Founding Deployment Lead, Japan

About the role

Runway is seeking a Founding Deployment Lead to own its most strategic enterprise relationships in Japan, guiding deals from initial conversation through close and ensuring partner success post‑launch.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain deep C‑suite relationships with strategic partners in Japan, traveling quarterly for in‑person engagement.
• Represent Runway at events, industry forums, and partner summits within Japan’s creative and enterprise ecosystem.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Product, Creative, Sales, and Leadership to translate Japan‑specific market signals into roadmap input and go‑to‑market strategy.
• Understand partner workflows, design targeted Runway solutions, and quickly onboard new partners to the platform or API.
• Identify and prototype new verticals, use cases, and partner types in Japan before scaling.
• Analyze and report partnership performance using BI tools and data.

Required profile

• 7+ years in customer‑facing roles engaging C‑level audiences, preferably in tech, finance, or consulting.
• Full professional bilingual fluency in Japanese and English.
• Deep familiarity with Japanese enterprise culture, procurement, and relationship dynamics.
• Experience owning or contributing to P&L, commercial forecasting, and pipeline management.
• Proven track record leading complex Generative AI or ML implementations with measurable business outcomes.
• Highly resourceful, autonomous, and able to thrive in ambiguity.