Role

As Head of Sales for the IQS (Industrial Quality Solutions) division, you will take full responsibility for driving business development, sales performance, and market leadership in the Japanese market. The role focuses on ZEISS’s advanced X-ray CT, 2D X-ray, microscopy, and software solutions used in industrial inspection and metrology.

You will lead the sales organization, oversee business development initiatives, and collaborate closely with distribution partners and internal stakeholders to expand ZEISS’s presence in Japan. The role includes ownership of sales strategy, P&L responsibility, team leadership, and key customer relationships.

You will report directly to the IQS Head and work closely with the HQ business team, management, and business partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead business development and sales growth for ZEISS IQS solutions in the Japanese market.

• Define and execute sales strategies to achieve order intake, revenue, and profitability targets.

• Manage and develop a high-performing sales team through clear targets, coaching, and performance management.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with distribution partners and key customers.

• Oversee market intelligence, customer segmentation, and key account strategies to drive sustainable growth.

• Manage P&L performance and provide regular reporting on business results.

• Collaborate with internal teams to support market communication, demonstrations, and customer engagement initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.

• 5+ years of experience in Business Development or Sales.

• 3+ years of people management experience, leading teams of 5 or more members.

• 5+ years of experience working in a foreign company in Japan (preferred).

• Strong experience in business partner management and sales strategy execution.

• Native-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Industry Experience

• X-Ray CT systems

• 2D X-Ray inspection systems

• Industrial microscopy

• Metrology software or industrial inspection solutions

Experience in industries such as automotive, electronics, or advanced manufacturing is highly valued.

Employment Conditions & Benefits

Employment Type: Permanent
Probation Period: 3–6 months

Work Location

• ZEISS Japan offices (Tokyo or Osaka)
  *scope of change: other offices in Japan

• Domestic and occasional international travel may be required.

Working Hours

• 9:00 – 17:30 (7.5 hours per day including a 1-hour break)

• Overtime may be required depending on business needs

• Overtime allowance is generally not applicable for management roles

Holidays & Leave

• Approximately 125 days per year

• Weekends, public holidays, and New Year holidays

• Annual paid leave starting from 14 days in the first year, increasing with tenure

• Additional special leave for life events

Benefits

• Retirement allowance system

• Defined contribution pension plan

• Cafeteria benefits program

• Commuting allowance (up to JPY 50,000 per month)

• Social insurance (health, employment, workers’ compensation)

• Employee welfare programs

• Influenza vaccination support

• Employee discount programs (including eyewear)

• Company club activities

Smoking Policy: No smoking within company premises.

Compensation:

• Annual Salary: 10,000,000 to 14,000,000 JPY (including incentives, based on skills and experience)
• Salary Increase: Available

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Lameez Peer