Country Manager, Japan & Korea
Singapore, SG, 018916
Our Craft
Edrington’s vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the single malt category. Our portfolio is completed with Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic. Edrington also has a strategic partnership with No.3 London Dry Gin.
Our principal shareholder is a charitable trust, so we were built to make a world of difference. Discover a place where values define our culture. The home of exceptional brands, where people and teams thrive.
Our Blend of Benefits
Embrace Excellence
Reporting to the Managing Director for Hong Kong, Macau, Japan & Korea, the Country Manager will be fully responsible for Japan and Korea markets. In Japan, they will be accountable for the development, implementation and execution of our commercial, marketing, and operational strategies, working in close partnership with distributor partners and in strong collaboration with regional Marketing and Commercial teams. This role is pivotal in shaping Japan’s Strategic Roadmap and Growth Plan and will be grounded in understanding of and providing robust market intelligence. Japan is Edrington’s second largest market by volume in APAC and a top 5 market globally. The Country Manager will regularly be exposed to top management in the form of business reviews, board meetings, and market visits from the Edrington Exec team.
As a newly created position, the Country Manager is expected to deliver a step-change in how we engage with distributor partners; driving best-in-class development and execution of strategic priorities at pace, ensuring full visibility of on-the-ground activities, and providing regular progress updates.
Make an Impact
- Actively lead, manage, and steer distributor relationships and in-market operations, ensuring strong alignment with the Managing Director, regional Marketing and Commercial teams whilst being accountable for business performance and developing the market strategy
- Regularly report on performance and be responsible for preparation of business MPR/QBR as well as annual PSR process and Japan board meeting preparation
- Envision and deliver Japan and Korea’s commercial strategy and revenue targets for the portfolio in close partnership with the distributors, responsible for performance and strategic direction
- Develop and execute Japan’s marketing strategy in collaboration with the Regional Marketing teams and local agencies to deliver brand power, commercial excellence, and sustainable revenue growth
- Drive and envision Joint Business Plans with distributors, building bottom-up sales plans by channel and SKU that are strategically aligned to the company vision and actively contributing to the planning and execution of marketing and commercial activation calendars
- Strengthen brand equity and market share through flawless implementation of agreed marketing activation plans
- Lead CRM recruitment initiatives leveraging social platforms (e.g., LINE, Instagram, Facebook) in collaboration with regional marketing teams and local agency
- Transform distribution visibility and segmentation, setting clear targets by trade channel and SKU
- Execute commercial activation plans across on-trade and off-trade, improving distribution quality in at least 1,400 doors in Year 1 and accelerating prestige product development.
- Accelerate NPD introductions, securing listings and visibility for new and prestige SKUs in priority accounts.
- Ensure delivery and execution retail expansion initiatives, including shop-in-shop concepts in top Tokyo department stores and key neighbourhoods.
- Implement training programs for distributors and trade partners via Brand Ambassadors and regional education teams.
- Manage rolling sales forecasts and supply chain alignment, ensuring accuracy through monthly CBP meetings and proactively address distributor forecast accuracy and inventory position.
- Support Managing Director in quarterly business reviews, annual strategy presentations, and board-level engagements.
- Proactively identify and recommend new business opportunities to accelerate growth.
Your Talent and Skills
- Strong knowledge of & experience within the Spirits industry in Japan market
- Must be fluent in both Japanese & English
- Analytical, strong commercial acumen, highly competent in building & driving strategic business priorities
- Excellent presentation and communication skills with internal and external stakeholders as well as board-level
- Demonstrated ability in brand & business development with execution excellence mindset
- Ability to manage complex situations and relationships
- Capacity & professional maturity to be autonomous
A Place For Everyone
We’re proud of our inclusive culture – where unique experiences, ideas and perspectives are celebrated. We want everyone to feel respected and empowered to contribute to our success.
Get involved. From colleague networks like Balance, Pride and Kick-Start to inclusion allies and DE&I champions, we encourage our people to be curious, get involved and help us make change happen.
