Company Overview

An innovative technology startup originating from a leading Japanese research university is developing a neutral-atom quantum computing platform.

Alongside its research and development efforts to achieve a fault-tolerant quantum computer (FTQC) by 2030, the company is accelerating the commercialisation of its technology. It is entering the market with plans to supply quantum computing systems to research institutions, government organisations, and private-sector companies.

The company is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to lead domestic and international sales operations and drive the commercial launch of its quantum computing systems.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will oversee domestic and international sales activities and lead the company’s first commercial sales initiatives for its quantum computing systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Domestic and International Business Strategy: Define commercial strategies for domestic and overseas markets, establishing priorities, market-entry approaches, and execution plans for each region.

• Government and Institutional Engagement: Lead negotiations with government bodies and public research institutions in Japan and international markets to secure agreements for the deployment of quantum computing systems.

• Strategic Sales and Contract Negotiations: Manage complex, high-value sales opportunities from initial proposals through to contract execution, including negotiations covering technical specifications, pricing, delivery schedules, and contractual terms.

• Cross-Functional Project Coordination: Work closely with R&D, engineering, and corporate management teams to establish product specifications, delivery and maintenance frameworks, export compliance procedures, and the transition from collaborative research projects to commercial sales.

• Sales and Business Development Leadership: Lead domestic and international sales and business development teams, manage key accounts, prioritise strategic opportunities, and oversee commercial performance.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience leading projects involving the acquisition or sale of high-value products, systems, or equipment (typically worth hundreds of millions of yen or more per project) to research institutions, government organisations, or major corporations.

• Demonstrated ability to independently drive complex commercial negotiations with domestic and international clients.

• Experience managing and developing sales or business development teams.

• Track record of launching new products, developing new markets, and generating initial commercial orders in environments without established sales infrastructure.

• Business-level English proficiency, with the ability to lead negotiations and communicate effectively with international clients.

Desirable Experience

• Sales or business development experience involving quantum computing, high-performance computing (HPC), supercomputers, or other sophisticated capital equipment, such as scientific instruments and semiconductor manufacturing systems.

• Experience negotiating national projects and large-scale procurement contracts with domestic or international government bodies and public research institutions.

• Experience selling products subject to export control regulations and compliance requirements.

• Experience managing regional and international sales and business development organisations, including overseas subsidiaries or offices, at business unit or general management level.

• Experience establishing initial commercial traction and securing early-stage sales as a business leader within a startup or newly established business.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Shenaaz Ahmed