providing financial and non-financial benefits back to the members of the Seneca Nation.

Seneca Federal Solutions is seeking qualified Construction Surveillance Technicians (CSTs) to support secure construction projects for the U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense (DoD). CSTs will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring uncleared personnel on secure construction sites and ensuring compliance with Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 standards. This position will support our work in 

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor all uncleared personnel and construction activities on secure sites.
• Ensure compliance with ICD/ICS 705 and project-specific Construction Security Plans (CSP).
• Conduct and document daily inspections of construction work, materials, and personnel and produce reports with photographic evidence of work performed as well as weekly summaries.
• In coordination with local Facility Security Officer (FSO) and policies, support security access control measures and inspect all incoming materials.
• Report incidents, variances from plans, and suspicious activities to Site Security Manager (SSM) or Facility Security Officer (FSO).
• Attend project meetings and provide input regarding security-related activities.
• Follow site-specific procedures for opening/closing and safety compliance.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Minimum 5 years construction experience, with up to 2 years substituted by related security experience on SCIF or DoD-secure sites.
• Familiarity with all 16 standard divisions of construction.
• Completion of a 40-hour CST certification course from an accredited provider.
• Proficiency with digital documentation tools (e.g., iPad or Android tablet).
• Strong working knowledge of ICD/ICS 705 standards and SCIF construction protocols.
• Physically capable of standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for long durations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with TEMPEST, DoD Special Access Programs, and SCIF project environments.
• Knowledge of EM 385-1-1 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910/1926.
• Prior experience working on USMC installations or in overseas military environments.

Tools and Equipment:

Candidates must be capable of operating and maintaining digital documentation devices, conducting visual inspections with mirrors and flashlights, and managing radios, CCTV systems, and basic inspection tools as outlined in the PWS. All necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn and maintained in accordance with safety standards.

Work Schedule and Conditions:

• Standard 8-hour workdays, Monday through Friday (0730–1700), adjusted as necessary per site.
• Subject to federal holiday schedules and potential site-specific exceptions.
• Must be able to travel extensively and work in austere conditions.
• Compliance with Antiterrorism/Operations Security (AT/OPSEC) and base access requirements is mandatory.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain installation access credentials.
• Completion of AT Level I and other mandatory training prior to assignment.
• Non-disclosure agreements and compliance with HIPAA and PII protection are required.
• Familiarity with digital reporting systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

We are Datadog's in-house product experts. The Technical Solutions (TS) team enables Datadog's worldwide growth by educating potential clients and ensuring that existing customers are happy and successful. Field CTOs are part of the broader Product Solutions Architecture (PSA) organization, serving as technical multipliers and trusted advisors to our customers' most senior decision makers and key executive stakeholders. They align customer ambitions with Datadog’s technology roadmap, enabling digital transformation while driving sustained growth for both our customers and Datadog.

As Datadog continues to scale, we are creating a Field CTO role to lead our GTM technical strategy for the entire Japan region - establishing thought leadership, building the long-term strategic case for Datadog, and expanding our footprint in the market.

At Datadog, we place value in our office culture - the relationships and collaboration it builds and the creativity it brings to the table. We operate as a hybrid workplace to ensure our Datadogs can create a work-life harmony that best fits them.

What You’ll Do:

• C-Level: Strategically guide CIO/CTO/CEO/CISO-level customer and prospect executives in rationalizing their adoption journey, investment and operationalizing of observability.
• GTM: Identifies industry specific trends and their impact and potential during Customers engagements, feeding the top-of-funnel for Product, GTM, BVA and Architecture teams. Co-create industry solutions via collaboration with Product SAs and Product Management.  
• Leadership: Demonstrate Datadog's platform as well as thought leadership in Observability and Security, emphasizing our advanced solutions, industry best practices, and dedication to providing organizations with superior visibility and management of their at scale environments.
• Advisory: Be a trusted advisor to Sales leaders as well as customer and prospect executives on ROI, value realization and white-space analysis. Assist with opportunity and adoption strategy for individual customers within their vertical of expertise. 
• Collaboration: Collaborate with Product Solutions Architecture (PSA), Sales, Sales Engineering and Marketing in providing high-quality technical resources to a broad audience of practitioners and economic buyers. 
• Presentations: Lead architecture and design engagements to demonstrate how Datadog meets the needs of strategic customers. Participate in Executive Brief conversations in Datatadog’s Executive Briefing Center (EBC) with high profile customers and prospects about overall architecture, Observability Best Practices and industry trends.
• Hiring: Assist leadership in recruiting and hiring of top talent for the Product Solutions Architecture and Field CTO teams. 

Who You Are:

• Industry Experience: Strong experience of at least 15+ years with Enterprise architecture or Application architecture at scale and ability to map architectures to real world use cases, coupled with deep knowledge of the observability space, cloud, and technological shifts for customers in the Japan region. 
• Strategic Thinker: Able to think long term and creatively about a wide variety of technical and business challenges
• Stakeholder Management: Experienced in interacting and influencing key stakeholders (VP+ and C level) in large Enterprise organizations 
• Technologist: Hands-on technologist who gains credibility and establishes strong relationships at all levels of the organization
• Presenter: Excellent customer-facing presentation skills for large audiences, comfortable discussing complex technical details as well as with briefing executives or non-technical personas.
• Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to link product functionality to business objectives, value realization and ROI. 
• Travel: Able to travel via auto, train or air up to 50% of the time
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, Master’s degree preferred
• Native level in Japanese with strong English proficiency (both spoken and written).

Datadog values people from all walks of life. We understand not everyone will meet all the above qualifications on day one. That's okay. If you’re passionate about technology and want to grow your skills, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits and Growth:

• Best-in-breed onboarding
• Generous global benefits
• Intra-departmental mentor and buddy program for in-house networking
• New hire stock equity (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Continuous professional development, product training, and career pathing
• An inclusive company culture, able to join our Community Guilds and Inclusion Talks

Benefits and Growth listed above may vary based on the country of your employment and the nature of your employment with Datadog.

#LI-Hybrid

Compliance Program Manager - Japan

As a global leader in commercial payments that powers international business by moving money with ease, Convera is seeking a motivated and experienced Compliance Program Manager who will act as Convera’s Compliance Officer for its Japan operations.

The main priority of this role is to support in Convera’s efforts to secure a Type1 Fund Transfer License for our Japan business. 

 Main duties and responsibilities:

• Assist the company on its application for Fund Transfer Business License, acting as Convera’s main point of contact with the FSA and KLBF
• Execute all responsibilities as the Compliance Officer of Convera Japan KK
• Be responsible (directly or through delegation) for SAR decisions, be the primary point of contact for all Japan regulators.
• Ensure all regulatory reporting related to AML/Financial Crime is completed in an accurate and timely manner
• Translate Japanese regulatory requirements, communications or inquiries into English for internal discussion and record.
• Ensure AML risks are appropriately documented and reported to senior leadership.
• Provide advice and guidance on policies, new product and expansion initiatives.
• Execute oversight on all outsourced Financial Crime Compliance activities.
• Provide back-up supports to other Convera compliance teams in APAC when required.
• Direct and oversee the monitoring and testing key AML controls.
• Track and direct implement regulatory change.
• Manage and support internal / external audits and regulatory inspections.
• Complete special projects or any other duties that may be assigned

What we are looking for:

• not less than 3 years' experience in a financial crime compliance role at a licensed financial institution
• Experience liaising with regulators, specifically FSA & KLBF
• Excellent English language skills
• good knowledge on AML/CFT and CDD/EDD laws and regulations and best practice in Japan
• Our strong preference is for candidates with experience applying for the Type 1 Fund Transfer License, but we will consider experienced compliance professionals from other areas of the financial services industry.
• The ability to work well under deadline pressures
• An organized and responsive professional
• This role is based in our Japan office (Metro City Kamiyacho), with a hybrid approach allowing you to also work from home
• Ideally familiar with remote reporting – your manager in this role will be based in Convera’s Singapore office

Convera is a global leader in commercial payments that powers international business by moving money with ease. We provide tech-led payment solutions to help more than 26,000 customers globally grow with confidence, from small businesses to CFOs and treasurers. As experts in foreign exchange, risk and compliance, with an unrivaled regulatory footprint, Convera’s financial network spans more than 140 currencies and 200 countries and territories. 

Our teams care deeply about the value we deliver to our customers, which makes Convera a rewarding place to work. This is an exciting time for our organization as we expand our team with growth-minded, results-oriented people who are looking to move fast in an innovative environment.  

As a truly global company with employees in over 20 countries, we are passionate about diversity; we seek and celebrate people from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and unique points of view. We want to work with the best people and ensure we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.   

We offer an abundance of competitive perks and benefits including:   

• Competitive salary  

• Opportunity to earn a bonus (dependent on performance)  

• Great career growth and development opportunities in a global organization   

• Corporate benefits  

There are plenty of amazing opportunities at Convera for talented, creative problem solvers who never settle for good enough and are looking to transform Business to Business payments.   

Apply now!  

#LI-AS1

Position Summary:

ANSER is seeking an Exercise Planner (senior or mid-level) to support MARFPRPAC, PACAF or other military program leadership and participation in USMC or Air Force or Joint and Combined training and exercises events in the INDOPACOM AOR and beyond. You will support Joint Chiefs of Staff, CCMD, or Headquarters (HQ) and Subordinate/Component exercises, engagements and assigned operations.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate Field Training Exercises (FTXs), Command Post Exercises (CPXs), Tabletop Exercises (TTX), Senior Leader Seminars (SLS) and training events that prepare tactical, operational, and strategic forces for possible future contingencies
• Plan exercise operations and logistics using an analysis of exercise objectives & tasks, MARFORPAC unit capabilities, deployment requirements, forward operating location assessments, and resource constraints
• Support exercise planning across the Joint Event Life Cycle
• Participate in planning meetings and develop and present plans documentation
• Assist in observer/controller activities and document lessons learned for after action reporting
• Support exercise database management and updates via JTIMS and other DOD applications
• Provide JOPES, DCAPES and TPFDD support as needed
• Support training plans and program development
• Support Theater Security Cooperation plans and activities

Required Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
• Bachelor's degree, will consider associates degree with an additional three (3) years of practical experience
• 4+ years of relevant experience at Higher Headquarters organization (e.g. MAJCOM, equivalent, or above)
• Possess a working knowledge of the Pacific theater, and an understanding of the relationships and general interactions between each nation within
• Experience as a staff-level exercise planner, and experience planning/executing CPXs/FTXs within the INDOPACOM AOR (preferred)
• Operational and/or logistical experience in the Asia-Pacific Theater and supporting Theater Security Cooperation efforts (preferred)
• Knowledge of the operational and logistical support required for exercises, deployments, and mobilizations and familiar with TPFDD nomenclature

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal/social skills; proven staff officer/contractor support excellence
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful  ideas, products and services. We exist to create the future together with our clients. 

The Technology Director is responsible for leading and growing the Tokyo technology team and client portfolio. Working alongside the local leadership team and regional Chief Technology Officer, you will own the Tokyo technology strategy, plan how to grow and service the Tokyo studio engagements and foster a high-performing technology team, while ensuring successful commercial engagements and technical program delivery.

You will build and lead a team of experts and coordinate with regional practice leaders and partners to deliver technology outcomes for the Tokyo client portfolio. As a member of the regional AKQA Technology Executive, you will also contribute to regional technology initiatives and practice development.

By deeply understanding client business challenges, experience goals, and technical requirements, the Technology Director serves as the central decision-maker ensuring world-class digital experiences powered by modern web architectures and frameworks, MarTech, and AI technologies.

This role reports to the local Delivery Director and the APAC CTO.  Primary reports for this role include Solution Architects, Technical Leads, and Principal Engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Delivery Leadership

• Lead the technical setup and onboarding for web and digital product development projects.
• Own architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical risk assessments.
• Establish quality, performance, and security standards to ensure high-quality delivery.
• Lead high-complexity projects independently within client engagements.
• Drive technical decision-making and propose optimal implementation approaches.
• Be hands-on in delivering technology engagements and solutions as required, while building the Tokyo technology practice.

Proposal & Pre-Sales Support

• Lead RFP/RFI analysis, technical approach design, and proposal development.
• Own technical presentations, client communication, and estimation.
• Contribute to business growth by designing competitive, technology-driven solutions.
• Lead and coordinate bringing in regional technology colleagues and partners in order to create compelling RFP responses highlighting the best of AKQA’s capabilities
  
  

Team Management & Capability Building

• Lead and mentor architects, Technical Delivery Managers, and other technology team members.
• Define and maintain technical standards, development processes, and best practices to improve productivity and quality.
• Support hiring, talent development, performance management, and community engagement to strengthen the technology discipline.
• Ensure the team structure is maintained, and appropriately sized for the current and pipeline client engagements.
• Guide decisions on the mix of resources across the studio, including the mix of permanent and contract roles, and decisions on when to utilise partners within the AKQA and Itochu networks.
• Work with regional practice leaders to develop practice related talent

Solution Development & Innovation

• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies such as AI/LLM, MarTech tools, cloud platforms, and modern web frameworks.
• Provide technical insights that drive client proposals and product improvements.
• Collaborate with global teams to adopt and localize best practices and global capabilities.

Stakeholder Communication

• Lead technical discussions with client executives, IT leaders, and product owners.
• Promote collaboration with AKQA's regional and global team, and partnerships with partners.
• Work closely with PMs, designers, and strategists to ensure alignment across all project disciplines.

Reputation

• Involvement in AKQA's marketing and PR - focused on both potential clients and potential employees.
• Drive initiatives to connect with and attract key talent to AKQA.
• Foster and contribute to industry thought leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS 

• Strong interest and ongoing learning in AI, LLMs, generative AI, MarTech, and emerging technologies
• Experience designing architecture for large-scale digital products
• Experience working within a global or distributed organization
• Public technical contributions such as conference speaking, publishing, or OSS involvement
• knowledge of modern web architecture, APIs, cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure / Vercel, Netlify), and software engineering best practices