Manager/Senior Manager - Japan Office
Sia (formerly Sia Partners) · Tokyo, Japan · 3mo ago
Company Description
Sia is a next-generation, global management consulting group. Founded in 1999, we were born digital. Today our strategy and management capabilities are augmented by data science, enhanced by creativity and driven by responsibility. We’re optimists for change and we help clients initiate, navigate and benefit from transformation. We believe optimism is a force multiplier, helping clients to mitigate downside and maximize opportunity. With expertise across a broad range of sectors and services, our 3,000 consultants serve clients worldwide from 48 locations in 19 countries. Our expertise delivers results. Our optimism transforms outcomes.
In 2024 we announced our exciting partnership with Blackstone as our first financial investor since inception to support our company’s continued growth. We have also been ranked by Vault as a Top 20 Consulting Firm to work for in the APAC region for 2025.
Our Tokyo office (established 2015) operates as a boutique model embedding an entrepreneurial mindset as a core value: 9 professionals focused on enterprise transformation in Environmental Services, Financial Services, E-commerce, and Logistics.
What Makes Us Different
Work Alongside Decision-Makers - Our compact team structure allows you to work side by side with Partners, with direct exposure to decision-making and no intermediary layers
Early Exposure to Senior Clients - Gain early exposure to senior stakeholders and contribute directly to high-level discussions Engage directly with senior stakeholders and contribute to high-level discussions from an early stage
Entrepreneurial Development - Beyond project delivery, you are involved in the full consulting lifecycle from early on (proposals, pitches, and client development) building a well-rounded, business-oriented skillset
Global Expertise Access - Access to 3,000+ consultants across 19 countries for specialized expertise.
Organizational Backing - French HQ provides capital and operational support while maintaining a lean Tokyo structure.
Job Description
When On Project (Client Delivery):
You'll lead workstreams on transformation projects (digital, operational, strategic). In practice, this means:
Conducting stakeholder interviews, data analysis, and solution design
Leading executive presentations and facilitating executive workshops, with increased responsibility for structuring narratives
Managing the assigned project scope, from project timeline, deliverables, and day-to-day client interactions at VP/Director Level
Supervising consultants and ensuring quality deliverables
At our office size, the jump from contributor to owner will happen faster than in it would be elsewhere. You will be encouraged and pushed earlier, directly supported by Senior internal decision makers.
Between Project (Business Development & Internal):
At most firms, consultants will spend years only seeing the delivery portion. Here, you will be exposed to the full lifecycle of a consulting business (from finding the opportunity to nurturing the relationship that brings the next one), allowing you to build solid business acumen earlier than you would anywhere else. This includes:
Co-lead proposal development and client pitches alongside Partners
Researching new market opportunities and prospective clients
Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing client stakeholders
Develop thought leadership content
Playing a role in recruitment activities, including initial candidate screening, early-stage interviews and onboarding
This Role Is for You If
You are curious and proactive by nature, and you want to understand how the full business works end to end
You learn best by doing it, taking on responsibility progressively, and getting direct exposure to senior decision-makers early
You have an appetite for growth and are willing to step outside your comfort zone
You want to build your own reputation and grow into a solid businessperson without relying on firm's brand name
You are bilingual (native Japanese, business English) and thrive in global teams
This Role Is NOT For You If
You want Big4 brand name on your resume
You need structured training programs and clear career frameworks
You prefer to specialize in one industry/function only
You work best with clear direction and defined tasks
You want a predictable work-life balance regardless of client commitments
Your Japanese is not native level: JLPT N1 alone is not sufficient for the client environment you will be working in
Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications
5-15 years consulting experience (strategy, management, or IT consulting)
Native-level Japanese: full fluency in Japanese business culture and communication. JLPT N1 alone is insufficient
Business-level English: daily use with global teams and C-suite reporting
Bachelor's degree from accredited university
Ability to operate independently and drive work forward without close supervision
Willingness to take on projects outside your core expertise based on client and team needs
Strong Plus
Digital transformation project experience
Business development or proposal writing experience
Additional Information
Career Path
Promotions are performance-driven, not tenure-driven, with fast-track advancements available for high performers.
Consultant to Senior Consultant: typically, 2-3 years
Senior Consultant to Manager: typically, 3-4 years
Manager to Senior Manager: typically, 4-7 years (industry standard)
Selection Process
First interview: Culture fit assessment (60 min)
Second interview: Case interview to assess logical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills (90 min)
Final interview: Interview with Head of APAC (60 min)
Sia Partners is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, remuneration, or discipline, are based solely on performance, competence, conduct, or business needs.
Sia is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, remuneration, or discipline, are based solely on performance, competence, conduct, or business needs.