Sales Director – Japan

Hailo is a leading high-tech company, developing top-performing AI processors for edge devices in various industries. We combine an extensive understanding of the way neural networks operate with our team’s expertise in SW and HW architecture to develop products that transform the way we use machines to perceive and analyze the world around us.

Our company is led by a group of experts from a wide range of disciplines, combining experience from elite intelligence units as well as leading tech companies in Israel and abroad, with a track record of executing complex projects from the ground up.  As an AI chip company, we believe that AI can help us create a better, safer, more productive, and more convenient world. For this to happen, AI needs to be available at scale and on the edge. 

To this end, our team of hardware and software leaders is developing top-performing AI processors, dedicated to AI tasks on edge devices in a wide variety of applications and industries, including smart cities, automotive, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and many more. With hundreds of customer programs around the world, and a wide ecosystem of software and hardware partners, Hailo is leading the edge AI revolution.

In this position

As Sales Director for Hailo in Japan, you will be the senior sales executive leading Hailo’s strategic engagements with automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and technology partners across Japan. You will serve as the primary relationship owner for key automotive accounts, managing comprehensive customer engagement strategies, and driving Hailo’s AI processing solutions to large-scale deployment in Japan’s automotive ecosystem.

• Present, promote, and sell Hailo’s AI processing solutions to automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and automotive technology companies using compelling technical and business value propositions
• Conduct comprehensive ROI analysis and technical needs assessments for automotive customers to align Hailo’s solutions with their ADAS and in-vehicle AI requirements
• Develop and execute account strategies for major Japanese automotive OEMs and Tier1s
• Present, promote, and sell Hailo’s AI processing solutions to additional markets which require edge AI processing such as edge computing, security/surveillance and others, based on Hailo’s strategy and guidance

Relationship Management & Business Development

• Establish and nurture long-term strategic partnerships with C-level executives and senior technical decision-makers in the Japanese automotive industry
• Lead new business development through targeted outreach to automotive prospects and strategic networking within Japan’s automotive ecosystem
• Navigate complex, multi-stakeholder automotive procurement processes and technical evaluation cycles

Sales Operations & Performance

• Achieving ambitious sales targets and revenue objectives within agreed timelines, focusing on automotive market penetration
• Coordinate sales initiatives with technical support teams, applications engineers, and global automotive business development
• Analyze Japan’s market landscape for edge AI solutions, perform competitive positioning, and position Hailo in emerging opportunities

Market Intelligence & Reporting

• Provide senior management with detailed insights on customer requirements, competitive dynamics, and market trends specific to Japan’s automotive AI adoption
• Track and report on sales pipeline, forecasting, and market penetration metrics for the automotive vertical
• Stay current with automotive industry trends, Japanese regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies in vehicle AI

• Based in Tokyo or the surrounding metropolitan area with a willingness to travel extensively throughout Japan
• 8+ years of senior sales experience in technology solutions, with significant focus on the automotive industry
• Proven track record of managing complex, long-cycle B2B sales in automotive or semiconductor industries
• Experience working with Japanese automotive OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers, with deep understanding of their procurement processes and decision-making structures
• Strong familiarity with automotive electronics, ADAS systems, or AI/ML applications in vehicles
• Understanding of automotive industry standards and regulatory frameworks
• Experience with CRM systems and ability to manage sophisticated, multi-touchpoint customer relationships
• Exceptional presentation, negotiation, and communication skills with ability to engage both technical and business stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with senior executives in conservative, relationship-driven business cultures
• Strong analytical skills for market assessment, competitive analysis, and business case development
• Excellent project management and organizational capabilities for managing multiple complex sales cycles
• Native or business-level Japanese proficiency
• Very good verbal and written professional English proficiency for internal communications and global collaboration
• Deep understanding of Japanese business culture, relationship-building practices, and automotive industry protocols

• Existing relationships with key decision-makers at major Japanese automotive OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers
• Previous experience selling AI processors, automotive semiconductors, or ADAS solutions
• Track record of successful market entry or expansion in Japan’s automotive sector
• Working in Japan for an international semiconductor company
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related technical discipline
• Experience with embedded automotive systems and hardware/software integration
• Knowledge of Edge AI applications or computer vision technologies
• Experience working for or with Japanese corporations in the automotive or technology sectors
• Understanding of Japan’s automotive supply chain ecosystem and partnership structures
• Previous success in quota-carrying roles with $10M+ annual revenue responsibility

We are passionate about building an inclusive and equitable working environment. We promote a flexible work environment that encourages work-life-balance. If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements– no worries!  Our DNA is characterized by openness to multi-disciplinary people, who bring great potential to grow with us, not just a skills set list. We encourage you to apply if you think this is a role that would make you excited about coming to work every day.