Senior Manager, Global Affairs (Japan) (Tokyo-based)

Tokyo, Japan

Get To Know Our Team:  

Global Affairs at Agoda is the steward of Agoda’s alliances with governments. We are a team comprising professionals in public policy, international relations, and policy communications. We collaborate with governments to cultivate travel and tourism as a tailwind for economic growth and social development. We do this through a combination of strategic partnerships, public policy, and technical expertise to scale solutions with governments that bridge the world through travel.  

The Opportunity:

Agoda seeks a senior and highly experienced professional to lead its government affairs in Japan, based in Tokyo. You will be the key liaison for local, provincial, and national relationships to support Agoda’s growth, policy, and partnership outcomes across a range of high-visibility, high-complexity, and high-impact matters at the intersection of travel, technology, and sustainability.  

In This Role, You’ll Get To:  

• Act as the key contact person for Agoda with all levels of government in Japan, including central, prefectural, and city levels.  
• Apply commercial acumen to position Agoda to support strategic partnerships with governments on travel, technology, and sustainability.  
• Proactively identify and pursue government-related collaboration opportunities, including subsidy programs, and work closely with relevant teams to maximize these opportunities 
• Support Agoda to track policy developments, understand the business impact, navigate policy risks and opportunities, and engage with regulators in Japan, including the Japan Tourism Agency  
• Support in management and compliance of Agoda’s operations and business in Japan under the Travel Agency Business Act.   
• Support the building of partnerships and coalitions with senior policymakers, regulators, think tanks, academics, civil society leaders, industry associations, and development organizations.   
• Support public affairs campaigns to differentiate Agoda as a thought leader and trusted advisor to governments.   
• Support and liaise cross-functionally within Global Affairs as well as with Sustainability, Public Relations, Legal, Strategic Partnerships, Supply, and Strategy teams.  

What You’ll Need to Succeed:  

• 8+ years of experience in government affairs, public affairs, public policy or related field – preferably in technology, digital commerce, or travel. 
• Proven track record of success in supporting advocacy campaigns that enhance collaboration with governments, at local, provincial, and national levels.  
• Successfully completed (or willing to complete) the exam for the Comprehensive Travel Business Responsible Officer and certified as such. 
• Strong partner and stakeholder organization skills, both with building new relationships and growing existing relationships.  
• Impeccable verbal, written, data presentation, and interpersonal communication skills in Japanese and English.  
• Experience leading complex projects through uncertainty with multiple stakeholders and the courage to adapt strategies based on evolving circumstances.  
• Operate with high independence and entrepreneurship to drive strategy into greenfield opportunities.  
• A growth mindset to embrace expanded portfolios of work based on business needs.  
• Low ego and collaborative approach to thrive in a flat and open corporate structure.    
• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, international relations, law, policy communications, or international political economy is required; an advanced degree is preferred. 

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