Keywords Studios

Business Development Manager – New Client Acquisition

Keywords Studios

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Suginami City • Japan

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Tech Stack

UnityUnreal Engine

About the role

  • - Proactively identify and prospect potential new clients within the Japanese games and entertainment industry that require outsourced art services (Concept Art, 3D Modeling, Animation, UI/UX).
  • - Generate a steady pipeline of qualified leads through building relationships and strategic outreach (cold calling, email campaigns, networking, industry events, social media) and market research.
  • - Conduct initial meetings and presentations with potential clients to introduce Keywords Art Studios' capabilities and portfolio, acting as the primary representative.
  • - Skillfully investigate and question potential clients to uncover their specific and latent art production needs, development roadmaps, and budgetary constraints.
  • - Collaborate closely with global Art Production teams (PMs, Art Directors, Leads) in India, China, US, and other locations to craft compelling proposals, Statements of Work (SOWs), and cost estimates for new projects.
  • - Lead negotiations to secure new contracts, focusing on achieving optimal terms that satisfy both the client's requirements and Keywords Studios' commercial objectives.
  • - Work with Japanese leadership and executives at Keywords Art Studios to create and execute proactive strategies for new client acquisition, actively supporting the overall growth targets.
  • - Build the Keywords brand by actively participating in marketing and brand building channels/exercises, particularly those focused on new client outreach (e.g., attending TGS, networking events).
  • - Seamlessly transition newly secured clients and initial projects to the dedicated Account Management/Production teams, ensuring a smooth and positive onboarding experience.
  • - Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all prospecting activities, new opportunities, sales stages, and forecasts using the company's CRM system (e.g., Salesforce).
  • - Stay current with industry trends, competitor activities, and new game/IP announcements in Japan to identify strategic acquisition targets.
  • - Some local and international travel may be required if necessary to visit clients or accompany client visits to studios in India, China and US.

Requirements

  • - **Fluent Japanese and high degree of English language proficiency**.
  • - Minimum 3-5 years of proven experience in a "hunting" Business Development, Sales, or New Client Acquisition role, preferably within a business-to-business service environment in Japan.
  • - Prior experience selling outsourced services, technology, or creative/art services to the video gaming industry is a very strong advantage.
  • - Deep understanding of Japanese business culture and the expectations of Japanese clients regarding communication, quality, and delivery schedules.
  • - Demonstrated ability to communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively at all levels of an organization.
  • - Excellent listening, negotiation, and closing skills.
  • - Self-motivated and able to thrive in a highly results-driven environment, with a strong focus on hitting new business targets.
  • - A strong knowledge of art production and the tools and pipelines required to deliver projects (Maya, Blender, Unity/Unreal and asset creation workflows) to talk credibly with art decision-makers.
  • - Natural relationship builder with integrity, reliability, and maturity.
  • - Proven ability to manage a large pipeline of prospective clients simultaneously, while maintaining strict attention to detail and consistent outreach quality.
  • - ビジネスレベルの日本語力および高度な英語力
  • - 日本におけるBtoBサービス業界での「ハンター型」ビジネスデベロップメント、営業、または新規顧客獲得の役割での実務経験(3〜5年以上)
  • - ゲーム業界に対してアウトソースサービス、テクノロジー、またはクリエイティブ/アートサービスの営業経験(強く優遇)
  • - 日本のビジネス文化と、日本のクライアントがコミュニケーション、品質、納期に関して期待する事項への深い理解
  • - 組織の全階層に対して、説得力を持って効果的にコミュニケーション、プレゼンテーション、影響を与える能力の実績
  • - 優れた傾聴力、交渉力、クロージング能力
  • - 自己主導的で、成果を非常に重視する環境で活躍でき、新規ビジネス目標の達成に強くコミットできる方
  • - アート制作に関する確かな知識と、プロジェクト遂行に必要なツールおよびパイプラインに関する知識(Maya、Blender、Unity/Unreal、アセット制作ワークフロー)を持ち、アート分野の意思決定者と確かな対話ができる方
  • - 誠実さ、信頼性、成熟度を備えた、生まれながらのリレーションビルダー
  • - 多数の見込み顧客パイプラインを同時に管理し、細部にまで厳格に注意を払い、一貫したアウトリーチの質を維持する能力の実績
Benefits
  • - Competitive Market Rate Remuneration
  • - Genuine flexible working – One or two days in studio.
  • - Opportunity to work with our regional APAC partners, opening up to global opportunities.
  • We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a work environment that is inclusive, supports flexibility, and welcomes diversity.
  • **■当社が提供するもの**
  • - ゲームアートサービスにおいて世界的に高い評価を受けるグローバルリーダーを代表する機会
  • - 成果に基づくインセンティブを含む競争力のある報酬パッケージ
  • - 日本で最大手かつ最もエキサイティングなゲーム開発企業と協働する機会
  • - 協力的で成長志向のグローバルな企業文化
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
business developmentsalesnew client acquisitionart productionnegotiationclosingmarket researchpipeline managementpresentation skillsrelationship building
Soft Skills
self-motivatedresults-drivenattention to detaileffective communicationlistening skillsinfluenceintegrityreliabilitymaturitystrategic thinking