Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) & Trade Representative (Japan Office)

Tractus is seeking a highly motivated, globally minded Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) & Trade Representative to lead in-market business development efforts in Japan on behalf of one of our U.S. state government clients.

In this role, you will serve as the primary representative in Japan, promoting our client as a premier destination for Japanese corporate investment and as a strategic gateway for companies seeking to expand into the U.S. market. You will also support export development by assisting U.S. companies pursuing opportunities in Japan—providing market intelligence, identifying potential partners, and facilitating business engagements.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of international business development, economic diplomacy, and advanced industry ecosystems, including automotive, aerospace, EV batteries, semiconductors, biosciences, agritech, and more.

1. Investment Promotion (FDI)

• Identify, engage, and cultivate Japanese companies considering U.S. market entry or expansion.
• Promote our client’s competitive advantages to executives, industry stakeholders, and strategic partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with decision-makers and multipliers, including JETRO, industry associations, U.S. Embassy officials, and sector-specific organizations.
• Manage proactive lead-generation activities, including outreach, follow-up, qualification, and project tracking.
• Arrange and participate in company meetings, site-selection discussions, and project briefings.
• Coordinate and host investor visits to the United States.
• Support inbound missions and investment seminars conducted by our client in Japan.

2. Trade Promotion (Export Assistance)

• Conduct market research and sector-specific intelligence for U.S. exporters.
• Advise companies on Japanese business practices and market-entry approaches.
• Identify and screen potential distributors, agents, and strategic partners for U.S. firms.
• Organize and support trade show participation, business-matching programs, and promotional events.
• Coordinate trade missions and delegation visits between Japan and the United States.

3. Marketing & Representation

• Maintain and develop Japanese-language marketing assets (brochures, presentations, sector sheets, videos, etc.).
• Represent our client at major industry exhibitions such as Automotive World, SEMICON Japan, CEATEC, BioJapan, Battery Japan, and others.
• Promote the client’s brand to government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders in Japan.

4. Reporting & Administration

• Prepare monthly activity reports summarizing outreach, meetings, lead progression, and outcomes.
• Track and manage lead data in CRM systems.
• Participate in bi-weekly or monthly coordination calls with our client and internal project leadership.

Required

• Minimum 10 years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • FDI attraction, trade promotion, international business development, site selection, government relations, or corporate strategy.
• Strong understanding of key Japanese industrial sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, life sciences, and energy.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with senior corporate executives and government officials.
• Proven experience in business development and relationship management in Japan.
• Native-level Japanese proficiency and strong English communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically within Japan and internationally to the U.S.

Preferred

• Experience representing foreign governments, trade offices, or investment promotion agencies.
• Existing network within the Japanese corporate, government, and industry association communities.
• Knowledge of U.S. economic development processes, state-level incentives, or international site selection.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, professional, and relationship driven.
• Able to work independently while coordinating closely with international teams.
• Strong cultural awareness and global business mindset.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
Approved travel and business development expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with program guidelines.