Kerja Sepenuh Masa, Director of Event Services di Smart Talent Group | Sales, IT And Event Recruiters - Maukerja

Lead the launch of a major technology event in Japan

We are working with a global B2B events business that delivers large-scale exhibitions and conferences across the technology, healthcare, learning and professional sectors.

As part of its continued international expansion, our client is looking for an experienced Event Director to launch and grow a new technology event in Japan.

This is a senior, commercially focused opportunity for someone who wants genuine ownership. You will be responsible for shaping the event strategy, building the team, managing the P&L and driving the commercial performance of the event from the ground up.

The Opportunity

As Event Director, you will act as the senior commercial and strategic lead for the event, working across sales, marketing, operations and external partnerships.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing the overall business strategy for the event.
• Building and managing the event P&L, budgets and financial forecasts.
• Creating the commercial strategy across exhibition, sponsorship and partnership revenues.
• Launching and establishing the event in the Japanese market.
• Building, recruiting and developing the event team from the ground up.
• Setting commercial targets and driving the team towards revenue and profitability goals.
• Developing relationships with major exhibitors, sponsors, industry associations, media and strategic partners.
• Working closely with marketing to develop campaigns that deliver visitor, registration and revenue targets.
• Working with operations to ensure the event is delivered efficiently, commercially and to a high standard.
• Identifying new revenue opportunities, partnerships and brand extension opportunities.
• Monitoring market trends and competitor activity to ensure the event remains commercially relevant.
• Supporting and coaching the sales team, including involvement in prospecting, negotiations and major commercial opportunities.
• Reporting regularly on revenue, profitability, forecasts, team performance and strategic priorities.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a commercially minded events professional who has the confidence and experience to take ownership of a major event portfolio.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience as an Event Director, Senior Event Manager or equivalent senior events leader.
• Experience managing large-scale B2B exhibitions or trade shows.
• Experience launching a new event, market or portfolio, ideally within Japan or APAC.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including P&L and budget management.
• A proven track record of achieving or exceeding revenue and sales targets.
• Experience leading, recruiting, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of event sales, sponsorship and exhibition revenue models.
• Excellent stakeholder, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Strong CRM and technology skills; Salesforce experience is advantageous.
• Fluent Japanese, with the ability to confidently communicate, negotiate and pitch with Japanese clients and stakeholders.
• A strong understanding of Japanese business culture, etiquette and negotiation practices.

Why Consider This Role?

This is an opportunity to do more than manage an established event. You will have the chance to build a new technology brand and market from the ground up, with significant influence over its commercial direction, team and long-term growth.

If you're an ambitious events leader who enjoys ownership, commercial responsibility and building something new, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now for a confidential discussion.