Head of Business Development – Japan
Imagine being part of a team that’s redefining the future of mobility—where your ideas don’t just sit in a lab but power next-generation technology. At indie, we are developing cutting-edge semiconductors, photonics, and radar sensors and systems for automotive, industrial, and adjacent markets. Our innovations are at the heart of advanced intelligent sensing and user experience applications, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
If you're passionate about groundbreaking technology and want to make a real impact alongside a fast-paced team that thrives on creativity and collaboration, we’d love to have you on board!
Position Overview
The Head of Business Development – Japan is responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding indie’s presence in the Japanese market. This role leads regional sales efforts, develops strategic customer relationships, and drives new business opportunities while supporting production ramp-ups for existing programs.
This individual will play a critical role in shaping go-to-market strategy, influencing product roadmaps, and representing indie across key customer and industry engagements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the regional sales and applications team
- Own and deliver regional revenue targets and design win objectives
- Drive new customer acquisition and expand strategic accounts
- Develop and execute account strategies for key OEM and Tier 1 customers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with executive and technical stakeholders
- Contribute to product roadmap development based on customer and market insights
- Collaborate cross-functionally with business units, engineering, and sales operations
- Negotiate commercial agreements, including software, licensing, and support contracts
- Represent indie at industry events, trade shows, and customer engagements
- Implement and refine business processes, tools, and methodologies to support scaling
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (MBA preferred)
- 10+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry, with a strong focus on automotive applications
- Deep experience in ADAS, sensor technologies, and/or perception IP (e.g., vision, radar)
- Proven track record managing sales pipelines and using CRM tools
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a matrixed, global organization
- Ability to operate effectively at both executive and technical levels
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to navigate complex challenges and drive solutions
- Willingness to travel approximately 30% (primarily within Japan, with limited international travel)
- Fluent in Japanese and English
Preferred Experience
- Experience negotiating contracts with Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs
- Proven success managing customer relationships across the full product lifecycle
- Experience with software/IP licensing models, development agreements, and NRE structures
- Strong understanding of Japanese OEM development cycles, including early engagement in RFI/RFQ phases
Work Location
- Primary location: Japan with a preference to candidates located in Tokyo, Japan.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a highly motivated, self-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The ideal candidate is strategic yet hands-on, able to balance multiple priorities, and motivated by making a meaningful impact across the organization.
indie Semiconductor and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
Concerning agencies: indie Semiconductor does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be responsible for fees related to such.