VP Sales and Country Manager - Japan

At Nearfield Instruments we’re looking for a VP Sales & Country Manager Japan to join our team.

About Nearfield Instruments

Nearfield Instruments (NFI) is a fast-growing scale-up high-tech company. We design, develop, integrate, market, and service advanced metrology machines. Our systems enable the world’s leading chipmakers to increase production yields and enhance microchip performance—driving smaller, faster, and more powerful electronics.

Founded in 2016, Nearfield Instruments brings together some of the most creative minds in science and technology (approx. 300 employees worldwide) to develop a one-of-a-kind, revolutionary high-throughput Scanning Probe Microscopy platform.

About the role

We are seeking a senior, end-to-end leader to establish, grow, and lead Nearfield Instruments Japan. The VP Sales & Country Manager Japan will have full responsibility for driving business growth, managing key customer engagements, and ensuring the successful delivery of Nearfield’s products and services in one of the world’s most critical semiconductor markets.

This role combines executive sales leadership with country general management responsibilities, overseeing commercial strategy, customer programs, local operations, and collaboration with global R&D, Applications, and Manufacturing teams.

Deep expertise in semiconductor front-end processes and equipment solutions—including lithography, etch, CMP, and advanced metrology, is essential, along with the ability to translate complex customer challenges into scalable, high-value solutions.

What will you be doing?

• Lead Nearfield Instruments Japan with full P&L responsibility, accountable for revenue growth, market share, and customer success.

• Define and execute the Japan market strategy, aligned with Nearfield’s global vision and long-term growth objectives.

• Drive sales excellence by building and managing strategic relationships with tier-1 Japanese semiconductor manufacturers and partners, positioning Nearfield as Partner of Choice (POC).

• Oversee and align Sales, Marketing, Applications, Service, and local operations, ensuring seamless execution of customer programs.

• Act as the primary executive interface for key customers, managing complex, long-cycle sales and high-impact technical engagements.

• Translate customer needs and market insights into actionable feedback for HQ R&D, Product Management, and Applications teams.

• Lead business development initiatives to expand Nearfield’s footprint in Japan and support broader APAC growth.

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing local organization while fostering strong collaboration with global teams under a “One Team” culture.

• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and compliance in all customer and partner relationships.

What do we require from you?

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline; MBA strongly preferred.

• 15+ years of experience in the semiconductor equipment industry, including senior leadershipа / executive leadership roles.

• Strong domain expertise in front-end semiconductor processes (lithography, etch, CMP, metrology, integration).

• Proven track record of building and scaling business in Japan, managing key accounts, and closing complex, high-value deals.

• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and executing large customer programs end to end.

• Experience with new product introductions, from development through customer qualification and volume adoption.

• Strong customer-orientation with a history of delivering exceptional service and long-term partnerships.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Fluent Japanese and English (spoken and written) is mandatory.

Key competencies

• Strategic Business Growth – driving sustainable revenue and long-term market leadership in Japan.

• Customer Centricity – trusted executive-level engagement with leading semiconductor customers.

• Operational & Commercial Excellence – ensuring effective local execution aligned with global standards.

• Leadership & Team Building – inspiring and developing high-performing local and global teams.

• Integrity & Ethics – consistently representing Nearfield’s values in all interactions.

What do we offer?

You will work in an innovative, international, and open-minded environment where you can directly impact the future growth of Nearfield Instruments in a key global market. We offer a competitive executive compensation package aligned with industry standards and the strategic importance of the role.

Apply for the job

If this combination of technical leadership, commercial impact, and strategic responsibility excites you, we invite you to apply via the Apply Now button on our careers page.

If you have questions or would like an exploratory conversation about Nearfield Instruments, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@nearfieldinstruments.com