Vice President, Communications - Consumer

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses. 

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024. 

About The Opportunity:

Weber Shandwick is currently seeking an ambitious senior-level Corporate PR professional for our Tokyo office to oversee key accounts. In this role, you will cultivate strong relationships with clients both domestically and internationally, serving as the lead for account and team management, overseeing multiple projects and team members.

Responsibilities include proposing communication programs and specific activities aligned with client goals, ensuring effective project execution, providing career development and learning opportunities for junior team members, and allocating resources in line with client budgets. Along with building strong relationships with our current clients, your responsibilities will also include contributing to new business development.

This position holds significance not only in positively impacting society through various projects but also plays a crucial role in reputation building for Weber Shandwick. It offers an opportunity to enhance practical experience and insights at an advanced level.

What You Will Do:

• Manage relationships with key corporate Japan clients seeking support with “Go Global” communications
• Build trust and develop a deep understanding of clients’ business and target audience, collaborating with team members to provide solutions that meet client needs
• Focus on deepening and improving ongoing relationships with existing clients and actively participate in opportunities to build portfolio of new “Go-Global” Japanese clients
• Comprehend clients’ objectives and communications priorities, devising and executing PR and Communications strategies accordingly
• Foster and nurture strong relationships with the media, and arrange interviews and meetings with the media and key client spokespeople as appropriate;
• Cultivate positive relationships with junior members and nurture their organisational and professional development through hands-on support and mentorship;
• Actively participate in office activities, meetings, seminars, etc., to cultivate strong internal working relationships and enhance collaboration opportunities.

What You Will Need:

• Native-Level Japanese / Business-Level English (Ability to conduct business smoothly);
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Corporate Communications;
• Strong experience planning and executing corporate communications PR strategies and tactics;
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale projects, including international events, media programs, campaigns, and crisis scenarios
• Strong experience with media relations, particularly in the English-speaking world (online, business, general newspapers, magazines, TV programmes, SNS, influencers, etc.);
• Experience in planning and executing multi-channel communications strategies and tactics;
• Ability to efficiently navigate and utilise social media;
• Adept writing skills.

Competencies

• Client Service – client focus and ability to build trust and rapport across all levels
• Project Management – ability to delegate tasks and plan/execute projects to meet target deadlines
• Proactivity – exhibit relentless pursuit for new and innovative talent strategies
• Collaboration – build strong relationships at all levels across the organization
• Critical Thinking – ask probing questions; anticipate and address critical talent gaps and needs
• Conflict Resolution – possess sound judgment and savvy in navigating and resolving complex talent and organizational issues
• Business Acumen – align talent strategies to drive business goals

What We Look For:

• Highly motivated individuals with a passion for driving cultural change through Communications;
• Strong knowledge of Japanese corporate culture and business landscape
• Working in a multi-cultural environment and/or experience living abroad a plus
• Strong presentation and communication skills;
• Strong speaking and writing skills;
• A team-player attitude and ability to think outside the box;
• Empathy ownership, and a strong sense of responsibility;
• Creative and innovative individuals with a natural sense of curiosity;
• Proactive networkers who can make connections with people across the business and externally with clients.

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Recruiting Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.

#LI-LW1

OVERVIEW

Weber Shandwick is one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing solutions firms with offices in 79 cities and a network extending to 120 cities on 6 continents. In the Asia Pacific region, the firm operates in 18 markets including owned as well as affiliates and representative firms in other locales – spanning Greater China, Japan and Korea, India and Southeast Asia.  Our heritage in Asia Pacific stretches back more than 60 years.

In our financial communications work, we advise public and private companies across industries on strategic and capital markets communications efforts that best position them among relevant stakeholders. Our engagements span the normal-course financial lifecycle (e.g., quarterly earnings, proxy statements) and transformative events (e.g., M&A/post-merger integration, IPO, litigation, bankruptcy, activism, executive management transitions, labor issues). We collaborate closely in these engagements with both the C-suite and key IR/PR personnel.  

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a senior-level financial communications professional to join our growing global Financial Communications and Capital Markets practice, based in Tokyo. This is a high-impact role advising Japanese and multinational clients on complex corporate events and strategic issues including mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, restructurings, executive transitions, spin-offs, litigation, sustainability matters, regulatory developments, and investor relations.

This role is ideal for a seasoned practitioner with extensive experience in financial communications, issues management, and corporate reputation strategy—someone who thrives in high-stakes environments and can translate complex financial and regulatory information into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders in Japan and globally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead/support a range of financial communications and special situations, including M&A, shareholder activism, defense against short-sellers, bankruptcies, initial public offerings, series financing, as well as earnings support and other ongoing investor relations activities
• Serve as a senior advisor to clients in Japan on a range of financial communications and capital markets matters
• Support clients in articulating a differentiated investment story that resonates with global and domestic investors, regulators, and the media
• Draft and review investor-facing materials such as earnings releases, IR presentations, Q&A documents, press releases, and executive speeches
• Drive proactive and reactive media relations, leveraging relationships with top-tier Japanese and international financial media
• Collaborate closely with other Weber Shandwick teams/offices and external partners such as legal counsel, IR firms, accounting advisors, on financial comms assignments

Strategic Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day relationships between internal teams and clients, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of all communications materials
• Support thought leadership activities that better position Weber Advisory for capital markets and financial comms work
• Hire, mentor and develop junior team members and contribute to a collaborative team culture
• Ensure profitability of individual accounts, and sustained growth of the Financial Communications and Capital Markets business
• Participate in business development efforts and help grow the firm’s presence in Japan and the broader APAC region

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 8+ years of relevant experience in financial communications, investor relations, strategic consulting, corporate affairs, or equity research
• Deep knowledge of Japan’s capital markets, financial reporting, disclosure regulations (e.g. TSE rules, FSA guidelines), and corporate governance practices
• Strong understanding of institutional and retail investor dynamics in Japan and across APAC
• Proven ability to advise C-suite executives and senior leadership during transformational events and sensitive situations
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and messaging skills in native Japanese; English language proficiency is a strong advantage
• Thrives under pressure and can handle multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-oriented environment, while maintaining meticulous attention to detail
• Strong media relations experience with a track record of managing top-tier financial media
• Demonstrated proficiency with AI-powered tools transforming the PR industry, including content generation platforms, media monitoring systems, and data analytics tools. Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with excellent time management and project leadership skills
• Comfortable working in cross-cultural, cross-functional teams across time zones
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and grow high-performing teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with financial database such as Bloomberg, S&P Cap IQ, FactSet, Refinitiv, as well as media databases including Cision, MuckRackStays current with emerging AI technologies and actively explores how these tools can enhance strategic communications, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable results for fin
• ancial services clients.
• Has experience directly counseling clients/senior ranking executives through a broad range of financial events, issues and special situations
• Has experience with reputation management and promoting/protecting brands through integrated communications programs
• Experienced and interested in supporting new business/cross-selling efforts
• Experience working with multinational clients or in a global agency is a plus
• Experience developing crisis communication plans, talking points, stakeholder messaging, and internal communications strategies
• Media and crisis training experience are a plus

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Recruiting Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.

#LI-LW1

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.  

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.  

What’s Happening?

Join our vibrant Tokyo team where cultural insight meets bold ideas. Weber Shandwick is seeking a talented and proactive Senior Manager / Account Director (title commensurate with experience) to join our growing Consumer practice, working with top-tier domestic and global brands across lifestyle, hospitality (hotels & resorts), food & beverage, consumer devices, and consumer goods. This is an exciting opportunity for a mid-level communications professional who is passionate about developing integrated campaigns that resonate with Japanese consumers. You will work closely with both clients and internal teams to support strategic planning, lead media and influencer outreach, and deliver exceptional results that drive brand impact.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Serve as a day-to-day contact for clients, managing communications projects and helping to ensure quality execution
• Translate global brand strategies into locally relevant storytelling for the Japanese market
• Lead media and influencer relations efforts, including developing pitches, securing coverage, and building relationships with lifestyle and consumer journalists
• Monitor cultural, consumer, and category trends to identify proactive PR opportunities
• Support campaign planning, project timelines, and reporting, working closely with internal strategy, creative, and digital teams
• Partner with external vendors including event agencies, content creators, and production teams to bring ideas to life
• Manage account budgets and activity tracking with precision
• Contribute to proposal development and assist with new business opportunities
• Help guide and mentor junior staff members, offering feedback and supporting their growth
• Participate in internal workshops and cross-team collaboration to continue building your skills and knowledge

Who Are You?

• 5–7 years of experience in public relations or integrated communications, ideally in a PR agency setting
• Strong interest and/or background in consumer sectors such as lifestyle, hospitality, food & beverage, consumer devices and consumer goods
• Native-level Japanese communication skills, with strong verbal and written English proficiency
• Experience developing and executing media strategies, and maintaining strong relationships with lifestyle and national media in Japan
• Comfortable collaborating with global teams and translating high-level strategies into locally actionable plans
• Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with strong attention to detail and timelines
• Confident communicator and thoughtful team player who contributes proactively
• Familiar with influencer and digital campaign execution in the Japanese market
• Passionate about cultural trends and creative storytelling

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• A collaborative mindset and positive energy
• Curiosity for Japanese consumer culture and brand storytelling
• Strong work ethic and commitment to high-quality delivery
• A desire to grow as a communications professional within a supportive and global environment

About our Client Experience Community

Members of our Client Experience Community are business partners to our clients by helping them to address opportunities or issues with communications strategies. We are the instigators of great work, lead the strategic development of integrated, cross-platform solutions and serve as the client’s advocate, ensuring quality ideas and an outstanding client experience. Client experience teams set the agenda and vision for our partners, lead the development of our best work and create fruitful client relationships. We explore marketplace opportunities and client needs to grow our relationships and increase our value as a trusted partner to our clients in their best and most challenging days.

#LI-LW1